RIVERFEST ENTERTAINMENT TO CHANGE

Riverfest will be different this year, organizers announced Tuesday night.

Riverfest 1998, scheduled for June 12 and 13, won't feature a main-stage act. Instead, smaller entertainment groups will be set up throughout the festival area, said Tim Hahn, event co-chairman.

"We're having several different entertainment tents with several different musical types and styles," Hahn said.

Bands from throughout the region will be featured, he said. Strolling musicians and other entertainment also will be featured. In addition, downtown restaurants will be invited to set up outdoor patio areas where festival-goers can dine, he said.

The traditional refreshment booths also will be set up.

Jerra Hutson, president of the Riverfest board, said organizers wanted to try a new approach. "We're actually going to try to operate the event on a slightly smaller budget," she said.

By featuring a number of small acts rather than one main headliner, Riverfest will appeal to a broader audience, she said.

"We have spent so many thousands of dollars gambling on the quality of entertainment right up to the night of the show," Hahn said of years past. "This year we thought we'd try to do more with less."

A variety of smaller venues and outdoor dining will help attract visitors to the entire Riverfest area, Hutson said.

Organizers are trying to get back to the small-town, carnival atmosphere of Riverfests in years past, she said.

Riverfest will mark its 20th anniversary this year with the theme "Come Celebrate With Us."

Organizers also hope to be able to offer a water event this year "if the river cooperates," Hutson said.

The U.S. Coast Guard will be invited to attend again, and Riverfest might host the Missouri State Champions of the National Jet Ski Race.

In addition, organizers are working with AmerenUE to set up lighting and power along Water Street so activities can be set up there.

The traditional crafts booths, beer garden, carnival and children's activities -- including the turtle races, clowns and magicians -- also will be offered during the event.

Organizers hope to be able to schedule a living history exhibit, possibly at Common Pleas Courthouse.

The 16th Annual Riverfest Run featuring a 1-mile and a 5-mile race will be held on Friday night.

Corporate sponsor for this year's Riverfest is Southwestern Bell-Bell Mobile Systems. Kiwanis also is helping sponsor the event, and sponsorship categories have been expanded to allow more individuals and organizations to help support Riverfest.

Cape Girardeau Jaycees will be selling Riverfest T-shirts with this year's logo by Don Greenwood before and during the festival.