Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA) will hold Riverfest from Friday to Sunday, June 26 to 28. Riverfest commemorates the actions of local residents who burned the covered bridge spanning the Susquehanna River in June 1863 to stop Confederate troops from crossing into Lancaster County and advancing toward Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Days later, the Battle of Gettysburg began.

This year's expanded schedule includes boat tours, walking tours, African American history experiences, Underground Railroad programs, live music, family activities, and river recreation, as well as programming throughout Columbia, Wrightsville, Marietta, and surrounding river communities in celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary.

The finale will take place in the evening on June 28, when all 26 historic bridge piers across the Susquehanna will be lit. Through support from the Louise Steinman von Hess Foundation, this will be the first time all 26 bridge piers have been lit simultaneously since the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in 2013.

SNHA will host a Burning Bridge Bash in the River Room at the John Wright Restaurant, 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville, on the evening of June 28. Limited to 100 guests, the event will include premium patio views overlooking the river and the burning bridge piers, fire-themed appetizers, and one complimentary drink ticket. A cash bar will also be available.

For the full Riverfest schedule and to purchase tickets to the VIP event, visit http://www.riverfestpa.com.