PARADE OF LIGHTS HELD TONIGHT

Bowing out this year as chairman of the Christmas parade he helped establish six years ago, Dennis "Doc" Cain isn't worried about the event's future.

"I think it has become a Cape Girardeau tradition," he said.

The 1998 Downtown Merchants Association Christmas Parade of Lights will begin at dusk today at Capaha Park, winding down Broadway and Main Street. Downtown merchants will hold open houses from 1 to 5 p.m. today, and many will remain open after the parade.

In addition, admission to Cape Girardeau's historic Victorian showpiece, the Glenn House, will be free today. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. (See related story)

This year's parade will be preceded by a one-mile run/walk down Broadway, a benefit for Toybox, the charity that distributes gifts to needy children during the holidays.

The race is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Road Runners and the Southeast Missourian.

This year's corporate parade sponsor is Zimmer Broadcasting.

More than 100 organizations, groups, churches and businesses are registered to participate in this year's parade and more were still signing up Saturday. "This is probably going to be the largest ever," Cain said.

Many floats will present carolers. Shawnee High School will bring the parade's only marching band. The Jerry Ford Orchestra once again will perform Christmas songs aboard a float.

Other traditional entries like the Schnuck's gigantic shopping cart and firefighters aboard their trucks will make appearances.

As usual, Santa Claus will bring up the rear, Cain promised.

Prizes will be awarded to the best floats chosen by a panel of six judges.

Cain said the parade emerged six years ago after a brainstorming session with some members of the Downtown Merchants Association. He had come here from Caruthersville, a community with a longstanding Christmas parade, and wondered why Cape Girardeau didn't have one.

"The first year we had 45 entries," Cain said. "The merchants were shocked at how many people came out to watch this thing."

Admittedly, the parade builds good will for the Downtown Merchants Association. "And if we sell a few things, all the better," Cain said.

Next year, Cain and co-chair Christine Roussel will give up chairmanship of the parade to downtown businessman Kent Zickfield. "The new chairman may want to come in and make some changes," Cain said, "but at this point the tradition is secure."

Parking will be restricted in some parts of Cape Girardeau because of the parade. Parking is prohibited today from 2 a.m. until after the parade on both sides of Broadway from West End Boulevard to Main Street, and on Main Street from Broadway to William Street.

Parking also is prohibited on North West End Boulevard from Broadway to Normal Avenue, on Parkview from Perry Avenue to North West End Boulevard and anywhere within Capaha Park.

Vehicles parked on those streets today will be towed at the owner's expense.