CAPE STREETS FILLED FOR PARADE; SIGHTS, SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS ARE ON DISPLAY

After being postponed a week because of bad weather, the fifth annual Christmas Parade of Lights got off to a delayed start Sunday when the Mustang convertible carrying parade marshal, Councilman Melvin Gately, had to make a quick stop for gasoline.

"My chauffeur forgot to fill it up," Gately said.

The people gathered along the Broadway parade route didn't seem to mind as they sat wrapped in blankets or stood bundled in coats, sipping cups of coffee and hot chocolate.

In the distance, the big-band sounds of the Jerry Ford Orchestra could be heard as they warmed up their lips and instruments by playing "Winter Wonderland."

Ford's band sat atop a flatbed truck decorated for Christmas. The flatbed was so crowded that there wasn't enough room for two of the usual 11 members of the band.

The truck -- decorated with lights that read "A VIP Christmas" in honor of their sponsorship by VIP Industries -- was one of 120 lighted entries in the Christmas parade.

Parade entrants began gathering in Capaha Park in the early afternoon, braving the crisp air that grew colder as the day wore on.

Carmen Mansfield and her sister, Robin Scucchi of Campbell, wore jackets before the parade began, knowing that once the parade started they would have to shed their jackets so people could see who they were supposed to be. Mansfield was dressed like Snow White and Scucchi like the evil queen on a float that celebrated the animated films of Walt Disney.

"Yesterday, we were in Paducah. Today, we're here. Tomorrow night we'll be in East Prairie," Mansfield said.

As the parade time approached, last-minute preparations became hurried, sometimes frantic. Members of the Second Baptist Church did some last-minute stringing of lights on a float that featured a fireplace, a tree with presents and recorded Christmas music played on a hidden tape player.

Two children, dressed like angels on the West Side Church of God float, began to squabble with one another as an adult sponsor tried to attach some wings to the girl angel. When the boy angel threw a light punch, his halo fell off.

But when the parade began, they looked like angels again, singing heavenly songs at the Bethlehem stable. Members of the church sat near by singing Christmas carols.

In addition to the traditional Christmas floats with nativity scenes, Christmas trees and Santa Claus, there were entries in the parade that might have seemed unusual for the yuletide.

Nearly 30 leather-clad members of the SEMO Harley Owners Group, known as SEMO HOG, rode down Broadway on motorcycles, occasionally revving their engines. The only recognizable Christmas traditions around them were the garland and tinsel decorating their bikes and the Santa hats they wore instead of helmets. Behind them was a float that said, "I'm Dreaming of a Harley Christmas."

Treasure of the Earth, a local store selling unusual collectibles, had a float featuring Santa Claus riding atop the skeleton of a buffalo.

The parade was sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association, KBSI and Zimmer Broadcasting.