This evening at the Cinema Center downtown, the Friends of the Three Rivers Festival ignited the fire for the 50th anniversary of the Three Rivers Festival, which will take place in July 2018. After cocktails and a few favorite festival foods, organizers of the Festival spoke about the role that the Festival plays in the community and thanked past supporters.

It was announced that Ruoff Home Mortgage will be the title sponsor for the next three years and is a huge part of the initiative to make the 50th a memorable event. “Ruoff Home Mortgage has been a part of the Fort Wayne community for more than 30 years”, said Mark Music, President & CEO. “We are excited to carry on the Three Rivers Festival tradition as the Title Sponsor, particularly as they enter the 50th anniversary.”

The lighthearted memories of community notables such as Mayor Tom Henry, Chuck Surack, and Melissa Long were shared in a short video produced in conjunction with PBS-39. Ideas for future development were shared by Jack Hammer, Executive Director and members of the 501(c)3 affiliate, Friends of the Three Rivers Festival . “This living, breathing celebration brings people together”, said Jack Hammer. “We just ask you, the community, to create great memories to make it last a lifetime.”

There are many ways to help the Three Rivers Festival grow into new opportunities and celebrate your city and community through volunteering, participation and donations. Plans for the 49th festival are currently underway.