DOWNTOWN AUCTION RAISES $16,000 FOR IMPROVEMENTS

The Mardi Gras spirit featured at the Downtown Merchants Association's annual auction and party Saturday night will mean a more festive look downtown this Christmas holiday season.

A portion of the proceeds from this year's event will be used to repair and purchase new downtown holiday lights.

The current Christmas lights are more than five years old and in need of repair, said Judith Ann Lang, president of the merchants group.

This year's auction of more than 115 items raised about $16,000, which will go into the association's fund. The fund is used for various downtown restoration projects, beautification and special events such as the annual Christmas Parade of Lights.

The 1998 total is up from the $13,000 of 1997. During the 10-year history of the auction, more than $125,000 has been raised.

In addition to Christmas lights, some of the 1998 funds will be used to replace and repair some downtown banners.

Other projects will be discussed during the association's monthly meeting tonight, said Lang.

"The event was a big success," said Lang. "People enjoyed the Mardi Gras atmosphere."

"It was a gala event," said Dionne Hoffmeister, its chairman.

More than 150 people attended the auction and party. Hors D'oeuvres were provided by Port Cape Girardeau, which also provided its River City Yacht Club for the event.

A total of 114 items were on the sales bill, and a last-minute addition placed the total at 115.

Fifty-one of the items were auctioned through the donated services of Chug's Auction Service.

The list of auctioned items included a mink coat, furniture, 25-inch color television set, jewelry, and a number of certificates for radio advertising time and gasoline.

Sixty-four items were sold via silent auction. Those items including savings bonds, certificates for restaurants, grocery items, antique items and books.