CHRISTMAS PARADE WILL LIGHT UP DOWNTOWN SUNDAY

Exuberant holiday parades are an American tradition and the Christmas Parade of Lights through downtown Cape Girardeau on Sunday will accentuate the cheer and warmth of the mirthful season.

There will be Yuletide tunes, colorful winking lights and festive people on fabulous floats and on foot.

There were 110 entries in last year's parade -- about 30 entries more than the 1995 parade -- and at least that many are expected this year.

The fifth annual Christmas Parade of Lights will start at nightfall -- about 5 p.m. -- Sunday at Capaha Park and continue down Broadway to Main Street where the route turns right. The parade will end in the large parking lot near the floodwall mural, across from Hutson's Furniture.

Doc Cain, of the Downtown Merchant's Association and parade chairman, said the parade was started by the association "because we saw a need in the community."

Each year the parade entertains between 10,000 to 15,000 people along the route. The parade lasts about an hour and a half.

"It's a tradition that we are happy to continue," Cain said.

The Christmas Parade of Lights is sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association, Zimmer Broadcasting and KBSI Fox 23 Television.

Kris Kringle, also known as jolly ol' St. Nick, will enhance the parade in his traditional role at the end of the holiday show. He'll ride in the Merchants Association's paddle-wheeler riverboat float. The association's train float will also be in the parade. The float features smoke coming from a locomotive smokestack and other realistic effects.

Many businesses and service organizations will have entries in the parade. Three bands have signed up to march this year; a fourth band may also participate. Cain says entries are still being accepted and anyone wanting to enter can call him at Port Cape at 334-0954.

As added enjoyment for youngsters, the KBSI Kids' Club House float will sport the station's mascot, Kool K -- a big furry fox.

As it did last year, the Postal Service will put a decorated mailbox on the float in front of Santa. Kids can hand their letters to postal elves who will drop them in the box.

The parade can be observed from most any point along the route. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

For safety reasons, there will be no parking along the parade route. Parking will be available in the two large parking lots near Water Street and in off-street parking areas along the route.

Not only will the fanciful and appealing parade be alluring to the eye, it will also be pleasant to the taste -- plenty of people will stroll alongside their floats and hand tasty holiday treats to spectators.

Merchants and residents along the parade route are urged to put white lights in their windows to contribute to the festive atmosphere.

Prior to the parade will be a Christmas open house downtown from 1 to 5. The doors to many downtown shops will be open during those hours and some businesses may stay open during the parade. Shoppers will be treated to warms drinks and treats.