Sikeston to host spring festival Saturday

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Downtown Sikeston plans to celebrate the beginning of spring with its "Sikeston In Bloom" festival this weekend, the Sikeston Standard Democrat reported.

"This is our big kickoff to spring," said Brandon Kuehn, executive director of the Historic Midtown Development Group, which sponsors the event. "Everyone just loves having an excuse to get out, and we hope we'll have some good weather for it this weekend."

The annual event is planned for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in Legion Square. It was originally planned for April 24, but postponed due to storms that weekend, Kuehn said.

Sue Tangeman, a member of the HMDG promotions committee, pointed out that Sikeston In Bloom has grown into one of the organization's largest events.

"Each year it gets a little bit bigger," she said.

Tangeman said she thinks that is in large part because the group makes efforts to offer a lot for the attendees. "We try to have a variety of things going on for the children and adults," she said.

One of the biggest draws is the live music, she and Kuehn agreed, as many come out and listen to the tunes throughout the event. This year, "Bluegrass Revival" will perform.

For the children, there is a story time and planting activity. There are also craft and food vendors at the event.

"Some of the vendors have spring plants, and a big bulk of the people who come to the festival pick up their flowers and other annual plants," said Kuehn.

Tangeman added, "They'll see something and decide 'I need that.'"

Jewelry and other crafts, such as baskets, are also for sale.

Although she is involved in planning and carrying out the event, Tangeman admitted she finds the time to roam through the festival herself. "And I usually come away with several purchases," she said.

Although the Sikeston Depot hosted its annual Backdoor Bazaar and rummage sale on April 24 as planned, it will hold a smaller sale this weekend of some of the best items leftover from the Bazaar, according to director Mike Marsh.

The sale will be in the Depot's east room from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Marsh noted.

Another highlight for attendees are the free carriage rides, which wind through the downtown area.

"People just love to be able to ride on a horse-drawn carriage down the cobblestone streets," said Kuehn.

For those who would like to enjoy the environment, the YMCA will sponsor its "Sesquicentennial" 5K run and youth fun run, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Depot. Registration for the event can be done in advance at the YMCA, and cost is $20 per person.

Kuehn said there should be something for everyone at Saturday's event, and urged people to stop in.

"All the stores will have sales and specials," he added. "Come in, walk around the park, and see what's new and what's going on."