The Southeast Missourian asked people what they like about the annual Riverfest celebration, which runs this Friday and Saturday in downtown Cape Girardeau.

Norma Mabrey: "I like to go and see people I haven't seen for a long time. I also like the crafts and the food, like elephant ears. Last year I rode the riverboat. Riverfest brings a lot of people to the downtown area, which is an important part of Cape Girardeau."

Larry Loos: "I like to go down to see all the people. We usually buy some crafts there. It's always fun to go and sit by the river and watch the shows. It also brings people downtown, some of whom might not otherwise go there to see the shops."

Carolyn Campbell: "I like going through all the crafts and seeing what people have made. I've purchased some gifts for my grandchildren. You find lots of novelty gifts that you can't find in a regular store. I'm going to try to take my grandchildren to the turtle races."

Teresa Birk: "I enjoy seeing familiar faces at Riverfest who I don't see often. I like the craft displays and usually find something to buy. One year I bought a craft item that was a poodle made of yarn that I still have. I also like the funnel cakes."

Dave Carman: "I like to meet and visit with people there who I know from working with them in my business. I took my family on the riverboat last year, and we're going to take another ride this year. We take the shuttle bus from the Plaza down to Riverfest."

Judy Schott: "One of the things I enjoy is the music. I love to go down and sit to listen to the entertainment. I like to walk around and look and listen to the people. When you're standing there ordering a burger, it's interesting to hear what others are talking about."