CITY READIES FOR RIVERFEST '95

The swirl of smoke from Civil War black powder muskets mixed with the spicy aroma of barbecued beef, carnival cotton candy and various other cuisine that defines the region will set the stage for the 18th annual Riverfest celebration June 9 and 10.

A variety of musical entertainment will include the rock band Rare Earth along with country music luminaries Joy Lynn White and Daron Norwood. All entertainment events are free.

Riverfest President Tom Ross said the family-oriented event, which is designed to offer something for everyone, will offer a busy schedule of activities from beginning to end.

"You can show up at any time and find something," Ross said.

The variety of entertainment, arts and craft booths, fireworks and Bud Light Air Show, should pique the interest of the crowd the entire weekend, Ross said.

"It seems like every year it gets a little bigger," Ross said. "That can make things difficult because there is so much to keep track of, but so far things are running smoothly."

Ross is hoping the Mississippi River drops below flood level soon. "We're trying to get the wooden ship Nina to come here for Riverfest, but if the floodgates are closed they won't be able to come."

"We're hoping the ship can make it here from Shreveport, La., because it would be a nice addition to what we're going to offer this year."

The ship is designed as a replica of the vessel used by Christopher Columbus. Last year the ship called the Rattlesnake was scheduled to arrive in time for Riverfest. However, high water kept the ship from arriving.

Even if the Nina doesn't arrive, Ross said there is plenty of activity to keep the downtown area an exciting place to be. "Tom Muffler, who will have some go-carts and a miniature dragster on display, will talk to the kids about just saying no to drugs," Ross said.

The Civil War encampment is back for the second year and will be at the Common Pleas Courthouse. This year's encampment is expected to attract up to 300 Confederate and Union re-enactors. "They liked it so much last year that we're expecting twice the number of re-enactors this year," Ross said.

The air stunts of the Bud Light air show along with the Ride-n-Grind bicycle stunt group will also participate in this year's Riverfest celebration.

The annual Riverfest Run will take place on Friday evening. The midnight ramble bicycle event will begin at the Show Me Center Friday night.

The Riverfest weekend will conclude with a fireworks display on Saturday night.