CAPE MAKES FINAL CLINTON PREPARATIONS

Preparation is the key to enjoying the event surrounding President Bill Clinton's speech at Capaha Park Friday.

Prepare for hot weather, but don't bring a cooler. Bring sunscreen, possibly a cap, water and a sack lunch. Prepare for rain, if you're so inclined. Above all else, prepare to walk -- parking will not be allowed within close proximity to the park.

"There will be no parking on the streets or around the general area," Rachel Fayman, the Missouri press secretary for the Clinton-Gore campaign, said. "If anyone needs to drive, or if anyone is handicapped or has difficulty walking, we would encourage them to take the shuttles."

Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, his wife, Tipper Gore, and first lady Hillary Clinton are due to arrive at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport just prior to the event. All four are schedule to speak at the park.

About 15 shuttle buses will run continuously between West Park Mall and Capaha Park beginning at 10 a.m. Friday. Shuttle pick-up points will be at the Silver Springs, Mount Auburn and St. Francis entrances.

Once at the park, Fayman said, there will be water available and soda stands to help the estimated 20,000 people keep themselves from dehydrating -- so don't bring a cooler.

"We are asking that people do not bring coolers, they will not be allowed into the park," Fayman said. "People are encouraged to keep at a minimum what they bring in. They will have to screen their bags and whatever they bring with them."

There will be a special access into the park off Broadway for people in wheelchairs or with disabilities, Fayman said. This special entrance was set up so these people could circumvent the long lines that are expected at the two regular entrances: one on Broadway and one situated inside the park near the pond.

Fayman said the tight security measures will hold the lines up, and because of security the president's route from the airport will not be released.

Lawn chairs are not allowed, but cameras area. Video recorders are not allowed, but banners are. In fact, there will be a special, and separate, protester's area.

The gates will open at 11 a.m., and the event is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. Admission will be up to the time of the event, Fayman said. The president and his party will probably not begin speaking until around 2:30 p.m. There will be a band concert made up of musicians from area high schools and Southeast Missouri State University. Some local politicians and candidates, including state senate candidate Rick Althaus, will also have a chance to participate.

There is the possibility that Clinton will leave the podium and go into the crowd to shake hands, but he is not scheduled to do that.

"We never know exactly what he's going to do," Fayman said. "He loves to shake hands. He loves to get right in with the people. He'd probably shake hands 24 hours a day if we let him. He'd probably stay right here and shake every person's hand in the park but we probably won't be able to do that."