Local groups prepare for annual tours of lights

The Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau will hold its 12th annual Holiday of Lights Bus Tour at 7 p.m. this Friday and Saturday. The tour will begin at the Convention and Visitors Bureau, at 100 Broadway.

The buses will travel a highly decorated route, which includes the Holiday of Lights display at Cape County North Park, as well as a number of homes and businesses selected as Holiday of Lights award winners by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's Beautification Committee.

Tickets are limited and can be purchased at the Convention and Visitors Bureau for $1 per person. Pictures with Santa are available for an additional $1. Ample parking is available at the bureau.

For tickets or more information, call the bureau at 335-1631 or (800) 777-0068.

Senior Tour of Lights

In conjunction with the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the Jackson Police Department and the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department, Seniors and Lawmen Together (SALT) will be holding its sixth annual Senior Tour of Lights at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19.

The tour will be leaving from the Cape Girardeau Senior Center and returning to the center for refreshments and musical entertainment after the tour. Up to 200 people usually attend this tour, according to Lt. Tracy Lemonds with the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

SALT consists of the Cape, Jackson and Cape Girardeau County law agencies, as well as senior representatives from such organizations as AARP and local ministerial alliances. The SALT council meets monthly to discuss aging and safety issues.

In addition to the three area law departments, the senior center and SALT, sponsors of the Senior Tour of Lights include First Student Inc., which will provide buses for the tour; VIP Industries, which will provide buses for disabled seniors; and Southeast Missouri Hospital, which will provide the refreshments.

Sign up for the tour by Monday, Dec. 16, by calling 335-1352. Advise if disabled arrangements are needed.