HOLIDAY OF LIGHTS NEARS ITS LIMIT

While Labor Day is the holiday on most people's mind this week, Bruce Watkins, superintendent of Cape County Park, says things are looking a lot like Christmas.

He is compiling a waiting list for people and organizations who want to participate in the annual Holiday of Lights display at the park. This year, the park will reach its maximum number of displays, 150.

The display started as a joint effort of the county park and the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri 10 years ago with 11 displays. Last year, the display had 148 participants, and more than 35,000 cars went through the park.

"We're going to be full this year," Watkins said.

This year's display will be coordinated entirely by the county park staff. "We needed a better way to keep control of participants," Watkins said. "The arts council did an excellent job. It just needs to be handled in-house to cut down on confusion. Instead of two groups assigning spots, we will take care of it."

Greg Jones, executive director of the arts council, said the organization will continue to participate with a holiday display. "We are going to be on the fun side of it this year," he said.

Letters were sent to the organizations and people who participated last year, asking them to complete a registration form before Oct. 1.

At the same time, Watkins said, a waiting list is being developed in case spots open up.

Participation in the display is free. Cape Girardeau County furnishes electricity.

Watkins said the display is limited to 150 participants because of limitations of electrical service. Two years ago, the county spent $15,000 to upgrade electrical service in the part to accommodate the display.

The lighting ceremony will be Nov. 26, the day before Thanksgiving. Choirs, guest speakers and refreshments are planned. The exhibit stays up through New Year's Day.

"We have people who will come out weekly and others who tour in the daytime when it looks different," Watkins said. "It really has become a part of the holidays."