Jerra May, general manager of Riverview Banquet Center in downtown Cape Girardeau, is taking on some additional downtown duties.

She was named marketing director for the Downtown Merchants Association Tuesday night.

"I'm real excited about the new position," said May, who will continue her duties with the banquet center. "I'll be working with the downtown merchants and promoting various events. I'll be involved with anything that involves the downtown area."

May, who will assume her new position Saturday, will replace Evelyn Boardman who recently announced her resignation, effective June 1.

The new marketing office will be housed in the Banquet Center, 132 N. Main.

May, a native of Morley, attended Southeast Missouri State University and Murray State University. She worked in event and party planning for the Democratic Party while living in the Washington D.C. area.

"I feel my strong forte is event planning," said May. "I have a lot of ideas, and I really love being in downtown Cape Girardeau. I've been back in this area more than a year and a half, and I've been in the downtown area all that time."

May said she had worked with Boardman frequently during that time.

"There's a lot of excitement here," she said. "I'm really looking forward to working with all the people down here."

May also lives in the downtown area.

The downtown area is busy these days, gearing up for the annual Riverfest celebration that attracts thousands of people to Cape Girardeau's riverfront.

"We're looking forward to Riverfest," said May. "There are a number of things going on in the downtown area now. The mural will be finished by Riverfest, and within another 60 days we'll probably be seeing the new covered pavilion."

Another big event this weekend will be the opening of Chrisman's Art Gallery. The gallery will open Saturday at 34 N. Main, returning to the downtown area after 10 years at West Park Mall.

David Vinson of Chrisman's said the new downtown store comprises about 11,000 square feet, almost three times the size of its operation at the mall.