AREA HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS TO BEGIN SOON; CITIES GEAR UP FOR PARADES

Cape Girardeau will usher in the holiday season with the annual Parade of Lights through the city's downtown Sunday.

The parade begins at Capaha Park at 5 p.m.

"It will certainly be a fabulous parade," said Dennis "Doc" Cain, chairman of the event. "Entries are still coming in, but we will have well over 100 entries. There will be a lot of floats. It seems like each year the floats get more elaborate."

Entries are also varied. "It goes all across the board," Cain said. "We will have carolers and a couple bands and the Jerry Ford Orchestra. We have a lot of religious organizations and a lot of businesses.

The entries are judged in six categories by a panel of judges.

"It's amazing, and the themes they come up with are so unique. You can tell a lot of planning and hard work went into these entries," Cain said.

Each year, the parade route is lined with spectators in some places four to 15 deep.

"A lot of people get involved," Cain said. "In the six years we have done this, it has really become a tradition."

This week, holiday banners are being hung downtown. "We ask that all the businesses along the parade route light up and be ready for the Christmas spirit," Cain said.

Entries to the parade can be made by calling 334-0954. The parade is sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association.

For the first time, a fun run and walk will be held just prior to the parade and will follow the parade route. The run benefits Toybox, a local charity sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian. Toybox delivers toys to needy children in Cape Girardeau. Entry fee for the race is $5 or the donation of a new child's toy.

In Jackson, the annual Christmas Parade will be held Dec. 5. The parade starts at 1:30 p.m., with lineup starting at 11:30 a.m.

The parade is sponsored by the Jackson Jaycees.

Entries are being accepted for this parade. Organizers ask that groups or individuals enter by Nov. 30 to help with planning.

Late entries will be accepted, but location in the parade line-up can't be guaranteed. Contact the Jackson Chamber of Commerce at (573) 243-8131.

The theme for this year's parade is "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas." Prizes will be awarded for the best floats.

ONE-MILE RUN/WALK FOR TOYBOX

The Cape Girardeau Road Runners and Southeast Missourian are sponsoring a one-mile run/walk for Toybox, a local chairity providing toys to needy children on Sunday, Nov. 29.

* Event will start at 4:55 p.m., 5 minutes before Parade of Lights, and will cover parade route from Capaha Park to Main St.

* Awards presented immediately following race

* Safety runner ID shoe tag for all finishers

* $5 entry fee or a new toy. All proceeds go to Toybox

* Sign up from 4 to 4:45 p.m. at corner of Broadway and West End Blvd.

* Call Kim McDowell at 335-6611 or (800) 879-1210 for more information