RIVERFEST OFF TO GRAND START; CROWDS FILL DOWNTOWN STREETS FIRST NIGHT OF EVENT

Friday's hot weather didn't stop people from swarming downtown for the opening of Riverfest '96.

Large crowds showed up early Friday afternoon despite the near-90-degree temperatures,

The shuffled through the many arts and crafts exhibits, and most couldn't resist the food concessions, stopping for a Riverfest corn dog, funnel cake or ice-cold beverage to fight the heat.

Even parents had a special place to take their children this year: This is a first for the Family Fun Village, the Riverfest committee's attempt to make the festival more family oriented.

Tammy McCuan stopped by the village with her children. She thought it was a pleasant addition.

"It's nice to have something for the kids to do for free," said McCuan. "These guys are having a lot of fun."

There were puppet shows throughout the afternoon, face-painting by the clown, "Bubbles," and learning booths for the children.

"Everything's fun here," said Erich Arvidson, 6, who was anxious to get back to dancing to the Christian rap music provided by the First Assembly of God.

And there was plenty for everyone to do downtown Friday.

People took their choice of activities. Some were entertained by the carnival rides while others opted for the Living History Civil War Encampment.

There were booths with people painting, doing hair, selling items and numerous other activities for people to enjoy.

Others strolled leisurely down Water Street, stopping to take a look at the river.

The gate at Broadway and Water was opened Thursday in anticipation of Riverfest, but was blocked off with saw horses and police signs warning that water was still too high to get close.

Brittany McDonald, 15, of Sikeston was named Miss Riverfest following the pageant, which was held on the main stage at 5 p.m. (A picture of the winner and other contestants is on page 5.)

Later in the day the Kohlfeld Riverfest Run was held and musical entertainment was provided by Turner Up and Papa Aborigine.

Throughout the day people could see Oscar Cardoso, who might be called the Birdman of Riverfest. He was colorfully dressed, with a personality as large as the multicolored, animated top hat, which he calls his trademark.

With a booming voice, he calls for Riverfest-goers to come and partake of his wares.

It's his wares that may earn him the new nickname.

Cardoso, a policeman from Austin, Texas, takes a leave of absence every summer to travel the country with his girlfriend, Paula Bramel, and 16 birds, all macaws, cockatoos and Amizons.

This is his first Riverfest.

For $5, Cardoso will let people have their picture taken with the birds. If the patrons are lucky, the birds might even say hello.

"Oh, yeah, these birds talk," Cardoso said proudly.

They say about 50 words including "hello," "rock 'n' roll" and the standard "Polly wanna' cracker," Cardoso said.

Cardoso isn't ashamed to say why he does it. "It's the money," he said. "If you wear a badge or teach at a school, you don't make enough money."

Today's activities include turtle races, a bicycle stunt show, dancers and plenty of music.

Riverfest will culminate in a fireworks display at 9 tonight followed by the country group Lonestar at 9:45 on the main stage.