PARADE OF LIGHTS PLANNED TO KICK OFF HOLIDAY SEASON

The first annual Christmas Parade of Lights will inaugurate the holiday season in Cape Girardeau this year. Bart Simpson will serve as one of the parade marshals.

The parade, sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association and KBSI, will be held Nov. 28.

It will begin at dusk at Capaha Park with the lighting of the city's Christmas lights, and follow Broadway down to Main Street and the south downtown parking lot.

Entries will be in three divisions, including motorized, floats and walking, said Doc Cain, the parade chairman.

"We are encouraging all civic groups, church organizations, businesses and scout troops to enter."

Prizes will be awarded in each category.

Cain said letters will be sent to businesses inviting them to sponsor a float. Marching bands also are expected to participate. He said individuals who want to be in the parade also are welcome.

Area high school bands also have been asked to march in the parade.

There are no restrictions on the type of floats that can be entered, as long as they have a Christmas theme, Cain said. "We're hoping it in some way will be lighted.

"... We are hoping to have all the businesses lighted as well."

Cain, who owns Port Cape Girardeau restaurant, said the parade will coincide with the annual downtown Christmas Walk. Downtown businesses will stay open from 1-8 p.m. that Sunday.

While Christmas parades are held in numerous surrounding communities, Cape Girardeau has not had one for at least 30 years.

In 1952, the parade was called "Salute to Santa Claus" and was "witnessed by throngs along line of march," according to Southeast Missourian files.

Cain said the idea of reviving the parade came up with the merchants association last year."KBSI getting involved helped make it happen."

Characters from some KBSI programs, including the cartoon series "The Simpsons," also will participate in the parade. The Pink Panther, Bugs Bunny and others are to be in KBSI's Kids Clubhouse, which will be pulled by the truck with the Fox spotlights on it.

Steve Engles, KBSI's general manager, said the station participates every year in Carbondale's parade, which is called Lights Fantastic.

"We thought it was time to do something here," he said.

"This is going to be a fun weekend," Engles said. "I know the downtown stores are going to enjoy it. I hope thousands of people will turn out.

Anyone needing more information or interested in signing up for the parade can contact Cain at 334-0954.