PLENTY OF FOOD AMONG RIVERFEST ATTRACTIONS

Denise Potter has never been to a Cape Girardeau Riverfest but she is making sure there is plenty of food available for the crowds.

Potter moved to Cape Girardeau in October and quickly became a part of the Riverfest '95 committee. She serves as concessions chairman for the event, set for Friday and Saturday.

The number of vendors is about the same as last year but some of the foods have changed, she said.

"We have a filet mignon sandwich, which you don't see much at street fairs," Potter said.

Another new item is a yumbo, which is like a pizza or reuben sandwich but is sealed in bread and grilled.

The vendors "check in at the crack of dawn Friday," she said. Each stand is inspected by the department of health before it opens.

Choosing a variety of food wasn't difficult but all the food has to be safe to eat, she said. "When you are doing an outdoor show, you tend to pay more attention to that," Potter said.

The Riverfest '95 committee is paying close attention to the weather and river forecasts. Because of high water, the downtown floodgates will remain closed during Riverfest.

No one remembers the gates being closed before, said Tom Ross of the Riverfest Association.

"It's disappointing that we can't open the floodgates because it's a nice atmosphere," said Marc Cook, Riverfest '95 chairman.

Although the gates are closed, the fireworks display will go on as planned at 11 p.m. Saturday.

An alternate plan has been established so the fireworks will be shot from the Illinois side, Ross said.

Other activities include the Riverfest Run Friday at 7:30 p.m.; a Riverfest Ramble bike ride at 12:30 a.m. Friday; the Bud Light Air Show at 6 p.m. Friday and at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday. The Miss Riverfest pageant will be held Saturday.

Some of the events will occur throughout the weekend. A race car crew and bike stunt team will provide demonstrations at various times during Riverfest.

A Civil War encampment will be set up on the Common Pleas Courthouse lawn both days.

As of Monday afternoon, only a few people had signed up for the Riverfest Ramble, said Gene Pulley of the Cape Velo Bicycle Club. The midnight ride is scheduled to leave the Show Me Center at 12:30 a.m. Friday.

"We get most of the people at the corner of Broadway and Main," Pulley said. "We've been lucky with the forecast, but that's something people are reluctant to send in a pre-registration for."

About 200 people are expected to ride this year. This is the third year for the Riverfest Ramble, "Family Fun Without the Sun" ride.

Registrations are still being accepted for both the run and bike ride Friday. To register for the Riverfest Run, call Joy Gilbert at 335-3617. Call Gene Pulley at 334-5819 to register for the Riverfest Ramble.

A free shuttle service will be offered to alleviate parking problems downtown. The shuttles will leave from the West Park Mall and Show Me Center every hour beginning at 4 p.m. Friday.