FLOODFEST CELEBRATED THIS WEEKEND

COMMERCE -- The second annual Floodfest will be celebrated in Commerce this weekend. The event pays homage to the Mississippi River, which wiped out much of the town during the floods of 1993 and 1995.

Many Commerce residents took advantage of federal buyout programs after the floods and left the region. Those who stayed decided to honor rather than bemoan the river's majesty.

A 5-kilometer fitness way-fun race will kick off festivities at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Children can participate in a half-mile run at 9 a.m.

A Little Junior Miss Floodfest pageant will be held at 11 a.m., followed by a Little Miss Floodfest pageant at 11:30 a.m.

Applicants for the Little Junior Miss Floodfest pageant must be between 1 and 3 years old. Little Miss Floodfest contestants must be between 4 and 6 years old. A $5 entry fee is required for each child. Contestants will compete in casual wear.

A petting zoo, 5,000-gallon fish tank holding live fish, live bands and a craft show also are scheduled throughout Saturday.

Saturday's activities will feature an outhouse race at 2 p.m. Three-man teams will build vehicles similar to go-carts that have all the accoutrements of outhouses. Each team will have a driver and two other people who push the vehicles. Team members must dress according to their vehicle's theme and include toilet paper "in case of an emergency."

Events that include live music and square dance performance are planned for Sunday but have not yet been scheduled.

For more information call Dixie High at (573) 264-3960 or Jay Gilbert at (573) 335-3617.