While a football game took center stage at Paul Brown Stadium on Saturday, for some of the estimated 20,000 in attendance, the sideshows were the main attraction.

One of Florida A&M's drum majors performs at half time. (Jeff Swinger photos) | ZOOM |

        The fourth annual River Front Classic & Jamboree included a pavilion outside the stadium filled with vendors, clowns and voter registration booths. There were also musical acts and performances from nationally renowned marching bands.

        “I'm looking forward to a good game, but the music and the sideshows — that's what I'm here for,” said Phillip J. Pointer Jr., a 29-year-old West End native who lives in Tuskegee, Ala.

        In a game that attracted fans from across the country, Florida A&M University whipped Morgan State University, 34-16.

        Long before kickoff, people took in the festival-like atmosphere of the pavilion, where more than two dozen vendors and educational booths were set up.

        For some, including 8-year-old Michaela Turner of Highland Heights, it was the halftime show that was the day's highlight. Both bands' performances included upbeat pop hits and dance moves.

Bottsy Collins watches the halftime show. | ZOOM |

        “It was great because they do all these moves and shapes,” said Michaela, who had been dancing in her seat.

        Even before A&M's Marching 100 Band took the field, alto saxophone player Tia Watson was enjoying the crowd's energy.

        “It makes it much more exciting for us to perform,” said the 20-year-old senior, whose family came from Michigan to see the show.

        After the game, the musicians took the field again for a Battle of the Bands. Post-game entertainment included thousands of fans who created a human circle around the field and sang about unity.

        Edison and Juliet Cooper of Atlanta said this was one of the farthest drives they have made in support of their alma mater. “Wherever Florida A&M goes, we go,” said Mrs. Cooper, a 1975 graduate. “We're die-hard Rattler fans.”

        Classics featuring historically black colleges have been played throughout the country for years. The River Front Classic is sponsored by Procter & Gamble. The schools typically share a purse of $400,000.

        Organizers said the 2000 event had a $15 million impact on the city's economy. Last year, organizers and sponsors canceled the event because some felt the football game would take place too soon after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

        This year's event comes in the midst of an economic boycott of downtown by some. A handful of protesters stood outside the stadium Saturday, passing out “Boycott Cincinnati” fliers and holding signs, including one that read “Welcome to KKK-land.”

        “(The boycott) was a concern,” said Keesha James, 36, who came from Toledo with her husband and four children. “But at the same time, it was a good chance for the kids to see the bands.”

        The event concludes noon-4 p.m. today with the Fifth Third Bank College Fair at the Westin Hotel.

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