Fireworks, an open house and garden clubs

Summer is here and it appears as I write this column that we are staying in a period of a continued monsoon season. However I remain convinced that we will be wishing for some of these showers when we approach the later part of the summer.

We are rapidly approaching the July Fourth holiday where we as a community and nation celebrate Independence Day. I am very pleased and excited that we are able to bring our fireworks event back to the riverfront this year. They will be launched from a barge on the east side of the river. I have had numerous positive comments following the news release of this change of location. I am confident that this event will draw a huge crowd to our downtown and areas both to the north and south along the riverfront.

Also, the Spirit of America award will be presented by the Southeast Missourian preceding the fireworks display. This event will occur at 8 p.m. on the steps of our historic Common Pleas Courthouse. I encourage citizens and visitors to attend this meaningful ceremony as the Southeast Missourian honors yet another deserving citizen of our community.

I would like to thank both Isle Casino Cape Girardeau and the Southeast Missourian for their involvement in these events. I am very hopeful that this same celebration in 2015 will feature an expanded schedule resulting in all-day celebration, bringing more visitors to a new destination event for our city.

Commercial open house

I also want to highlight another event in the downtown area that is scheduled for next week. The Downtown Commercial Open House will be from 4 to 7 p.m. June 26. This has become an annual event and showcases several available empty and or renovated buildings that are available for sale or lease. This is a very good opportunity for anyone looking for a business location or for any citizen who just wants to snoop and see what's happening in the downtown area.

The open house locations this year include 339 Broadway, 609 Broadway, 709 Broadway, 26 N. Spanish, 19 N. Main St., 20 N. Main St., 36 N. Main St. and 221 N. Fountain St. Visitors may want to begin at 221 N. Fountain St., as that location will be the reception area with representatives on hand to direct visitors and answer questions.

The former Federal Building on Broadway is one of the sites and will give citizens who have not been in that building for some time an opportunity to tour it.

Garden clubs

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank all Cape Girardeau Garden Clubs for the work they have done with the Rose Garden at the Northwest corner of Capaha Park. The brick walkway was dedicated last week during a ceremony at the garden. My thanks to Brock Davis and staff of the parks department for the quality installation of the bricks and to the donors who provided funds for the improvements. They are recognized by inscribed names on bricks that line the walkway. I would encourage all citizens to stop by and walk through this beautiful garden.

Harry E. Rediger is the mayor of Cape Girardeau.