Crying for Cape

The city is looking for a town crier to celebrate its centennial.

Historically, town criers were used to inform townspeople of bad news such as increased taxes or a public hanging. The clichZ "don't shoot the messenger" originated with town criers.

"We were the original media," says Redmond O'Colonies, the current American Champion Crier. "There's always been more bad news than good news."

The art of town crying will return to Cape Girardeau in 2006, the city's 100th birthday, but first the city must find a town crier. Potential criers can learn about the craft at a workshop Sept. 29 at a location to be announced later in the month. The competition to identify the city's town crier will take place Sept. 30 at the Red House Interpretive Center, 128 S. Main St.

O'Colonies, the president of the American Guild of Town Criers, will host the event and will go over town crier rules. O'Colonies has competed in town crier competitions worldwide.

The winner will not only be the town spokesperson but will ride in the opening parade, stroll the streets of Cape Girardeau announcing the day's activities and make appearances during Old Town Cape events.

"The most important thing is for this person to be excited about their hometown and what is going on in it," said Brenda Schloss, planning technician with the city planning department.

Friends of the Red House Interpretive Center are looking for a goodwill ambassador for the city of Cape Girardeau in the form of a town crier.

"It is a great way to give back to one's community," said O'Colonies.

No town should be without a town crier, he said.

ameyer@semissourian.com

335-6611 extension 127