GAMING FIRMS GIVE $14,500 TO RIVERFEST

Although the annual event is six months away, a couple of significant donations already have been made toward Cape Girardeau's Riverfest `94 celebration.

Last week Lady Luck Gaming Corp. announced a $7,500 donation toward the fireworks display, the traditional finale to the annual festival in downtown Cape Girardeau.

And on Wednesday the Cape Girardeau Riverfest Association got another boost with a $7,000 donation from the Boyd Gaming Corp.

The Boyd Group donation is earmarked for "special river entertainment" to be announced later, said Peggy Barringer, president of the Cape Girardeau Riverfest Association.

"We're delighted that the Boyd Group and Lady Luck have offered their support of Riverfest '94," she said. "Sponsorship by companies like these helps to make Riverfest an outstanding attraction known throughout the region."

Both gaming companies are competing for the Cape Girardeau City Council's recommendation for a riverboat casino development in downtown Cape Girardeau. The council will make the recommendation to the Missouri Gaming Commission on March 7.

Leah Christopher of Lady Luck Gaming said the company decided last week to make the donation regardless of the council's decision in March.

"We just felt like win, lose or draw, we want to help out Riverfest," Christopher said. "We want to be a part of this community, and we felt like the donation to Riverfest was a small way of showing our commitment to the city."

The Boyd Group last year donated for the fireworks display at Riverfest.

She didn't cite specifics, but Barringer said Riverfest officials anticipate many new events for the 1994 version of the event, which is slated for the second weekend in June.

"In addition to our traditional activities, this year we're planning some really special entertainment events," she said. "Life on the Mississippi June 10 and 11 will be filled with plenty of fun for the entire family."

Barringer said anyone interested in helping with Riverfest '94 can call the Riverfest office at 335-1388.

"We're fortunate to have many individuals who volunteer each year to help with Riverfest," she said. "New volunteers are also welcome. It's a great way to share in our community pride."