PUB CRAWL AN IN-THE-SPIRT ST. PATRICK'S DAY TRADITION

If you're looking for an event to stir up some St. Patrick's Day shenanigans in close proximity to the banks of the Mississippi, perhaps Friday's eighth annual Pub Crawl is just the ticket.

Six businesses in downtown Cape Girardeau are sponsoring the event, from 6 to 9 p.m., to generate local interest in their respective establishments and raise money for a good cause.

Dale Pruett, bar manager at Port Cape Girardeau, came up with the idea eight years ago. Port Cape owner Doc Cain thought he should share it with his peers, and the event soon developed into a tradition.

"We wanted to bring people down to our places, have some fun on St. Patrick's Day and get as many people involved as possible," Cain said. "The first year we probably had 100 people participate and last year I would guess that about 350 took part in it."

Cain said the Pub Crawl is designed to get all six watering holes involved and generate money for the beautification of the downtown area.

"The flood wall has been the focus for beautification in the last few years, but it's really up to the Downtown Merchants Association as far as how the money is to be used," said Cain, whose restaurant and lounge is at 19 N. Water St.

Each business donates a percentage of its sales to the Downtown Merchants Association. "Last year we donated about $450 and we hope to exceed that total this year," Cain said.

Those who participate are encouraged to walk to each business. "This is all a walking situation," Cain said. "There is no driving involved. All of the places are close enough that you won't have to walk far to pay a visit."

Each establishment will provide some type of entertainment or feature the cuisine that defines their restaurant.

Participants in the crawl will receive a card that will be stamped at each business. When the card is full, prizes such as T-shirts, hats and St. Patrick's Day buttons will be distributed.

Griffin's Cafe and Spirits, at 118 Themis, will open the holiday by providing corned beef and cabbage from 11 a.m. until the food is consumed. After the Pub Crawl, Steve Hornbeak, former keyboard player for Lee Greenwood and now a member of the Faith Hill Band, will provide entertainment from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m.

"Steve, who lives in Tamms, Ill., is coming up from Florida for the holiday and said he would like to pay us a visit and perform," said Ted Leslie of Griffin's. "He was here about four weeks ago and had a good time, so he decided to come back for more of the same."

Broussards, at 120 N. Main, is another stop along the St. Patrick's Day Crawl. The Acme Blues Band will provide entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Miller Brew Cruise will pass through Broussards from 6 to 6:45 p.m.

Papa Bear's Daiquiris, at 2 N. Main, will also provide corned beef and cabbage from 5 p.m. until the food is consumed. After the crawl, Papa Bear's will have the band Gypsy Road performing from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Miller Brew Cruise will be at Papa Bear's from 11 to midnight.

The Billiard Center, at 26 N. Main, is yet another stop along the crawl.

Jeremiah's Restaurant and Lounge, at 127 N. Water St., will feature its usual spirits and cuisine along with a St. Patrick's Day twist. A Frog who goes by the name of Jeremiah will stand in front of Jeremiah's and attempt to get those passing by to venture forth a kiss.