THOUGHTS TURNING TO JUNE 14-15 RIVERFEST

Hot sun, a steel barge and turtles don't often mix, but Peggy Barringer has seen the combination and remembers the fastest turtle race in the 18-year history of Riverfest.

One year the turtle races were held aboard a floating river barge that doubled as an entertainment stage.

"Those turtles moved fast," she said. "It was probably the fastest race we've ever had."

While it was probably the fastest and the hottest, it wasn't the most unusual sight for the race onlookers. Another popular event is the Best Dressed Turtle Contest.

Over the years, Barringer has seen turtles dressed in everything from formal gowns and tuxedos to cartoon character costumes. Some even came dressed as a riverboat. "There are some rules," she said, adding that none of the turtles are painted or hurt.

Turtle races and contests are just some of the signature events planned for June 14 and 15 in downtown Cape Girardeau when Riverfest '96 kicks off. There is no admission charge for the festival.

Other highlights include local band performances at the beer garden along Water and Broadway streets and at the main stage at the foot of Common Pleas Courthouse, a bicycle stunt show, a Civil War encampment and working crafts, pageants, and a visit by the American Queen riverboat on Saturday morning.

The celebration of the city's river heritage started as a small fish fry with crafts and some local artists displaying their wares along the riverfront. All the money raised during its first year went to a tourism project.

"It was a small affair," Barringer said. "We did it to raise money so we could print a pamphlet with information about Cape Girardeau."

The first few Riverfest celebrations were organized by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce. Now a group of local volunteers organizes everything from the food vendors to the live entertainment. More volunteers are needed to help set up tents, hang banners and run booths during the festival. For more information about volunteer work, call 335-1388.

During its history, Riverfest has always been a family event, Barringer said. "We've always tried to have an emphasis on family and good entertainment."

This year the group will unveil a new Family Fun Village for children. It includes puppet shows, storytelling, turtle races, face painting, a magic show, balloon sculpting and hands-on crafts. It will be at Themis and Water streets.

"We've put a lot of effort into it to have something for the families to do," said Laurel Adkisson, Riverfest '96 committee chairman. "It's something for the kids to do and not just follow Mom around through the arts and crafts."

Child performers even have a chance to showcase their talents at the Family Fun Village. All types of young performers -- singers, dancers, child comedians -- may participate.

Children may perform at scheduled times Friday and Saturday. The performances aren't a contest, rather a showcase of talents.

Young entertainers are asked to sign up by Monday. Call Jerra Hutson at 335-3747 and leave a message. She will schedule performance times.

"Everything in it is free for the kids," Hutson said of the village.

Another new activity is the Ultra Experience, a vintage NASCAR vehicle coupled with an interactive computer simulator.

The car engine was replaced with a computer to show riders what it feels like to sit behind the wheel of an authentic race car, Adkisson said. Since NASCAR racing is popular in the Midwest, the event should be a hit.

Although it's still almost a week away, the Cape Girardeau Police Department and Union Electric are trying to get some preliminary work done for Riverfest '96.

On Sunday, Main Street from Broadway to Independence will be closed from 2 a.m. until noon so that equipment can be installed.

Parking along Main Street will be prohibited and any vehicles left on the street will be towed at the owner's expense. Parking again will be allowed after noon Sunday.

Riverfest '96 sponsors are Dana Corp. and Southwestern Bell Telephone.