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Fifth-graders win Murphysboro Apple Festival slogan contest

BY ADAM TESTA, THE SOUTHERN

Monday, May 5, 2008 10:53 PM CDT

MURPHYSBORO - Residents and city officials may have known it for years, but it took a fifth-grade class to put it into words - the city is "Ripe with Possibilities."

Gail Morgan's class at the Gen. John A. Logan Attendance Center won the annual "choose a theme" contest for the Apple Festival, but their choice has earned praise and recognition at other levels as well. The city, chamber of commerce and tourism commission will also adopt the theme and use it in upcoming years.

"I think it will be something that will work well with the Apple Festival, and I'm even more excited the children were able to contribute something to the history of the city," said Kaye Carr, executive director of the chamber. "They are our future, and they're already beginning to participate in the future of Murphysboro."

After the Apple Festival in September, other organizations and community groups will continue to use the slogan in print advertising, posters and other marketing and promotional efforts, Carr said. But in the meantime, people anticipate seeing the theme applied to the city's fall festival.

"After 56 years of themes, we're looking for something that's fresh and new," said Mike Ruiz, chairman of the Apple Festival. "It should also be able to be tied in with floats and other parts of the event."

Mike Jones, chairman of the tourism commission and president of the Chamber of Commerce, said the theme was appealing because it's versatile. The city is "ripe with possibilities" for business, tourism and life, he said.

adam.testa@thesouthern.com / 351-5031