Yonkers, NY - In spite of municipal budget cutbacks, sponsorships by local businesses will make it possible for the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront Business Improvement District to present the 17th Annual Riverfest—a day of free entertainment on Saturday, September 12. The event is expected to attract about 30,000 visitors from throughout Westchester. Steve Sansone, Yonkers Downtown BID Executive Director, said that commitments from corporate sponsors that have previously supported Riverfest and the addition of new ones will make “it possible for us to stage an exciting array of entertainment and amusements as in prior years.” He added: “We are heartened by the strong show of support from sponsors especially during these difficult times when municipalities throughout the nation have been forced to make cuts in services and programs to help close their budget gaps.” He noted that in prior years, Riverfest was funded in part by the City of Yonkers as well as by sponsors. Among this year’s new sponsors are Regency Extended Care, the region’s largest nursing facility with 315 beds located at 65 Warburton Avenue and Peter Kelly’s X20, the five-star restaurant on the Yonkers Waterfront. Regency CEO Alex Sagdak said that the nursing home had been an integral part of the Yonkers community for the past 16 years. “During these tough economic times when a number of public events have been cut, we wanted to make a contribution to help assure Riverfest is again presented for the enjoyment of so many people.” Mr. Kelly, who is a native of Yonkers, stated: “Anything like the very popular Riverfest that brings people to discover the Yonkers Waterfront is a win for everyone. We are happy to be part of it.” Another continuing Riverfest supporter is Collins Enterprises, LLC, which developed Hudson Park, the luxury apartment complex along the Hudson River. Dwight Collins, Principal, stated: “Collins supports the Riverfest every year because the event basks every attendee in the natural beauty of the Hudson River while ambling along the spectacular Yonkers waterfront. The Riverfest location is the starting point for the Yonkers revitalization and shows the dramatic progress that has been made and gives us hope for the promise of at lies ahead for this great city.” Joseph Apicella, project manager for the Struever Fidelco Cappelli development entity, said: "We are committed to Yonkers downtown Waterfront remaining a vibrant place to work, live, shop and visit. Supporting Riverfest is one of the ways to keep that commitment. We encourage other businesses to join us in supporting this annual free event for the community." To learn more about Riverfest sponsorship opportunities, call Steve Sansone at (914) 969-6660. The Yonkers Downtown/Waterfront Business Improvement District (YDWBID) was created to promote and implement the economic revitalization of the District and the City of Yonkers. The BID is also designed to maintain the downtown streets, contribute to public safety, landscape the district, market special events and create promotional opportunities to highlight the area. Additionally, the BID will preserve and encourage the cultural, historic, tourist and civic interest of the District and the City of Yonkers.