DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS RELIVE RORARING 20s

Relive the "Roaring `20s" this Saturday at the annual Downtown Merchants Association fund raising auction and gala.

Proceeds go toward beautification projects in downtown Cape Girardeau. More than $14,000 in merchandise has been donated for the auction.

Some of the items include a fur coat from Hecht's, a $1,000 shopping spree at Hutson's Furniture, limousine service from Kelly Transportation, mammograms from Southeast Missouri Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center, $400 gift certificate from Zickfield Jewelers, a microwave from Tinsley Appliance, a compact disc player from Shivelbine's Music Store, two framed, limited-edition prints from Chrisman Art Gallery and a night at the Olive Branch Bed and Breakfast.

Proceeds from this year's auction will help pay for the downtown pavilion, said Evelyn Boardman, a member of the auction committee.

"We have enlarged some photographs of the downtown area from the 1920's," Boardman said. "John & Mimi will be playing `20s music. I really think it will be a roaring good time."

The event will be held at the Riverview Banquet Center, 13 Broadway, with a cash bar beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person and are available at the door. For more information contact Boardman at 334-5723.