One of country music's hottest new groups will headline the entertainment at this year's Riverfest celebration in downtown Cape Girardeau, officials announced Tuesday.

The group, Lonestar, will perform Saturday, June 15, at 9:15 p.m. on the main stage near Themis and Spanish streets.

The band spent three weeks at the top of the country charts recently with the single "No News." And the Academy of Country Music last month voted Lonestar the hottest new group of 1996.

In addition to Lonestar, Laurel Adkisson, the festival chairman, said Riverfest '96 will capitalize on the diverse musical talents around the area to provide entertainment for the two-day event which begins Friday, June 14.

Local groups include Papa Aborigine, the headliner for Friday night's events. Other groups include Turner Up, Manitou, Kernal Mustard, Allstar Blues Band, Poor Boy's Blues Band, Stevie & Derick and Teresa Morrill.

The groups represent styles from rock-n-roll to country to blues to reggae, Adkisson said.

Besides the bands, Riverfest officials also are excited about a another attraction, the Family Fun Village.

Situated at Water and Themis streets, the Family Fun Village will be fenced and welcoming children and parents to puppet shows, face painting, balloon sculpting, magic show and other activities.

The largest Mississippi River passenger boat, the American Queen, plans to dock in Cape Girardeau during Riverfest activities and other activities also are planned including the felony, a fireworks display beginning that last day of the celebration at 10:30 p.m.

The corporate sponsors, Dana Corporation and Southwestern Bell, also were announced Tuesday.