RIVERFEST: ANNUAL EVENT CANCELED THIS YEAR TO REORGANIZE

Riverfest has been canceled for this year.

It's time to step back, take stock and plan for next year, said the Riverfest Board of Directors.

"Everyone needs a vacation, including the Riverfest Board of Directors," board secretary Melinda Dodd said in a press release announcing the event's cancellation.

Plans include filling six of the 11 seats on the board with new faces and soliciting ideas from the community about how to put on a new and improved Riverfest in 2001.

"Some of the people have been on the board for quite a while," Dodd said. Others have terms that are expiring and don't wish to stay on the board.

The downtown festival, which offers strolling bands and other entertainment, food, crafts, a carnival and fireworks, has been an annual tradition in Cape Girardeau for 21 years.

Two downtown merchants supported the decision.

"I do feel Riverfest adds a lot to the community" said Judith Ann Lang. "It brings thousands of people past the store," she said. But Lang said the merchants understand the need to reorganize. "We realize that giving something a breather may give it new life," Lang said.

Dave Hutson agreed. "I don't have a problem with them skipping one," said Hutson. "Everybody has periods where they need to regroup. If that's the case, I think it's great that they're going to take the steps to make it a better festival."

The festival has some seed money, but Dodd declined to give a figure. "Moneywise, we will not be starting from scratch," she said.

Typically, Riverfest has cost between $75,000 and $80,000 for the weekend. It has relied on sponsors and volunteers.

The event was almost canceled in 1999, but last-minute donations allowed for a scaled-back event.

It's hard to say what changes the new board will make, Dodd said.

Some of the ideas that the present board has discussed are "directly related to the rich heritage of the Mississippi River and Cape Girardeau, including honoring our French, German, Native American and Civil War background." she said.

Other organizations such as Old Town Cape and the Downtown Merchants may be invited to add input in what shape the 2001 Riverfest might take.

"We're very positive and upbeat," Dodd said. "It's not dead."

Once dates for the next festival have been decided, a public brainstorming will be announced so plans can get under way for next year's festival, the board said.