In July 3-9 issue
By Derek Aaron
Times Journal Reporter

JAMESTOWN - With the annual Lakefest activities set to get underway, Jamestown Mayor Brooks Bates is urging everyone to attend this year's celebration. He notes that next year's celebration around Monument Square may be jeopardized at its current location due to the forthcoming building of the new Judicial Center.

"It will probably be really hampered next year," Bates said. "I don't know how much of downtown will be used yet."

He said the Lakefest committee would have to look into the issue next summer and possibly go different routes depending upon the new center's construction schedule.

This year's festival, however, is a "go" and will be capped off on July 5 at 8:30 p.m. by award winning country music group, "Confederate Railroad," and a flurry of jaw-dropping fireworks.

The city of Jamestown has been preparing for the the annual four-day celebration around the square in Jamestown for weeks now and Bates said he hopes the city's hard work will pay off with high attendance numbers.

"We're expecting record numbers this year because of the cost of fuel," he said. "We're thinking more people will be staying in town this weekend, which will be great for us."

Bates said many of the city's employees must be commended for their dedication and hard work on the annual event.

Jamestown Police Chief Mike Keaton said that all of downtown would be closed Friday and there will be no traffic allowed around the square on Saturday either.

He also said no bicycles, roller blades, skates or skateboards would be allowed throughout the celebration.

Lakefest began on Wednesday with a community worship service on the square and then continued on into Thursday's day of activities.

Thursday's lineup begins at 6 p.m. with the annual lip sync contest followed by the always entertaining talent contest.

The lip sync contest is divided into two age divisions, 12 and under and 13 and up. Likewise, the talent contest has been divided into age groups as well with ages 6 and under, 7 to 13 and 14 and up.

The prize money for the talent contest will also be awarded to each age division with $75 for first and $50 for second place.  The winners will also have the opportunity to open on Saturday night for "Confederate Railroad."

On Friday, the Lakefest Golf Scramble will begin at 1 p.m. with registration beginning at 11:30 a.m.   at the course. The scramble will be held at The Links at Lily Creek on Ky. 92 east of Jamestown. There is a $200 per team registration fee and prizes on every hole. First place in the scramble will net $1,000, second will get $400 and third will win $200.

At 5 p.m. on Friday, the Lakefest beauty pageants will take place. The categories for the pageant are Baby Fest for boys and girls, ages 0-24 months; Tiny Miss and Mister Fourth of July, ages 3-6; Tiny Miss and Mister Lakefest, ages 2-4; Little Miss Lakefest, ages 5-7; Miss Preteen, ages 8-10; Junior Miss, ages 11-14; and Miss Lakefest, ages 15-21. All registration fees for the pageants are due by Fri. July 4 at 2 p.m. The Tiny Miss and Mister registration fee is $20 while the rest of the registration fees are $10 each.

Saturday will have a full schedule of events for the entire family, beginning at 6 a.m. with the Jamestown Lions' Breakfast in the Park.

The annual Jamestown 10K run, dedicated to the event's late organizer, Mike Hill, and the antique car and tractor displays are slated to begin at 8 a.m. The mini-marathon, coordinated by Jeff Reeder, will cover 3.1 miles, down and back, and runners will be placed in the appropriate age divisions when registered.

Late registration begins at 6:45 a.m. and awards will be given to the first male and female finishers and the first, second and third place finishers in each age group. At 8:15, the children's one-mile fun run will begin, followed by the opening ceremony at 9 a.m. and the children's patriotic parade at 9:30 a.m.

Also beginning at 8 a.m. is the Lakefest Cruise-In Against Cancer at the Jamestown City Park. The cruise-in is for all custom cars, trucks and motorcycle and all models are welcome, according to event coordinators.

The cruise-in, which will be judged by the public, will have five trophy awards: best antique custom, best new custom, best truck, best 4x4 and best motorcycle. The event is being presented by Another Level and donations will be accepted. All proceeds from the event will go toward the Russell County Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society. For more information on the Cruise-In Against Cancer contact Kevin Johnson at 343-4129.

The annual pet show begins at 11 a.m.

At 10 a.m., a variety of games will take place around the square for all children, 11 and under. At 1 p.m., the antique car and tractor parade becomes the feature attraction of the festivities.

At 1 p.m., a low rider show will be held at the city park, according to event officials.
At 4 p.m., Mrs. Lakefest will be crowned and after a short break in the afternoon, the talent contest winners will take center stage once again at 7 p.m., followed by Academy of Country Music award-winning "Confederate Railroad," at 8:30 p.m.

After the free concert, a large fireworks display at 10 p.m. will cap off the four-day event. Vendors, shops and games will also be available to the public throughout the celebration.