The Rivertowns' largest street festival is less than one month away!

On Saturday, October 1 from 1 to 8 p.m.—rain or shine!—Dobbs Ferry is having its ninth annual "Ferry Festa." 

"This year we've had a lot of extraordinary coverage and media outreach," said Bettina Speyer, co-chair of the annual event with Paddy Steinschneider. "And we've made a bigger effort to include businesses in other Rivertowns like Hastings, Irvington and Tarrytown."

On the day of the Festa, Cedar and Main Streets will be exclusively pedestrian with free parking at the Waterfront served by a shuttle bus that will ferry people back and forth to Main Street.

While strolling downtown, Festa attendees will be able to shop for collectibles, arts and crafts, toys, clothes and much, much more, all the while listening to the sounds of live music and meeting both old and new friends. 

Another favorite, of course, is sampling dishes from the village's esteemed restaurants served right outside on the street. 

"So far, we have 50 or 60 vendors signed up," Speyer said. Though she's hoping for many more.

"This event is a huge marketing opportunity for any local business or organization."

This year’s musical line up on the main stage includes the Calypso Trio, Bad Art, and Hogiowl (native to Dobbs Ferry), crooner Jacques LeBas with DJ Antoinette Zappier.

Doubledays Restaurant is once again bringing the sounds of Bruce Springsteen to the street with the exciting Tramps Like Us. T Bone Shuffle (mostly musicians from Dobbs) will be performing on the street across from the newly opened Cedar Street Grill.

"There are four rides: a bouncy castle, obstacle course a sports combo and a double-lane giant slide," Speyer said. "There are also a number of local performers, including Dobbs Ferry's Destination Imagination."

Vendors will sell everything from artisian olive oil to custom made handbags.

"It really bothers me when people say 'there's nothing to buy in Dobbs Ferry,'" Speyer said. "There are so many wonderful shops in the Rivertowns. I think people should set aside a budget to spend here in our local shops."

Since this will be Speyer's last Festa as a co-chair, she is determined to make 2011's the best and most vibrant. 

"The Festa is all about celebrating all the wonderful people we have in this village," Speyer said. "It's all falling into place and should be a lot of fun."

Booths cost $100 for out-of-town vendors and $80 for residents and Dobbs Ferry business owners. 

For more information log on to www.ferryfesta.com and become a fan on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dobbs-Ferrys-Ferry-Festa/175591652466

Find vendor applications here.