Riverfront fireworks should be fun

The City of Cape Girardeau announced plans last week to return the Fourth of July fireworks display to the downtown riverfront.

In 2009, the city decided a fireworks display was too costly, so it discontinued the event. The fireworks displays were then picked up and organized by a local veterans group, which for several years also organized other Independence Day events. Those events were held at Arena Park.

This year's display is being sponsored by the Southeast Missourian, Isle Casino Cape Girardeau, Shivelbine's Music Store and River radio. Other potential sponsors have been contacted, and more will likely be added. If you are interested in providing support to celebrate this important national holiday, contact the city's Parks and Rec Department at 339-6340.

Please pardon the pun, but the event should be a blast. The fireworks will be shot from a barge in the river, as was done in the past.

Cape Girardeau is known as a river town, and the river offers a nostalgic, aesthetic experience, particularly in historic downtown with the bright Emerson Memorial Bridge as a backdrop. Plus, there is a certain vibrancy that goes along with the downtown area, rather than Arena Park.

The Southeast Missourian is proud to be part of the event, both in terms of sponsorship and program involvement. This is the event during which the newspaper publicly recognizes our Spirit of America award winner.

We hope to see you on the Cape Girardeau riverfront this Independence Day.