RIVERFEST WILL FOCUS ON FAMILY

With a focus on family entertainment and a slew of new features, Riverfest '96 promises to hold something for everyone, said Laurel Adkisson, Riverfest committee chairmperson.

"Mississippi Magic" is the theme for Riverfest '96, to be held June 14 and 15 in downtown Cape Girardeau.

In addition to the standard crafts, food concessions and carnival rides, organizers hope this year's event has more of a family spin.

The Family Fun Village is one new addition that Adkisson feels will add a more family-like environment to Riverfest.

The village, which will be on the corner of Themis and Water streets, will feature puppet shows, hands-on arts and crafts, face painting, a balloon sculpting and magic show and a coloring contest.

"We wanted to make sure there was something the family can do together that won't cost them an arm and a leg," said Adkisson.

The River City Players will also act out fairy tales for the young ones and children of all ages can attend the always-popular turtle races.

But the Riverfest's activities aren't exclusively for those of younger ages.

Musical entertainment is always a big draw for Riverfest and this year's lineup will feature the popular country band Lonestar on Saturday night following the fireworks, which begin at 9 p.m.

After spending three weeks at number one with their second single, "No News," Lonestar has become big in the realm of country music.

The band's first release, "Tequila Talking," was a top five hit and their newest single, "Running Away With My Heart" looks to be a hit as well.

Organizers are trying to make this year's Riverfest a bigger success with less money.

Peggy Barringer, the festival's treasurer, says Riverfest had gotten progressively more expensive since the first one 18 years ago. In 1993, the price tag for Riverfest was about $61,000. Two years later, in 1995, it climbed to $81,000.

But this year is different.

"We have fewer sponsors this year," Barringer said. "We have a little less money so we had to cut a few corners."

She says the changes made to cut costs won't be noticeable to those attending the event.

"We're just not advertising as much, things like that that won't affect the actual Riverfest," she said.

Another difference involves the musical guests. Except for Lonestar, there will be no nationally recognized talent.

Unlike in years past, this year's Riverfest will spotlight local bands, such as Papa Aborigine, Turner Up, Minuato, Teresa Morill of Scott City, Kernal Mustard and the Allstar Blues Band.

Local bands are cheaper, Barringer said, but she doesn't think that local bands will make the Riverfest less entertaining. She thinks the money shortage is a blessing in disguise.

Adkisson agrees.

"Now we can utilize the diverse talent in our area," Akisson said. "People will leave the performance and say 'Wow, I know those guys.'"

Riverfest will not just feature a main stage like it has in the past, Adkisson said. The beer garden which sits on the corner of Broadway and Water streets will be expanded.

If the band on the main stage is rock 'n' roll, then the second stage will feature country and vice versa.

Friday's entertainment includes a NASCAR simulator, the Living History Civil War Encampment, Miss and Mrs. Riverfest pageants and the Kohlfeld Riverfest Run. Turner Up and Papa Aborigine round out the night's attractions.

On Saturday, the American Queen riverboat will dock, and the turtle races, Ride-n-Grind Super Heros Bicycle Stunt Show and the Allstar Blues Band and other activities will take place.

Adkisson says she doesn't expect the river's high water to be a problem. While she hopes the flood gates are open, the show will go on if they are not.

"They were closed last year," she said. "The river is the focus of the Riverfest, but even if the gates are closed people can still have fun and a good time."

Adkisson is hoping this year's Riverfest is one of the best ever and she encourages everyone to stop by and check out some of the new features as well as old favorites.

"Hopefully, people will walk away from it and feel as though they had such a great time," she said, "and enjoyed all the events so much that they won't be able to wait for the next year."

Riverfest is funded solely by sponsorships. No gate, admission, or concert fee is charged to the public. Corporate sponsors for 1996 are Dana Corp. and Southwestern Bell Telephone.