THIRD ANNUAL COMMERCE FLOODFEST OPENS FRIDAY

COMMERCE -- Live fish from the Mississippi River will again fill a 5,000 gallon fish tank at the third annual Commerce Floodfest Sept. 17-19.

Floodfest will also feature a zoo with water buffalo, a camel, ring-tail lemur, African crested porcupine and many other animals. Pony rides, dunking booths, an outhouse race, craft booths, garage sales, race cars and food booths will also be featured.

Different contests will include Karaoke, 1920s hat contest for women 62 and over, children's pageants for ages 3 months to 9 years old (in which the boys are to wear Huck Finn wear and the girls will wear show boat dress). Entries from an art contest will be on display students from Kelly, St. Denis and Scott City schools.

Softball games will be played Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m., with the winners meeting Sunday at 5 p.m.

This is the third year for the Floodfest. The 209-year-old town has no flood wall or levee and boasts the best view of the Mississippi River in the region. The local band, Crossfire, will be playing in front of the river Friday and Saturday night.

There is no admission charge to hear the band and to dance till midnight. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Food and drinks will be available by the bandstand.

For more information, call 264-3960 and leave a message. the activities are paid for by ads taken in the festival programs. Information on purchasing a program ad is also available at the above number.