WEATHER, LOW RIVER GIVE JOUR DE FETE LIFT

STE. GENEVIEVE -- Saturday's beautiful weather meant the Jour De Fete celebration in Ste. Genevieve was a great success.

Jour De Fete, an art show and musical jamboree that dominates the historic section of the town, has been closely tied to the weather for the past few years. This year's Fete could be the true rebirth of the celebration since it was canceled in 1993 because of the Mississippi River flood.

Francis Ballinger, an officer on the Jour De Fete board for the past 30 years, said the floodwater crested in Ste. Genevieve at almost 50 feet. If the last levee protecting the city had failed the water would have swept through the historic district and caused untold damage. As it is, the north and south districts of Ste. Gen. were flooded during the traditional time of the Fete and the celebration was canceled.

1994 saw a fierce rainstorm wash away any hopes of a successful comeback for the event, Ballinger said. And 1995 was just plain hot.

But this weekend's mix of moderate temperatures, low humidity and a nice breeze had many of Ste. Genevieve's businesses sighing with relief.

"Business has been steady all day long," Hope Hoffmeister, co-owner of the Sainte Genevieve Winery, said. "Last year was pretty bad but this year has been much nicer."

Judy Marion, who has managed the Old Brick House Restaurant since 1980, said this year's Fete has been one of the best.

"Compared to the last few years, this is pretty good," Marion said.

Norma Fallerg, owner of the Sho-Me Shop, said the weather is in their favor. "Last year it was entirely too hot," she said. "I just came in from outside and everyone is talking about how many people are on the street. This is probably going to be another record crowd."

Does this mean the Fete is back?

"Gosh, its just got to be," Fallerg said. "This is definitely a comeback. And that is just what the Jour De Fete needed."

The city has taken steps to insure the Fete will continue without fear of flooding in the future. Ste. Genevieve has budgeted enough money to erect a floodwall but the date of construction has not been set yet.

Ballinger said proceeds from the Fete sponsor Ste. Genevieve's tourist information center. She said on a normal weekend, Ste. Gen's historic section can expect to see as many as 300 visitors. The Fete weekend can bring in 35,000 people.