'99 RIVERFEST WILL REFLECT PAST, FUTURE

Riverfest will reflect on its 21-year history and look to the future with the 1999 theme, "Then and Now."

The theme for the June 11 and 12 event was announced Tuesday during a kickoff and planning session of the Riverfest Association. Twenty-five members and organizers attended the planning session at Jeremiah's restaurant.

While the world readies for Y2K, local Riverfest organizers want to recall the region's rich history with the Mississippi River.

"We aren't buying into 2000 until it hits," said Phyllis Simmons, association president. "We are working on an overview as we work to the millennium."

Riverfest includes strolling bands, five stages where entertainment acts will perform, crafts, food booths and a carnival.

For the second consecutive year, Riverfest organizers opted to provide several stages of entertainment instead of one large act. More local bands will play, and the variety offers something for everyone, they said.

"People won't be able not to find something they like," said John Sharp, director of the entertainment committee. "There will be a little gospel, folk and bluegrass, as well as some harder rock and acoustic."

When the committee originated the change last year, most people liked the idea, Sharp said. "They like the locals because they were seeing people that they knew and seeing their favorites," he said.

Trying to mix the past, present and future will be the key to planning this year's Riverfest. Former Miss Riverfest queens will be invited back to introduce entertainment acts.

Displays of former T-shirt designs and photographs of past Riverfest celebrations will be set up around the downtown area. Simmons said she also is looking for all the past turtle race winners.

Events on the Mississippi River are not finalized, Simmons said. A U.S. Coast Guard boat has been requested but not confirmed.

Few events along the river's edge are planned. Craft booths, food tents and stage areas are positioned along Themis and Water streets, but never near the river.

Getting ski patrols or jet ski races takes clearance from the Coast Guard, Simmons said.

The river frequently is high during June. "It's hard because of the river stages," she said. "Last year we were in the flood stages and wanted to get ski boats but couldn't."

No water activities have been held during Riverfest for the past three years.

Orders for the Riverfest T-shirt are being accepted although the design is not complete. The shirts will be sold at downtown businesses.

To volunteer or for more information, call the Riverfest office at 335-1318 or 334-5023.