JOUR DE FETE THIS WEEKEND

STE. GENEVIEVE -- More than 600 vendors will offer their arts and crafts for sale Saturday and Sunday during Ste. Genevieve's annual Jour de Fete.

Missouri's largest arts and crafts fair has been held annually in the historic town since 1966, except when the Flood of 1993 forced its cancellation.

A 5K race and 1.5-mile "fun run" will start at the municipal pool at 8 a.m. Saturday, to be followed at 10 a.m. by the opening ceremony at the Interpretive Center, Main and Merchant streets.

Songs in French and German will be sung at the ceremony by Les Petites Chanteurs, a local children's group. They also will perform on the street during Jour de Fete.

The city's German band also will play on the city streets throughout the celebration.

The town's historic homes will be open to visitors from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. both days. Most charge a small fee. The Felix Valley State Historic Site can be toured for free.

Colonial crafts demonstrations will be offered both days at Second and Merchant streets, on the grounds of the Felix Valle and Mammy Shaw houses. Costumed crafters will demonstrate spinning, weaving, pottery, scrimshaw, wheat weaving and basketry.

Other exhibits include a live steam engine on the bank of La Riviere Gabouri on South Main Street and birds of prey at the rear of the Bolduc-LeMeilleur House, Main and Market streets.

A detachment of French marines will be encamped behind the Shaw House. They will be joined by a company of Spanish soldiers costumed as they would have been when the flag of Carlos III of Spain flew over the town.

The Classy Cruisers will host a car show at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 600 Market St., all day Sunday. Admission is $1.

All the town's restaurants will be open both days, and food vendors will be located in the arts and crafts areas as well.

Visitors can leave their cars on the grassy area east of the Pointe Basse parking lot and ride shuttles to Main Street for 50 cents per round trip. Directional signs to the parking lots will be posted at all entrances to town.