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The timing was perfect, according to Sound Rivers’ Volunteer Coordinator Emily Fritz and Neuse Riverkeeper Samantha Krop, because Saturday night’s “FRIENDraiser” at New Village Brewery in Oriental landed right in the middle of the Oriental Boat Show.

“We were lucky enough to have the event at the same time that Oriental was hosting the boat show, so we had a lot of river enthusiasts in town,” Sam said. “There were a lot of longtime Sound Rivers members and people that were total new.”

“There were a ton of people in town who are passionate about being on the water,” Emily said. “It gave us the opportunity to explain what Sound Rivers does, and it seemed like a lot of people were interested in getting more involved.”

Emily said the event was held at the ideal place in Oriental, as owners Frank and Lili Bacon’s brewery has become the de facto community gathering place. Emily, who makes her home in Oriental, has worked weekends/special events for the couple for the past three years.

“Frank and Lili really care about the environment. Both of them are from Oriental and grew up in the area. That’s where they’re raising their family, and the rivers are very important to them, so they’ve always supported Sound Rivers,” Emily said.

Sam said it was a great event that included connecting people in the community who didn’t know one another, some generous donations at a great time — Sound Rivers’ annual April Match campaign — and really great music.

“The band — not that Sound Rivers had anything to do with the band — but the band was amazing,” Sam laughed.