Celebrating past Cape events and ones to come

I am writing this column after enjoying and celebrating Independence Day and our freedom with family. I was out of town, but I understand our event at Arena Park drew a large crowd and the fireworks show was outstanding.

My congratulations to Kenneth Bender for receiving the Spirit of America Award from the Southeast Missourian. Kenny has done so much for our community and our nation through the years. Also, my personal thanks to the Isle Casino Cape Girardeau and Gary Rust for their sponsorship of the fireworks.

I can envision the Fourth of July growing into a true destination event in future years. I would like to have the fireworks show come back to the river. My hometown in Nebraska with 6,000 residents is the "4th of July City" in Nebraska. There are events from dawn on into the night. The day draws between 50,000 to 100,000 people throughout the day. July Fourth is an opportunity for the city of Cape Girardeau.

Our city hosted two great destination events in June drawing thousands of citizens and visitors to the Great Race and air festival. My personal thanks to Danny Essner and his committee for their work on planning and executing the Great Race. Thanks to all the organizers of the 17 "Pit Stop" parties which gave a big Cape Girardeau welcome to all the drivers. Also, my thanks to Bruce Loy, the airport board and the volunteers who planned and worked the air show.

We also have many more riverboat stops this year, two of which were docked here last week. Our convention and visitors bureau along with community volunteers host these river cruisers from all over the world. The boats and the mighty Mississippi River continue to draw many visitors to Cape Girardeau.

It seems to me we can continue to expand these events in number throughout the year.

There are two other local events that, in my opinion, have the opportunity to grow into much larger events in coming years.

"Friends of the Park" day in April has been a successful event. The day could be expanded into a total weekend event and involve our entire city including homes, neighborhoods, public areas and commercial properties. There could be any number of small project events and contests all leading up to a citywide celebration of achievement as we enter a new season of the year.

Another successful fall event is the Southeast Missouri State University homecoming weekend. This always is a well-executed university event, but I feel it has potential to involve more citizens and visitors with more city support and involvement during the important week.

We live in the great city of Cape Girardeau. Hard work and planning by various staffs, committees and many volunteers throughout the year continue to enhance our city's tourism and hospitality efforts. I encourage more citizens to get involved in future programs and events.

Harry E. Rediger is the mayor of Cape Girardeau.