RIVERFEST TO BE HELD JUNE 13-14

"Come Home to Riverfest ... Family, Friends and Fun" is the theme of this year's downtown Riverfest.

"Riverfest kicks off the summer," said Laural Adkisson, festival vice president. "Riverfest is a time when people come home to Cape Girardeau to visit friends and family; that was the idea for this year's theme," she said.

Adkisson and other organizers of the annual event, to be held June 13 and 14, announced this year's lineup of entertainment, sponsors and events during a press conference Thursday at the River City Yacht Club.

The female country duo, Regina Regina, will headline this year's entertainment lineup on June 14.

Adkisson said organizers also wanted to include local entertainment. "We wanted to utilize the diverse talent in our area. We have booked local groups this year," she said.

Mud Puppy and Manitou are among local bands that will perform in the Riverfest beer gardens.

A first for Riverfest will be the appearance of Christian pop rock, R&B and an alternative band, Under the Influence, which will play June 13.

Other entertainment headliners are John Reno, Kittie Moller and Fanfare, and Big Smith.

Organizers said they will keep a family atmosphere throughout the festival. Family Fun Village will be centered at Themis and Water streets. Events in the village will include puppet shows, hands-on arts and crafts and a children's talent show.

On June 14, the festival again will have its annual turtle races.

Other Riverfest events will include the Miss Riverfest competition; Little Miss Fun in the Sun 1997 competition; a crafts display of judged, handmade items; fiddlers' contest; a sand-castle-building contest and an antique motorcycle display.

A variety of food vendors, a fireworks display and carnival by Miller's Spectacular Shows will again be part of the festivities.

Adkisson said Riverfest could not happen without its sponsors. "Riverfest is funded solely by sponsorships. No gate, admission or concert fee is charged to the public," she said.

This year's sponsors are Dana Corp. and Southwestern Bell-Bell Mobile Systems.

There will be complimentary transportation from West Park Mall and the Show Me Center available for the 30,000 to 40,000 people expected to attend Riverfest.

Colorful shirts with the Riverfest logo will be sold by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees before and during the event.