Festivalgoers at RiverFest will be swaying to the music of Craig Wayne Boyd, winner of Season 7 of “The Voice.” The festival is scheduled for April 17 and 18.

The Texas-born and raised country singer will headline RiverFest 2015 when he takes to the north stage April 18.

“This year we have the Tip Tops and Silk on Friday night,” event board member Christy Pecanty said during a City of Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting this week. “Saturday night we have Gillis Silo, and Mustang Sally in addition to Boyd.”

Pecanty came to the meeting to request permission to host the event, which shuts down Washington Street from South to China streets and parts of Walnut, South and Crawford streets.

“In addition to that, I am also requesting assistance from the city,” Pecanty said. The RiverFest board was requesting a sponsorship in the amount of $15,000 from the city. Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau has already approved $5,000 in cash and $10,000 in in-kind advertising the event.

“In the past we’ve only done $10,000,” City Clerk Walter Osborne advised.

“We’re trying to put in a bigger stage right down from China Street, which is an additional cost for us,” Pecanty said when North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield Sr. asked for justification.

This year’s event will feature the usual assortment of arts and crafts vendors as well as food vendors, but will also include a 5k Rhythm Run, Walk and 1 mile fun run.

The race will begin at 8 a.m. April 18 at the corner of Crawford and Adams streets. The entry fee before April 11 is $20. Registration after April 11 is $25. Children can enter for $15 before the deadline and $20 after.

Entry packets can be picked up at DiamondJacks Hotel from 4 to 7 p.m. April 17. Race registration will be from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. the day of the event at First Baptist Medical Clinic on Adams Street.