WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

It's not easy to finance a community event, said Phyllis Lipscomb.

She should know. Lipscomb is president of the Cape Girardeau Riverfest Association, which sponsors the family festival in downtown Cape Girardeau each year.

The organization is considering canceling the 21st annual Riverfest planned for June 11-12 due to lack of funds.

"I don't know if this is a bad year for everyone financially or what, but it's never been a concern before," Lipscomb said.

Costs for many Riverfest events often are underwritten by corporate sponsorship. While some corporate sponsors have stepped forward again this year, response has been extremely low to appeals for financial or other support for the event.

Other levels of sponsorship also are available. Businesses, organizations or individuals may sign up to become event sponsors, associate sponsors, patron sponsors and contribution sponsors. The levels range in cost from $50 to $5,000.

"We tripled the amount of letters that went out to the community," Lipscomb said. "We've had little response."

Sponsors can underwrite an event for as little as $250. That's the cost for each strolling entertainer who performs during Riverfest. A donation of $500 will cover the cost of one bus shuttle; $3,000 will pay for all transportation costs.

For $1,000, sponsors can subsidize costs for historical re-enactments, grounds clean-up, communications or children's activities. It costs $1,250 to offer the bicycle stunt show during Riverfest.

A $1,500 sponsorship will cover one-fourth of the costs for entertainment for one night. That same amount will underwrite the children's entertainment stage.

Pricier Riverfest events include costs for lights and sound, $4,000; security, $5,000; and the fireworks display, $6,000 or two sponsors at $3,000 each.

"We're hoping we're going to have a great outpouring of response," Lipscomb said. We want the community to realize they stand to lose a great community event in this."

For more information about becoming a Riverfest sponsor, call the Riverfest Association office at (573) 335-1388.