Cape Girardeau man wins Downtown Open House shopping spree

Jarrod Lawson of Cape Girardeau was this year's winner of Old Town Cape's Christmas Downtown Open House shopping spree. He competed against 509 other contestants who had an entry form stamped by 10 of 16 stores or restaurants who participated in the $2,000 giveaway. Lawson can use his prize, which comes as downtown dollars, only at those participating merchants. Many downtown stores stayed open beyond their normal closing times in the Dec. 5 open house that featured Christmas carolers, children's activities and free carriage rides.

For Lawson, this was his first time to win any kind of prize.

"I was shocked when I received the call Tuesday," Lawson said. "It's pretty exciting because we were looking in the stores for clothes for our baby that will be born soon and then we actually won the prize."

In addition to buying clothes for his family, Lawson in contemplating spending the downtown dollars on merchandise for a clothing drive at LaCroix Church in Cape Girardeau - where the family are members - a meal, or a pedicure for his wife.

Old Town Cape executive director Marla Mills said she was happy that the prize went to a family from Cape Girardeau.

"I'm glad a family that is local was able to spend it," said Mills, noting that people from throughout the region attended the open house. "Seeing a family win it signifies what Christmas is all about."

Standing next to Lawson is his wife, Courtney (she's a pregnant woman) and daughter, Maggie. Andrea Slaten, project manager for Old Town Cape, is the woman with dark hair pictured and Marla Mills, executive director of Old Town Cape, is pictured in another photograph.