The 44th Annual Jour de Fete Arts and Crafts Festival will be held Saturday, August 14th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, August 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in historic downtown Ste. Genevieve. In addition to the more than 100 art and craft booths, a variety of events have been included to enhance the event.

The 2010 Jour de Fete 5-K and one-mile run will be held on Saturday, August 14 beginning at 7 a.m. The 5K run pre-registration is $15 before August 11th and $18 on race day and will include a t-shirt. The one-mile run/walk is free of charge. Awards for 1st – 3rd places will be given according to age and gender categories. This event is co-sponsored by: Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital. MRV Bank, MG Eatery, Deb Says Sew, Mississippi Line Company, Sirros, Coca-Cola, Chemical Lime, Barewalls.com, Farmers Insurance Group, Country Mart, County Do-It and the Jour de Fete Committee. Registration applications are available at the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center.

A new addition to this year’s event is a wine festival showcasing the region’s excellent wine offerings. The wine festival will be located at Main and Merchant. Music entertainment will also be present throughout the historic district.

The World Bird Sanctuary will be present to display a variety of raptors (birds of prey). Les Campagnies Franches de la Marine du Fort de Chartres will also have an encampment at the corner of Merchant and Second Streets.

Sunday’s events will include the 19th Annual Classic Cruisers Car Show at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Market St.

All of the historic homes will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for free tours on both days.

Ste. Genevieve is centrally located between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau off I-55 at Exit 150 on Highway 32. In 2008, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Ste. Genevieve one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations. In addition to the festival, the historic district features specialty and antique shops, art galleries, wineries, unique dining and charming bed and breakfasts.

For more information please contact the Welcome Center at 573-883-7097 or visit www.stegenevievejourdefete.com. Also visit the official Ste. Genevieve tourism website at www.visitstegen.com for more information about Ste. Genevieve.