`WATER FEST '91' SET THIS WEEKEND AT WAPPAPELLO

The Wappapello Lake Army Corps of Engineers will hold its annual "Water Fest '91" Saturday and Sunday.

The event is being held to educate the public about water safety.

"We try to promote water safety by using games and activities people can relate to," said Andrew Jefferson, park ranger in charge of public relations and interpretation.

Among the events planned for the weekend are the "Water Wheel of Fortune," a personal flotation device fashion show, a frisbee contest, puppet shows, a talent show, blind water volleyball, water raft races, water basketball, pie throwing, a watermelon eating contest, sand castle-sculpture building and a Tug-of-War.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary will be on hand to conduct courtesy boat inspections Saturday, and Woodsy the Owl will make appearances both days. Water-safety-related video tapes will be shown throughout the weekend and swimming instructor Bud Fritz will demonstrate life-saving techniques.

Jefferson said 53 drownings have occurred at the lake since 1957.

"That's not a large number considering that we've had over two million people come into the area," he said, "but even one drowning is one too many."

Activities will be held at the Redman Creek Recreation Area from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. A complete listing of activities and their times is available by calling the Corps at 222-8139.