STE. GENEVIEVE'S JOUR DE FETE CELEBRATES TOWN'S RICH HISTORY

STE. GENEVIEVE History will mingle with the modern-day Midwest in historic Ste. Genevieve during the 27th annual Jour de Fete Aug. 8 and 9.

The history is alive in the town's 18th century homes the Maison Guibourd-Valle House, the Bolduc House, the Green Tree Inn and the Amoureaux House. All will be open for tours both days.

Tours of the 19th century Felix Valle State Historic Site and the Bolduc-LeMeilleur House as well as artifacts and relics in the Ste. Genevieve Museum will also tell a story of the past.

The Jour de Fete includes one of the Midwest's largest craft fairs with more than 500 booth displaying a variety of handmade items. Booths will stretch for a mile between the Green Tree Tavern on St. Mary's Road to the Mill on Main Street, as well as one the Moses Austin grounds.

Activities get under at 10 a.m. on Aug. 8 with opening ceremonies at the Great River Roads Interpretive Center. Two pioneer Ste. Genevieve families will be recognized during the ceremony the German Jokerst/Joggerst family and the French Lalumondier family.

Downtown streets will be blocked off for the weekend celebration. Visitors can park at the Pointe Basse Plaza on Highway 61 and take a shuttle to and from the festivities. Shuttles will also run from the Yanks Field on North Main Street.

Admission to Jour de Fete is free.