INCLUDE RIVER IN RIVERFEST

This year's Riverfest celebration in Cape Girardeau was, by nearly all accounts, a lively and well-attended two-day event. Organizers are to be congratulated for the activities and entertainment that drew thousands of people to the downtown area for a good time.

Once again, the mighty Mississippi River was near overflowing, thanks to seasonal spring rains. Over the years, Riverfest organizers have pretty much given up on making big plans for the festival that involve the river.

That is unfortunate, because the river is a significant part of the city's heritage and continues to play an important role.

One suggestion for future Riverfests would be to find a way to pay tribute to the Mississippi River during its namesake celebration. This might mean rescheduling, in due course, the event to a drier time of the year. It is something to think about.