CHRISTMAS PARADE WILL LIGHT UP DOWNTOWN SUNDAY NIGHT

Happy holiday parades are an American custom and the Christmas Parade of Lights through downtown Cape Girardeau on Sunday will highlight the warmth and glow of the festive season.

There will be Yuletide tunes, colorful twinkling lights and merry people on floats and on foot.

There were about 75 entries in last year's parade and at least that many are expected this year.

"We think about 15,000 people lined the streets for the parade last year," said Doc Cain, parade chairman. "Traffic officers with the Police Department made estimates. It was very well attended. We think we'll probably have even more people watching this year."

The Christmas Parade of Lights is sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association and KBSI Fox 23 Television. It will begin at nightfall, about 5 p.m., at Capaha Park on Broadway.

The parade is expected to last more than an hour. Participants will proceed along Broadway to Main Street where they will turn right and travel to the downtown area's south parking lot, near the floodwall mural and across from Hutson Furniture.

Kris Kringle, also known as jolly ol' St. Nick, will grace the parade in his traditional role at the end of the holiday show. He'll ride in the Merchants Association's new paddle-wheeler 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.

As added enjoyment for youngsters, the KBSI Kids' Club House float will sport the show's host, Jason, and his mascot, Kool K, a big furry fox.

The Postal Service may put a decorated mailbox on the float in front of Santa. Kids could hand their letters to postal elves who would 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.

Unlike in past years, there will be no parking along the parade route this year.

Not only will the fanciful and colorful parade be pleasing to the eye, it will also be pleasant to the taste -- plenty of people will walk alongside their floats and hand tasty holiday treats to the onlookers.

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.

Parade entries are now being accepted and will continue to be until the day before the event, although it might be possible to join the parade Sunday.

"We'd like to have the paperwork in as soon as possible. But as far as we're concerned the more entries the merrier," Cain said. For entry information call Cain at 334-0954.

Line-up will begin at Capaha Park about 3 p.m. Participants should use the rose garden entrance off of Perry Avenue. The area will be "flagged" to mark the line-up spots.