Old Town Cape reveals Parade of Lights theme

"Christmas Carols and Candy Canes" is the theme for this year's Christmas Parade of Lights, Old Town Cape announced Thursday.

The 23rd annual procession for Old Town Cape.

Decorated vehicles and trailers, fire trucks, groups of people walking and pulling wagons with kids huddled inside, motorcycles, ATVs and animals of all kinds are expected to journey from Capaha Park to the Hutson's Fine Furniture parking lot. Every parade entry is required to be lighted and play music.

"This event is a fun way for families and friends to come together, and for our community to come together in our downtown and partake in this holiday tradition that helps ring in the Christmas season," parade co-chair Vicki Zickfield said in a news release. "Each year we have new participants that bring a new element or style to the parade, while some are tried-and-true participants that we've come to always expect, like the Cape Girardeau Fire Department and both of our major hospitals. Plus, we hear Santa Claus may be making a special appearance."

The first 100 entries will be accepted for this year's parade. Information packets containing the rules and requirements and an entry form can be downloaded from Old Town Cape's website, www.oldtowncape. org/events.aspx, or picked up from its office at 418 Broadway in Cape Girardeau. Register on or before Oct. 24 to receive an early registration discount.

Rates for those who sign up on or before Oct. 24 are $20 for not-for-profits and $40 for for-profits. After Oct. 25, the cost increases to $25 for not-for-profits and $50 for for-profits.