T-SHIRT MANIA

Riverfest T-shirt sales got off to a brisk start with about 100 businesses taking part in a pre-sale effort.

"We sent out order forms with samples of the shirt to different companies around Cape, and they had a deadline of May 31 to have orders in," said Jeff Vandeven, who along with his partner Bruce Robert at RB Productions designed the 1994 shirt.

Companies that ordered more than 24 shirts could have a logo of their business printed on the sleeve. Early sales offered a $1 discount.

Vandeven said purpose of the pre-sale, besides trying to increase revenue for Riverfest, is to get employees of various businesses in town to wear the shirts during the week to promote Riverfest.

Businesses can pick up their orders Tuesday at Horizon Screen Printing.

The seven-color design on the shirt has a spirited river pirate dancing a jig in front of the downtown clock, with fireworks going off above his head. The design includes the Riverfest logo and 1994 slogan: "Jammin' on the River."

Vandeven explained that the pirate was included in the design because initial plans were to have a replica pirate ship on display for the weekend. High water on the Mississippi River south of Cape Girardeau made it impossible to get the boat here. but the design remains.

T-shirts can be purchased during Riverfest at a booth. Most sizes will sell for $8.