SKYDIVERS TO HOLD 'BOOGIE' OCT. 9, 10

Ever wanted to experience the thrill of falling from 14,000 feet and touching down lightly under a nylon canopy cushion?

You could get your chance during the third annual skydiving festival Oct. 9 and 10 at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

For a $150 fee, anyone can experience the thrill of free-fall skydiving. A tandem jumpmaster will guide thrill seekers through the fall. Reservations can be made for the jump by calling the airport at 334-6230.

Even if you are not an adventure seeker, there are plenty of sights to see as more than 100 skydivers converge on the airport for the skydiving "boogie."

Skydivers attend the "boogie" in hopes of taking as many jumps as possible during the weekend. Last year skydiver Mike Mullins of Memphis, Tenn., made 31 trips in his King Air plane. Each trip included climbing to 14,000 feet so that as many as 14 divers could make a jump. In all, 412 jumps were made.

And just as many are expected for this year's event.

First-time jumpers are strapped to the front of the tandem jumpmaster during the free fall, which lasts about 10 seconds. The jumpmaster then pulls a parachute that carries the weight of two people before the duo lands.

At night when the divers aren't jumping, they can attend the City of Roses Music Festival downtown. Shuttle service will run between the two events during the weekend.