CHRISTMAS CLOSINGS LEAVE LITTLE TO DO IN CAPE

Not many Cape Girardeau stores were open Saturday because of Christmas. Many of those that were open, however, saw brisk business from those seeking food, medical supplies and, most in demand, entertainment.

"After spending time with your family, you like to spend time with your friends," said Amber Jaco of Cape Girardeau.

Jaco and her friends were among a number of people who visited local movie theaters and movie rental stores Saturday. Clint Welker, general manager of the Town Plaza Cinema, said movie-goers abound around the holidays because there are usually a greater number of new releases than at other times of the year.

"There's nobody else open, so we're always busy on Christmas," said Welker Saturday night. "It's kind of like a family thing to be together at the movies today."

Horace Reams and his family were among movie-goers Saturday night. Reams, a Chaffee native who lives in Fond Du Lac, Wisc., said it's a family tradition to follow Christmas Day visits with relatives and friends with a trip to the movie theater.

"It's just a Christmas tradition for us. We do the same things every year," Reams said. "Today it's the movies. Tomorrow, my son and I'll go to the high school basketball tournament while the girls go shopping."

People who left their homes searching for restaurant fare had little to choose from Christmas Day, a traditionally bad day for the restaurant business. However, The Great Wall, 3254 William, was packed Christmas night with holiday travelers, hotel dwellers and people looking for something outside of traditional holiday fare.

"We came by after the movies, saw all the cars and decided to stop," said Jonathan Harris of Cape Girardeau. Harris and his wife, Lauren, have lived in Cape Girardeau less than one year and don't know many people in the area.

Those in the mood to shop were limited to a handful of gas stations and Walgreen's, whose parking lot was filled by late Christmas shoppers, browsers, and those with sick family members who took advantage of the store's 24-hour pharmacy.

Pegi Kingery traveled from Perryville to fill a prescription Saturday night, while Ester Ressel of Cape Girardeau was there "just to get out of the house."

John Cabaniss of Fruitland also was looking for things to do. "I like this place, and since they are at least open, I figured I'd stop by here and pick up a few things," he said.

Lauren Smith of Jackson purchased advanced tickets for a movie Saturday. Although happy she was able to obtain tickets, Smith said she wished more businesses had elected to remain open.

"Christmas morning I can understand, but Christmas night is kind of boring," said Smith. "I just wish more places were open so there'd be more things to do."