Cairo to host Blues & Gospel Fest

Cairo Heritage Foundation will be hosting its fifth annual Blues & Gospel Festival on Sept. 7, 8 and 9 in downtown Cairo, Illinois, with food, bands, choirs and giveaways.

Vendor coordinator for the event Marsha Cook said each year between 300 and 400 people attend the free, three-day event.

This year's fest will feature 25 to 30 food-and-specialty-items vendors, according to Cook.

The entertainment lineup kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday with Low Dog, Rip Lee Pryor, Joey Odum, Lew Jetton and Oscar Snow, according to the release.

And a full entertainment lineup is scheduled for Saturday following an 11 a.m. parade, with performances by Ivas John, Cat Daddy'O, Jason Knight, Reggie May and Kingfish.

Following the musical performances by the blues groups will be fireworks Saturday, and a gospel festival 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, highlighting local church choirs and ministers.

Vendors will be set up 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday during the three days, offering fish, barbecue, home-cooked meals, funnel cakes, Creole cooking and baked goods, hot tamales, mesh wreaths, soaps, oils and apparel, the news release stated.

According to Cook, the annual event has grown during its five years, even when vendors come and go.

"Usually, when we lose a vendor or a vendor can't make it, there's always a replacement. We have some that have been with us since the start," she said.

Cook said in addition to the Heritage Foundation, there are sponsors who are responsible for making sure the event happens each year. One of this year's sponsors, Illinois American Water, has been a "steadfast" sponsor through the years, Cook said.

Illinois American Water will provide free water and other giveaways during the weekend, the release stated.

Cook said the event relies on fundraising and sponsorships from individuals and organizations.

"And it's been pretty successful so far," she said.

All event information can be found at www.heritagebluesfest.com.

jhartwig@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3632