For the most part, rain held off Saturday morning as shoppers and families crowded into downtown for the RiverFest arts and crafts market and free entertainment.

“I’m glad it’s not raining,” said Ladora Bass who brought her 6 year-old daughter Aayana Walker to the festival.

The National Weather Service had called for a 90 percent chance of thunderstorms throughout the day, but only a slight drizzle fell on downtown in mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of dry weather for the events that began at 10 a.m.

“It’s lovely so far,” Bass said as she and her daughter waited in a lengthy line for lunch. “I’m trying to get one of these turkey legs. They look great.”

At the foot of the North Stage at Washington and China streets, crowds of proud parents whipped out cellphones to record dancing, gymnastics and other exhibitions their children were preforming in. About 20 students of Kevin Vaughn kicked, chopped and broke through boards during a taekwondo performance. Performing before a crowd at a public event can be stressful for kids, but putting on a great show helps them gain confidence, Vaughn said.

“It’s a character building thing and a life building thing,” Vaughn said.

At Paul Barnes’ arts and crafts booth, a long string of visitors stopped to enquire about the stand-up ice chests he was selling.

“I was surprised at the crowd because of the weather, but it’s turned out to be a nice day,” he said.

Barnes was one of dozens of vendors selling their wares around City Hall selling handmade items.

He and other vendors will be set up again next Saturday during the Old Court House Spring Flea Market on the square around the historic building. For the past several years, the market has been the same weekend at RiverFest.

“I’ve had people asking me about it and wondering where the other market was,” Barnes said. “Breaking them up helps me out.”