LABOR FINDERS EMPLOYEE Johnnie Miles, left, and DMF Stage Lighting employee Chuck Standard hook together the lights for the south stage at Washington and Crawford streets Thursday in preparation for tonight’s Riverfest opening.(The Vicksburg Post/MELANIE DUNCAN)

[04/19/02]Blues and rock acts will take the stage for tonight’s first night of Riverfest. The live music will spark in a weekend of entertainment and other activities in and around downtown Vicksburg.

Events have become one of the state’s largest festivals, but rain in recent years has cut into the crowds.

“We’re praying for sunshine,” said Kathryn Resio, Riverfest publicity director.

Forecasters say that’s what’s in store. Warm weather will accompany the festivities, with highs in the 80s and evening temperatures in the 60s. The National Weather Service is predicting little chance of rain, except isolated thunderstorms on Sunday.

Riverfest will occupy several city blocks along Washington and Walnut streets with 14 bands scheduled to perform on two stages.

This year’s Riverfest will feature the first ever Jazzfest on Saturday afternoon and a variety of children’s activities.

“We expect a really big crowd,” Resio said. “I’m just excited that it has grown.”

Drive Division, a former battle of the bands victor, will kickoff the music tonight at 7 on the south stage. Rock cover band U.S. and The Bluz Boys will follow. Nathaniel Kimbel and blues singer Vickie Baker will perform on the north stage.

The 34th annual Arts and Crafts show will be on Saturday around the Old Court House Museum. Other activities on Saturday include a car show, rides in a monster truck, a climbing wall for children and a space jump.

Saturday, the evening music will begin at 6:30, with local band Projekt on the north stage and the Earth Angels on the south stage. Jackie Neal and Wilson Meadows will perform on the north stage, and Super Funk Fantasy and Vince Vance and the Valiants on the south.

The bands will end around midnight.

Sunday, the gates open at 3:30 p.m., and the Ben Shaw Band will take the south stage at 4. The Chill will follow at 6, and Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster will play from 8 until 10.

Washington Street and adjoining cross streets will be closed during the scheduled activities tonight, Saturday and Sunday.