RIVERFEST KICKS OFF 15TH YEAR; OFFICIALS HOPE FOR COOPERATIVE WEATHER

After a stormy week, Riverfest organizers are hopeful skies will clear for this weekend's celebration of Cape Girardeau's river heritage.

It is the downtown event's 15th year.

Peggy Barringer said Thursday that crews were at work setting up booths and stands for Riverfest '93, which officially begins today at 3 p.m.

"Things are going great," Barringer said. "We are real hopeful that the weather is going to hold out so everyone can come down and really enjoy all the aspects of Riverfest. The way things look, I think we have a good chance of a really nice weekend."

In preparation for the crowds, volunteers were working Thursday to assemble soda stands and beer gardens, to set up electrical, lighting and sound systems. The carnival was moving into its spot at Independence and Main streets.

"Everything is right on schedule and going extremely well," Barringer said.

At 7:45 tonight, the winning name of Gerard's friend will be announced at the information booth on Themis and Spanish, near the main stage.

Gerard, a cartoon mascot for Riverfest unveiled last year, has a new friend this year. A contest was held to select her name, and a Jackson family Michael and Terri Kahle and their two children won with the name "Miss Reva Fest."

Highlight of tonight's entertainment is a concert by Cape Girardeau's Municipal Band.

"The municipal band used to be an integral part of Riverfest, but we had kind of gotten away," Barringer said. "We thought it was quite appropriate to bring that entertainment back with this being the bicentennial year."

Cape Girardeau is celebrating its bicentennial this year, so Riverfest organizers have followed an historic theme.

Among activities planned for the two-day event is a reenactment by the American Mountain Men of an 1840s fur trading post.

"I'm kind of excited about this," Barringer said. "I think it will be a real educational thing."

She continued: "Of course, we have our fabulous fireworks on Saturday, and our Saturday night headliner is an up and coming contemporary country and western band, Zaca Creek."

In addition to all the planned activities, Barringer said Riverfest has retained a hometown atmosphere.

"It's an opportunity for people to get together and see friends that they haven't seen since last year at Riverfest; to walk around and enjoy all the crafts and the concessions and enjoy the camaraderie of the people."