SLAMFEST STRESSES THE 'FEST': CROWDS SOAK UP ATMOSPHERE AT NINTH ANNUAL TOURNAMENT

With the lilting lyrics of soul music blaring and the tangy aroma of barbecue permeating the air, the ninth annual Slamfest got underway at Indian Park.

Slamfest 2000 even received cooperation from the weather as sunshine replaced the threat of showers. The 16-team, 5-on-5 basketball tournament, sponsored by the House of Prayer, is a two-day event which attracts players and fans from a wide area. The double-elimination tournament will continue today with the championship game scheduled for approximately 5 p.m.

On Saturday, fans not only bathed in the sunshine, but in the atmosphere of Slamfest.

As fans watched the action on the basketball courts or merely mingled among friends and teammates, there seemed to be an aura of friendship and camaraderie throughout the park.

"I like the idea that the Slamfest brings together a mix of people who may not interact on a daily basis and it's also a good way to make contacts," said Tim Lane, local youth counselor. "Also it gives everybody a chance to just take a break and get away from the rigors of day-to-day life."

Lakaren Porter, wife of event organizer Scott Porter, said, "I think this is a positive event for both adults and children and it gives the community a chance to come together as one. I know there are a lot of people who look forward to attending Slamfest each year."

"I've been coming to Slamfest since it began and it gets bigger and better each year," said Waymon Campbell. "Seems like people are coming from farther away each year to be here."

Not everyone who attends Slamfest is there just to watch basketball and enjoy the surroundings. Some are providing services that allow the event to run smoothly.

Corporal Rick Schmidt of the Cape Girardeau Police Department said, "This is my second year being at the event and we did not have any incidents last year and I don't expect to have any this year. I don't think it gets much better than this. This shows that we can bring 2,000 to 2,500 people together and everybody gets along just fine."

Young people make up a large part of the tournament audience.

Eleven-year old Jermaine Lampkin, a Cape Girardeau native now living in California, said he is a regular at Slamfest.

"This is my fourth or fifth time here," said Lampkin. "I like the basketball and seeing my friends."

Sylvia Austin, a Cape Central student, said, "I think its a great opportunity for young black people to come together and show that we can get along in a positive way."

Trenton Moore, 13, said he goes to Slamfest every year.

"It gives people a chance to have some fun and watch basketball," said Moore. "That's what it's all about."

Fred Jones, a former collegiate player at North Carolina A&T and professional in a European league, has played in every Slamfest since it began in '92.

"I call it a big family reunion since I used to live in Cape," said Jones. "It gives me a chance to see family members and old friends. As for the basketball, the competition is at a very high level here."

Jones is just one of many former college players in the field, which often contains ex-Southeast Missouri State University players and area high school stars.

A new wrinkle introduced to the Slamfest agenda this year has been a car show, featuring several show vehicles from the area.

"This gives people something extra to do while they're watching the basketball games," said Derrick Frierson, car show organizer. "We are not here to pitch sales, but to demonstrate and showcase the vehicles."

The common thread in all the comments of fans, players, vendors and kids is that everyone thoroughly enjoys the Slamfest event and looks forward to attending each year.

But, as one fan reminded, "Let's not forget the reason for the fun and games -- raising funds for the House of Prayer Youth Domestic Center."