SHUTTLE BUSES TO GET PEOPLE TO, FROM RIVERFEST

An expanded shuttle bus system will make getting to Riverfest '93 easier than before.

According to Steve Wiedeman, Riverfest Transportation chairman, shuttle buses will run this year throughout Riverfest operating hours. To accommodate larger numbers of riders during peak times, additional shuttles have been scheduled.

"Parking in the downtown area is very limited during Riverfest, and we urge individuals to take advantage of our shuttle bus system," Wiedeman said. "It's convenient, it's quick and it takes participants right to the heart of Riverfest fun."

Wiedeman said shuttles will run from both the Show Me Center and West Park Mall. Shuttle service begins Friday at 4 p.m. continuing until 11:30 p.m.

On Saturday, the shuttle service will begin earlier than in previous years at 9 a.m. and will continue until 11:30 p.m.

West Park shuttles will pick up passengers in the mall's main parking lot and will drop them off at the corner of Themis and Lorimier, near the Common Pleas Courthouse and Riverfest's working crafts area or at the corner of Independence and Main. West Park shuttles will operate at approximately 30-minute intervals.

Show Me Center shuttles will operate at approximately 15-minute intervals and will pick up passengers in front of the Show Me Center. Downtown drop-off points are at Themis and Lorimier and at Broadway and Main.

For the comfort of visitors waiting for shuttles, Wiedeman said tents will be set up at both the Show Me Center and West Park Mall. Representatives of the Cape Girardeau Paddlewheelers will be on hand at both locations to answer questions about Cape Girardeau and Riverfest.

Departing Riverfest participants can catch a return shuttle to the Show Me Center at the corner of Broadway and Main; the return West Park shuttle will board at the corner of Independence and Main.

"We've extended the shuttle operation hours this year to encourage everyone to use this service. During hours of heavy demand, we'll be operating as many as five buses to both locations."

Transportation sponsors for Riverfest '93 are the Downtown Merchants Association, West Park Mall and Rental Land.

Gary Schuessler, parking and security chairman, said handicapped parking will be available on Independence between Main and Spanish streets.

No vehicles will be allowed to park on downtown streets after 8 a.m. Friday.