FOURTH ANNUAL FLOOD FEST STARTS TODAY

COMMERCE, Mo. -- Residents in Commerce, Mo., are celebrating life along the Mississippi River banks with the community's fourth annual Flood Fest.

About 200 people are expected for the activities that include a cakewalk, outhouse race, children's and adult pageants and horseshoe competitions. The events run today and Sunday.

People who have lived in Commerce before or had relatives there come back to the community. Others are just curious about how the town has changed since the floods of 1993 and 1995, residents say.

"A lot has changed since the buyout," said resident Teresa Wright. "A lot of people come back to see those changes."

Commerce enjoyed the height of commercial activity along the river for a good portion of its history but rising riverbanks drove residents away and businesses shut down. The federal government bought out much of the riverfront area in 1995.

Organizers of Flood Fest -- the Commerce Community Tourism Association and Commerce Better Community Club -- hope the event serves as a reminder of what the town was and what it could become.

With a historic district, winery, bed and breakfast and shops, the community could offer a great attraction along the Mississippi River, supporters say. Much of the Flood Fest activities will be held on the town square, which serves as a park area complete with new benches and lights.

One of the weekend's attractions is a presentation on Calamity Jane. Leah Schwartz will present a program at the site of the old City Hall in Commerce.

FLOOD FEST SCHEDULE

Today

11 a.m. -- Senior pageant for women over age 60. Theme is 1920s.

Noon -- Classy Chassy Country band performs. Horseshoe competition.

1 p.m. -- Cake walk.

2 p.m. -- Outhouse race.

4 p.m. -- Calamity Jane presentation at old City Hall.

4:30 p.m. -- Boys and girls pageants for ages 1-3.

5 p.m. -- Boys and girls pageants for ages 4-6.

5:30 p.m. -- Pageant for girls ages 12-13.

6 p.m. -- Mule jumping contest; Crossfire will perform.

Sunday

Noon -- Horseshoe competition begins.

1 p.m. -- Classy Chassy Country performs. Special awards and songs from local residents.

2 p.m. -- Cake walk.

3 p.m. -- Karaoke contest for all ages.

A dunking booth, Orbitron ride and jumping tent also will be set up. Each requires an admission fee.