RIVERFEST '97: CELEBRATION OF CAPE'S RIVER HERITAGE SET FOR NEXT WEEK

The schedule of events is set, plans are being finalized, and organizers of next weekend's two-day Riverfest '97 activities promise non-stop family entertainment.

"Where else can you get a quality event for so little expense?" said Riverfest co-chairman Laurel Adkisson.

"There are no ticket fees and no concert fees; we are trying to provide to the community a variety of entertainment in one weekend," said Adkisson.

Riverfest, which became an annual event in 1979, will kick off Friday with the opening of the Family Fun Village and craft displays at 3 p.m.

The Family Fun Village, sporting a western theme, will be on the corner of Water and Themis streets. The Village is geared toward children.

On-going hands-on arts and crafts, clowns, magicians, puppet shows, games, magic shows, balloon sculpting, pony rides, and a petting zoo are some of the Village activities planned.

Forty craft displays will be found in a new area on the lawn among the trees just north of Common Pleas Courthouse. Organizers said the new spot will offer a more comfortable shopping experience.

Another comfort measure is the addition of two festival rest areas. Adkisson said those in the rest area on Main Street will not miss out on the action while they take a break.

"Those using the Main Street rest area will be able to watch what is going on," she said. "Strolling entertainment will pass right by those using that area."

The strolling entertainers will include the Music of the Andes by Runa Pasha, the folk and bluegrass of Big Smith, and fiddle tunes from the Civil War with Stevie and Derrick.

Other musical entertainment will feature free concerts. Adkisson said music will feature a variety of types from Christian contemporary to island music.

She said the concerts are all free. "Where else can you get good, free family entertainment with a concert under the stars?"

Headliners for the free concerts will be the Caribbean-Jimmy Buffett style sounds of John Reno at 9 p.m. Friday, on the main stage. On Saturday the up-and-coming female country singing duo of Regina Regina will perform.

Other musical entertainment will include Under the Influence, a contemporary Christian group, and Fanfare, featuring Kittie Moller. Moller was nominated by the Academy of Independent Recording Artists as the new female vocalist of the year in the country division.

In the Riverfest beer garden Manitou, Lojo Ruso and Mud Puppy will perform.

Other activities running throughout the festival will be traditional carnival rides at Main Street and Independence, T-Shirt sales, and food concessions.

Food is highlighted during Riverfest '97. Eighteen vendors will offer funnel cakes, shish-ka-bobs, pizza, taffy, ice cream, hot dogs, gyros, crab ragoons and much more. All Riverfest vendors were required to be licensed with the health department and will be inspected before opening on Friday.

Among other Riverfest attractions will be sand castle building competition on Main Street; a fiddler contest; Little Miss Fun in the Sun and Miss Riverfest pageants; Ride-n-Grind Super Heroes Bicycle Stunt Show; the Stars of the Future, a talent showcase for young people; and Saturday night fireworks.

Free shuttle services will be available into the downtown area from West Park Mall and the Show Me Center.

Adkisson said volunteers are needed for all areas of Riverfest. To volunteer or to register for Riverfest events call the Cape Girardeau Riverfest Association at 335-1388.

HIGHLIGHTS

Friday, June 13

*Riverfest opens, 3 p.m.

*Miss Riverfest Queen Contest, 5:30 p.m. Open to high school sophomores, juniors and seniors.

*15th Annual Riverfest Run, 7:30 p.m., Over 500 runners, joggers and walkers will compete in the 5 1/4-mile run and the 1-mile run and fitness walk.

*Stars of the Future, 7 p.m. Talent showcase for young performers.

*John Reno performs Carbbean-style music at 9 p.m.

Saturday, June 14

*Little Miss Riverfest Fun in the Sun Contest, 10 a.m. For girls ages 4 to 6.

*Sand Castle Building Contest on Main Street, with prizes awarded at 4 p.m.

*Ride-n-Grind biicycle stunt show, 12, 2, 4 and 6 p.m., Main Street.

*Fanfare, 7:30 p.m., performs on the main stage.

*Fireworks display, 9 p.m.

*Regina Regina country duo of Regina Leigh and Regina Nicks perform at 9:15 p.m.