Riverfront setting chosen for 'Early Show' broadcast

Cape Girardeau's riverfront will be showcased on national TV Wednesday as the backdrop for Dave Price's visit to the city.

After weeks of discussion, CBS News settled on the intersection of Broadway and Water Street as the location to do its live broadcast with "Early Show" weatherman Dave Price and his Great American Vacation giveaway.

The broadcast will start at 6 a.m. and run intermittently until 8 a.m.

Mayor Jay Knudtson said he won't be able to attend the event because he will be out of town. However Cape Girardeau will be represented by other officials such as Marsha Ritter and Doug Leslie, who will be interviewed by Price on TV.

Price will also give away a surprise vacation package to one local resident.

"I can't stress enough what this means for Cape Girardeau," Knudtson said a day after the city failed to win All-American City designation. "Not that this is any real consolation, but this speaks volumes for the city and our enthusiasm and the way we're viewed across America."

CBS spokeswoman Janell George said the riverfront location was chosen because its position on the Mississippi is what Cape Girardeau is most known for.

Knudtson said he thinks interviews with several locals that were taped weeks ago will also be included in the broadcast. George was unable to confirm that information by the newspaper deadline.

Police will have the intersection of Broadway and Main Street blocked off to eastbound traffic.

Paul Keener, director of marketing for the local CBS affiliate KFVS 12, said the local station will be broadcasting live from the scene during its own "Breakfast Show." But he said the station won't know until that day if any KFVS12 personalities will broadcast with Price. Keener said Price may also be on an evening newscast today.

Price started his tour last week in Springfield, Mo., and will continue to visit cities across the nation through July 28.

The public is encouraged to show up for the Flag Day taping wearing red, white and blue.

msanders@semissourian.com

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