RIVERBOAT 'QUEENS' DOCK IN CAPE

It is hard to miss the steamboats when they come to town.

Their tall stacks rising above the flood walls, paint a pleasant picture of life the way it used to be on the Mississippi River. It is a piece of American history that seems only natural to celebrate during the July 4th weekend.

Each year they dock at Cape Girardeau, but even though residents have seen the boats more times than they can remember, the steam ships still attract attention.

Parents took their children to see the boats. Morning joggers slowed down to take in the sight of the boats. And about 30 people gathered to greet the passengers as they walked down the ramp to spend the morning in Cape Girardeau.

Maxine Berkbigler, of Cape Girardeau, said she tries to make it every year to see the boats.

"I just love to see the traffic on the River," Berkbigler said.

The stop in Cape Girardeau marks the beginning of the final leg of an 11-day journey that starts in New Orleans. Part of the trip is a race between the Mississippi Queen and the Delta Queen. As the two boats pulled into town, they were tied. Each boat had won one leg of the race, leaving the final haul to St. Louis the deciding factor in who wins the race.

The race hearkens back to 1870 when the Natchez and the Rob't E. Lee squared off. The race generated interest in towns along the Mississippi as spectators gathered to watch the two boats race. On July 4, 1870, the Rob't E. Lee arrived in St.. Louis making the trip from New Orleans in a record three days, 18 hours and 14 minutes --- a record that still stands for paddle-wheel steamboats.

In an effort to recreate the legendary race, the steamboat race was started in 1978. Each year one of the boats gets to take the Golden Antlers as the prize for winning. The Mississippi Queen has won 13 times and the Delta Queen seven times.

Passengers are involved in various talent competitions for the Commodore's Cup. As the boats left Cape Girardeau, the scores for the Cup and the Antlers were tied -- forcing a tie-breaker in the race to St. Louis.

Denise Ferrier, director of entertainment for the Delta Steamboat Co,, said the race is mainly for the entertainment of the passengers and is just one of the many traditions associated with the River.

And for one passenger, Robert Epple of Green Valley Ariz., the trip was just an opportunity to relax and a unique way to bring him back to friends and family in St. Louis.

"It is an easy going trip," Epple said. "There is lots of time to relax and watch the scenery go by."