`LANTERNS OF HOPE' CEREMONY SET SATURDAY

Area residents will participate in an international observance, "Lanterns for Hope," at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at North Cape County Park Shelter 3.

The ceremony consists of songs by area children followed by a candlelight lantern float on the park lake.

This is the fourth year for the ceremony in Cape Girardeau.

"The local event is part of the International Peace Lantern Exchange Project, which was started in LaCrosse, Wis., to promote world peace," said local spokesman Richard Goldstein.

"Over the last few years, thousands of peace lanterns have been exchanged among children and adults in the U.S.A. and the Soviet Union, as well as other countries."

The observance is sponsored by the Fellowship of Reconciliation and the Otahki Girl Scout Council.

"Individuals and families are encouraged to come and make lanterns or just observe the ceremony," he said.