Crazy for Cranberries? This festival is for your

Mark Miller

Thursday, Sept. 25, 1997 | 10:54 a.m.

Organizers of a festival in Henderson are hoping people are nuts for cranberries.

Starting Friday at 9 a.m., the annual "Crazy for Cranberries" cranberry festival lasts through the weekend.

Sponsored by Cranberry World West, the festival will have various carnival rides and games, a crafts fair, educational activities and performances by local entertainers. Admission is free, as are food and drink samples provided by Ocean Spray.

"The Cranberry Festival promises to be a very family-oriented event, with lots of activities for children, as well as activities that adults can enjoy," Cranberry World guest relations manager Teri Laursen said.

Rides include a Ferris wheel, an airplane ride, and a mini race track. A tent will contain environmental science exhibits by the Desert Research Institute, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum and UNLV's Environmental Studies Department.

On Friday, several hundred Clark County School District students will attend the festival on a field trip.

The hip-hop dance troop Culture Shock performs on Friday and Saturday mornings. A parade along Stephanie Street from Sunset Station Casino to Cranberry World West begins Saturday's festivities.

On Sunday, visitors will see a karate demonstration, a few dance routines and three country singers. A coloring contest gives participants a chance for a $200 Toys 'R' Us gift certificate.

Visitors can park at Cranberry World West or at Sunset Station where a free shuttle service will take them to and from the festival.