PARK LIGHTING CEREMONY HONORS COMMISSIONER

Retiring Cape Girardeau County Presiding Commissioner Gene Huckstep was honored Wednesday night at the official opening of the 1994 Holiday of Lights display in the county north park.

More than 250 people turned out for the ceremony, which was coordinated by the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau.

As part of the annual lighting ceremony, a new display dedicated to Huckstep's 16 years of service was unveiled. The display, which will be placed alongside the lake so it can reflect off the water, spells out "Peace."

The display came as a surprise to Huckstep and was announced by Associate Commissioner E.C. Younghouse. Many members of Huckstep's family were on hand for the ceremony, which included Christmas songs by the Teen Challenge and Notre Dame High School choirs.

Former Associate Commissioner Leonard Sander, who served 14 years on the commission with Huckstep, outlined some of the presiding commissioner's accomplishments.

After the new display was unveiled, Huckstep was called on to flip the switch lighting approximately 125 displays scattered across the park.

There were just 11 displays when the Holiday of Lights was started in 1987 by the Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts. The number has grown each year. Displays are set up by individuals, businesses, organizations and churches.

Younghouse praised Park Superintendent Chet McCain and his staff for all their efforts getting power to the displays and working to make sure the project is a success each year.

"It's a big job getting this all wired up and working properly and they should be commended for a fine job," said Younghouse.

He also praised Huckstep, Sander, and former Associate Commissioner Ronnie Fischer for their efforts in developing the park and allowing the arts council to start the displays.

Sander, in recognizing Huckstep for his service to the county, said the county turned around and accomplished many things under his leadership. He pointed to the Missouri Veterans Home, the war memorial in the park, and the conservation department regional headquarters -- all in view from where the ceremony was held -- as examples.

He also mentioned other accomplishments ranging from a new county administration building to helping attract new industry and guiding the county into sound financial condition.

"He did his job the way it needed to be done," said Sander. "It sure helps to know the right people in the right places. It has been a period of great years for Cape County."

Responding to Sander's comments, Huckstep admitted he had had many good ideas over the years, but said he always turned to his fellow commissioners and other officeholders to carry them out.

He recalled that shortly after being elected in 1978, he and Fischer drove around the county park, which at the time had two shelters and a gravel road. Huckstep said he was appalled at its condition and agreed with Fischer that a lot of work needed to be done to make the park usable.

"One thing led to another and we have this park here today that we can all take pride in," said Huckstep said.