PARADE OF LIGHTS: PARADE WINNERS

Buster, a 7-month-old St. Bernard was drooling for the start of the annual Parade of Lights Sunday evening in Capaha Park. Buster walked with his owners in the parade.

Ginger Havell and her daughter, Chy, of Jonesboro, Ill., watched downtown as floats passed by on Main Street during the Parade of Lights Sunday evening. Crowds of people began lining the parade route early in the afternoon to get the best view.

Winners in the Parade of Lights are selected by a panel of judges in four categories: Sweepstakes for the top honors; spirit for displaying the spirit of Christmas; lights for best use of lights on the entry; and merit awards for unique entries. Honorable mention awards also are given.

Winners in the 1999 parade.

Sweepstakes -- Evangelical United Church of Christ, first place; Lee-Rowan, second place; Pratts' miniature horses, third place; Wal-Mart SuperCenter 188, fourth place.

Spirit -- Heartland Telephone, first place; Johnson Communication, second place, Sunny Hill Pet Center, third place; Horizon Screen Printing, fourth place.

Lights -- Dana Corp. first place; Walker & Associates, second place; Hull Trucking Inc., third place; and Heartland Care and Rehab, fourth place.

Merit --SEMO Hogs, first place; Girl Scout Troop 142, second place; Cape Shriners, third place; and Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitor's Bureau, fourth place.

Honorable mention -- Seabaugh Wreckers, Girl Scout Troop 44 and St. Francis Medical Center.