PORTAGEVILLE — With the theme “Mermaids and Pirates — Mystics of the Mississippi,” Portageville is hosting the 77th Annual Soybean Festival through Saturday, Oct. 12.

Clint Klipfel, Chamber of Commerce director, explained the theme was chosen as a way to tie together the fun of the annual event with the Mississippi River which is an important part of Southeast Missouri and area agriculture.

“We always try to find something that is unique for a theme but makes it easy to participate,” said Klipfel. “People I have talked to are really excited about it.”

Lauren Bidewell agreed.

Her church, the First Assembly of God in Portageville, always enters a float in the Soybean Festival’s parades.“Our kids really like the mermaids and pirates theme. They hope to get into character with that,” she said.

Bidewell said putting together a float with the church’s youth is a way for them to experience being a part of the community tradition and to keep it going.

“It just brings good morale to the community,” she said. “I hope we have a lot of participation this year in all the events.”

The festival days are full of activities.

Beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, the public can demonstrate their talents during the annual Talent Show. Contestants compete either in the vocal/musical arts category or performing arts category.

“I’m always amazed at the talent in our hometown and surrounding area and their willingness to get up in front of people and perform,” said Klipfel. “It is really fun to watch.”

Competitors will be divided between those 12 and under and those 13 and older. First, second and third prizes are awarded in each of the age groups in each category.

For more information on the Talent Show contact April at (573) 379-0052.

The first of two parades featured during the festival is Tuesday.

The Kiddie Parade includes three divisions for participants up to age 3, those 4-7 years old and children ages 8-12. They will compete in categories of pets, walking, wheels and floats, which must be 10-feet or less. Prizes will be awarded in the three age categories for pets, walking and wheels. Also first, second and third place will be awarded for the floats.

Lineup is at 6:45 p.m. in the Main Street Community Center parking lot. The parade begins at 7 p.m.

On Wednesday the Ministerial Alliance will host a worship service at 7 p.m. on the Grand Stage on Main Street.

There will be plenty of marching bands, royalty, floats and more during the annual Soybean Festival Grand Parade at 7 p.m. Thursday. This year’s grand marshal is Rodney Walls, a long-time community member who is being recognized for his contributions to Portageville.

According to Klipfel last year’s parade was one of the biggest in recent history.

“We are hoping to continue that trend and this year’s is even bigger,” he said. “The parade always draws our biggest crowd who line the streets and are so excited to hear the bands and see the creativity of the floats.”

This year’s categories for participants include youth groups, marching band, commercial business, political, farm, car/truck, pageant royalty, dance/cheer groups, military, motorcycle, grand floats of greater than 10 feet, floats of 10 feet or less and non-judged displays or floats.

Lineup for the Grand Parade is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Numbers for lineup will be distributed the morning of the parade by email or by a phone call.

Friday is set aside for the public to attend the Portageville High School football homecoming activities. The Bulldogs are scheduled to play Father Tolten High School from Columbia.

Activities begin early Saturday as Main Street Madness gets under way. Main Street will be closed to allow for the booths featuring food, arts, crafts, information, home décor, fundraisers, raffles and more from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fees for a 12-by-12 foot booth space are $10 if received by noon Oct. 10.

For more information contact Clint at (573) 391-0109 or Haylie at (573) 391-0014.

Closing out the week’s event is the Bean Bash starting at 5 p.m. Saturday in the Community Center parking lot. From 5 to 8 p.m. a shrimp boil prepared by JoJo’s Crawfish is planned.

The Portageville Jaycees will host a corn hole tournament as part of the event. Also there will be a beer garden.

Dustin Rector Music will play from 6 to 8:30 p.m. followed by Backroad Drive performing from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Forms for all the events are available at local businesses, on the Chamber’s Facebook page or by emailing info@portagevillechamber.com.