Downtown merchants - Come one, come all

The Downtown Christmas Open House is from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight in Cape Girardeau. The event is historic because many participating retail businesses haven't been open at night for years.

There will be refreshments, carolers, buggy rides, door-prize drawings and photos with Santa. Each shopper will have a chance to collect stamps from participating businesses and win a $2,000 shopping spree at a future drawing.

Participating downtown merchants are: Renaissance, Ye Ole House, Port Cape Girardeau, Mollie's Cafe & Bar, Bella Italia Ristorante, Brick Street Gallery, Dockside Consignments, C.P. McGinty Jewelers, Jayson Jewelers, Zickfield Jewelers, My Daddy's Cheesecake, Kids Wear Again, Brown's Shoe Fit, Lang Jewelers, Hale's Fine Jewelry, Hecht's Store, Hecht's Woman, Annie Em's, Hutson's Fine Furniture, Royal N'Orleans Restaurant, Broussard's Cajun Cuisine, Shivelbine's Music Store, Bob's Shoe Service and Patricia Ann's.

The Southeast Missourian, sponsor of tonight's open house, also will be open.