FestivAll sets a different agenda, Here's to a quieter, more diverse and longer summer in the city

CHARLESTON's summer 30 years ago began with the Vandalia Gatheringover the Memorial Day weekend and ended with the Sternwheel Regattaover the Labor Day weekend.

The Regatta grew like a weed until it became a weeklong beer bash.While it was nice to have the Beach Boys, Alabama and other big actsplay in little old Charleston, the accompanying behavior got out ofcontrol.

Furthermore, this schedule left the rest of the summer void ofactivity.

That's changing. In recent years, the city has added events.

A chili cookoff here, a Fourth of July Fireworks there, and prettysoon, people realize there is a lot to do in the town besides waitingfor the summer to …