SCOUTS, SPECTATORS BRAVE COLD TO WITNESS ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

A huge crowd of Girl Scouts braved the first true night of winter chill and packed the front steps of the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse Monday for the annual Festival of lights.

Although an exact head count was not taken, Shirley Stevens of the Otahki Girl Scout office called it "one of the largest I've seen."Each year the girls in the Jackson /Oak Ridge area blanket the courthouse yard with luminaries and sing carols on the steps. They also offered free cocoa and cookies to the public.

Youngsters also got to visit with Santa at Santa Land and received a small gift, made by area Girls Scouts.

Mayor Paul Sander made brief remarks before the scouts began singing favorite Christmas carols and songs.

The scouts are also helping the Elks Lodge collect Christmas basket items for area families. Winter items like socks, gloves, and coats may be given to the children. For information on scouting in he Jackson/Oak Ridge area, Donna Kuntze should be contacted, at 243-1527.