CAPE GIRARDEAU MARKS JUNE CELEBRATIONS

June 1991 has been an exceptional month, one to be remembered and recorded. It began when the residents decorated the city with bows of yellow ribbon and ties of red, white and blue, as a welcome sign to the military forces of men and women returning from "Desert Storm" and the war in the Persian Gulf.

The annual Riverfest opened June 7 and continued through the weekend, complete with a steamboat. The boat, from St. Charles, was temporarily christened "Riverfest" for the occasion.

The 320-foot-long, 14-foot-high riverfront mural was completed by Richard Stout and Gary West in time for the Riverfest celebration. It was designed sometime ago by Fred Lincoln, a former resident of Cape Girardeau who now resides in Memphis.

The public liked the mural. It adds to the waterfront's appearance.

Riverfest 1991 was larger and more interesting than in past years, and better attended and pleasing to the residents.

The excitement of the waterfront entertainment was followed by the circus train of Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey arriving June 10 to stage a two-day performance of circus acts at the Show Me Center.

The large animals walked from the train up Broadway hill to Sprigg Street and out Sprigg to the Show Me Center. There, they were housed outdoors until time for them to perform the next two days.

It seemed as though the area turned out en masse to see the animals promenade up Broadway and out Sprigg. There is nothing more interesting for the public to witness than a circus parade.

The shows were spectacular and enjoyed by all individuals who were able to secure tickets.

Christopher Washko, in charge of staging the Show Me Center entertainment, reported the attendance indicated the enthusiasm of the public for the event that had not performed in Cape Girardeau since 1969. The 2:30 p.m. show June 12 had 5,013 spectators. The 7:30 p.m. show, 5,086. June 13, the afternoon show drew a crowd of 2,970, while the night show drew 4,681.

The residents want the circus to return next year.

Since the first day of summer arrives Friday, many families are planning something special to commemorate the longest day in the year. It has been a long standing custom in many families to do this. During steamboat days, boat-picnic parties were often planned by groups, who remained on board at night to dance to the toe tapping music of a Mississippi River band.

During the middle years (even earlier) of this century when polio struck the states in the heartland of the country, June activities were banned and movies, swimming pools, and all entertainment places were closed to prevent the spread of the disease.

Since young students and adults were not flushed with money, because of the aftermath of World War II, promenading regained popularity. It was an old-fashioned way for couples to enjoy times for conversation, and the health department didn't restrict strolling out-doors, which was especially nice when done in groups accompanied by some musicians and a full moon.

During June, the Magnolia trees throughout Southeast Missouri are in full bloom, and the perfume at night adds a romantic aroma to the air.

Even the fashion magazines carried illustrations of models wearing attractive clothing for strolling.

Grandparents said the exercise was nothing new. When Southeast Missouri State University was built in 1873, as a state normal school, the graduates promenaded in the old chapel after the exercises and program. The floor was on a slant, and the seats in tiers. Walking wasn't easy, but it was fun. Even parents and some teachers joined in the promenade and enjoyed the refreshments later. It was a June celebration they never forgot.