ST. LOUIS (KMOX) -  Organizers of the 31st Annual Fair St. Louis said Tuesday that they anticipate little if any impact on this weekend’s celebration as a result of flooding along the Mississippi River.

“I’m happy to say that because the Budweiser main stage is located directly under the Arch, the impact should be minimal,” said A.J. Chivetta, general chairman of the 2011 Fair St. Louis.  “We expect no material impact on the fair (due to flooding).”

He says a few vendors will have to move from their usual spots along Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard to higher ground, but that’s about it.

The Fair kicks off Saturday with the 134th annual Veiled Prophet Parade.

This year’s theme of “A Night Out” reflects the “many ways we enjoy our free time”, according to organizers.

Dr. Henry Givens, who recently announced his pending retirement as long-time president of Harris-Stowe State University, will serve as this year’s honorary Grand Marshal.

The parade steps off at 10 am.

Afterwards a U.S. Air Force B-2 Bomber from Whiteman Air Force Base will fly over Market Street, at approximately noon on Saturday.

Then members of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command “Black Daggers” parachute team will land on the grounds of the Gateway Arch in the first of five Fair St. Louis air shows over the three-day Fair.

A full rundown of activities scheduled for this year’s Fair St. Louis and a list of guidelines for those planning to attend can be found at http://celebratestlouis.org.

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