This year’s Riverfest President Ginny Tzotzolas wants her year at the helm of the annual downtown Vicksburg event to go down as the most memorable and all-inclusive in its 21-year history. To achieve her goal, she did a lot of research over the past year

“Of course, I talked to as many people in the community as possible to get an idea of what people wanted included and what they could do without,” explained Tzotzolas, who is also the director of marketing at Horizon Casino. “But I also checked local blogs, MySpace pages and every other Web site I could to learn what people really think about Riverfest.”

The result of Tzotzolas’ research is a Riverfest celebration not entirely unlike those of the past, but one which she believes has more first-rate entertainment than ever.

“We’ve aimed to provide a nice balance of entertainment and events that everyone in our community can be proud of and participate in and will draw people to our city,” she said. “I really think we’ve accomplished that this year.”

One thing Tzotzolas has learned is that people want a more kid-friendly Riverfest, and so the 2008 festivities include the return of Kiddy Land during daytime activities on Saturday. Kiddy Land had not been a part of the festival in several years, and will be located on Washington Street, between Clay and Crawford streets.

“It will feature a rock-climbing wall, face painting, inflatables for the kids to jump on and other activities,” she said. “We’re really proud about bringing back an alcohol and tobacco-free area where children can enjoy Riverfest.”

Aside from Kiddy Land and some operational changes, Riverfest remains largely unchanged. The festivities kick off Friday night at 6:15 on the South Stage and 6:30 on the North Stage, with gates opening at 6. As in previous years, Riverfest musical guests represent a variety of musical genres — from rock and blues to country and soul.

1980s pop-rocker and heartthrob Rick Springfield, best known for his 1981 No. 1 hit “Jessie’s Girl,” has been tapped as the headlining performer Saturday night — once again, at the peoples’ request, said Tzotzolas.

“We ran a promotion with radio station River 101 asking people to tell us what kind of music they wanted at Riverfest,” she said. “We got a ton of e-mails and calls from people saying, ‘We want Rick Springfield.’ He’s got a very loyal fan base, and people are coming from all over to see him.”

Someone from as far away as Australia, Springfield’s native home, has even booked tickets for the event, said Tzotzolas.

On Friday night, the South Stage, located on South and Washington streets, will feature performances by High Frequency, Dr. Dee and Lakeside. The North Stage, located on China and Washington streets, will have The Chill, Crossin’ Dixon and Jason Aldean on the opening evening.

Saturday’s daytime activities are free of charge for everyone, and run from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Street performers, gospel choirs from area churches, food vendors and an adjacent arts and crafts fair are all long-standing Saturday Riverfest traditions to be featured alongside the return of Kiddy Land.

Gates for Saturday evening events open again at 6, with South Stage performers to include the Swartz Brothers, Robert “The Duke” Tillman and Vickie Baker. Performances by Riverwind, Michael Anthony & The Groove and Rick Springfield will take place on the North Stage. Concerts begin at 6:15 on the South Stage and 6:30 on the North Stage.

Tickets for evening concerts and festivities are $20 per night at the gate or in advance. Weekend passes are available in advance at Trustmark National Bank’s downtown branch, Paper Plus and Toot’s Grocery for $35, and can be picked up at the will-call gate at the Crawford Street entrance during the festival. Riverfest events end at midnight Friday and Saturday.

If you goThe 21st annual Riverfest in downtown Vicksburg will kick off at 6 p.m. Friday, when gates open for evening entertainment. Tickets for evening concerts and festivities are $20 per night at the gate or in advance. Weekend passes are available in advance at Trustmark National Bank’s downtown branch, Paper Plus and Toot’s Grocery for $35 and can be picked up at the will-call gate at the Crawford Street entrance during the festival. Children 6 and younger will be admitted to evening events free. Saturday daytime events begin at 10 a.m. along Washington Street, between South and China streets, and there is no admission fee. Gates for evening entertainment on Saturday will open at 6, with shows beginning at 6:15 on the South Stage and 6:30 on the North Stage. Activities on both nights wrap up at midnight. For more information, visit www.riverfestms.com.

Click Here to Download the Vicksburg Post Guide to Riverfest 2008