Flower Festival 2006 May 4, 2006

The Diocese of Missouri and Christ Church Cathedral invite the public to celebrate the beauty and abundance of spring at the May 5-7 Flower Festival 2006. During this annual event that began in 1890, the medieval splendor of the Cathedral, centrally located downtown at 13th and Olive Streets, is arrayed in hundreds of vibrant flowers from Missouri Botanical Garden.

This year's guest speaker is Dr. Horace Clarence Boyer, editor of the African-American Episcopal hymnal Lift Every Voice and Sing II. Dr. Boyer will lead a gospel-singing workshop at the Cathedral's Art & Soul Café, which kicks off Flower Festival on Friday, May 5, at 7 p.m. Dr. Boyer will then speak at the Saturday, May 6, worship service at 11 a.m. as well as the 9 and 11:15 a.m. worship services on Sunday, May 7.

At the Flower Festival street fair, which takes place Saturday, May 6, from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a performance by Everydaycircus; music ranging from classical to Motown; food; arts and crafts by locals; hands-on activities with an environmental focus; demonstrations by experts such as floral designer Randy Felkey; and other family-friendly fun. The Street Fair takes place rain or shine; it will be moved indoors in case of inclement weather. The day's festivities draw to a close at 7:30 p.m. with a Flower Festival Concert featuring Collegium Vocale. Flower Festival itself comes to an end with the Sunday, May 7, Flower Festival Evensong at 5:00 p.m.

A partial schedule of activities follows. More information is available by visiting www.christchurchcathedral.us or calling 314.231.3454.

Friday, May 5
Art & Soul Café, 7 p.m. Suggested donation: $15 adults, $12 students and seniors. Children under 12 are free, and childcare is provided. In addition to enjoying the Cathedral space overflowing with flowers and an art exhibit by Linda Wiggen Kraft, participants will be clapping and swaying during a joyous gospel workshop led by Dr. Horace Clarence Boyer. For reservations, call 314.255.1636 or email lruffin@christchurchcathedral.us.

Saturday, May 6
Holy Eucharist, 11 a.m., featuring Dr. Horace Clarence Boyer
Street Fair, 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., featuring food, music, and fun.
Flower Festival Concert, 7:30 p.m. Collegium Vocale, The Madrigal Tradition: Music of Luzzaschi, S. Rossi, Monteverdi and Purcell. Free.

Sunday, May 7
Holy Eucharist at 8 a.m.
Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m., with guest speaker Dr. Horace Clarence Boyer
Choral Eucharist at 11:15 a.m., with guest speaker Dr. Horace Clarence Boyer
Flower Festival Evensong, 5 p.m., William Partridge, organist and choirmaster, and the world-renowned Choir of Christ Church Cathedral. Free; donations welcome.

Official Website: http://www.christchurchcathedral.us