Sikeston group selling sesquicentennial Christmas ornament

SIKESTON, Mo. -- For those still searching for the perfect gift, downtown Sikeston has a suggestion -- its 2010 Christmas ornament.

"This year, we went with a little different design," said Brandon Kuehn, executive director of the Historic Midtown Development Group. "We knew we wanted to do something different this year, while celebrating [Sikeston's] 150th birthday. Other ornaments have highlighted the unique historical aspects, but this year we're focusing more on the event than a place or building."

The fourth in the series of ornaments, this one depicts fireworks, a bench, and streetlights along Front Street.

"Front Street is right at the heart of Sikeston," Kuehn

said. "Whenever people think of downtown, oftentimes they'll think about all of the shops along there."

After toying with a few designs, Historic Midtown Development Group members landed on this one, which Kuehn said is "just what we were looking for."

The ornaments are $20 each, and a matching display stand, for those who want to keep the ornament up year-round or in a place separate from their tree, are $5.

According to Kuehn, there are a lot of repeat customers.

"The ornaments make great gifts for anyone," he said, noting that a lot of parents purchase them for children and grandchildren, while younger people purchase them for parents or grandparents.

Previous ornaments in the series have featured the Methodist Church columns, Malone Park band stand and the depot. Some of each style are still available for purchase as well, said Kuehn.

"And we're already working on a design for next year, so the series will continue," he said.

The ornaments are sold at the Depot and Downtown Sikeston office in city hall, as well as Personal Expressions, Susie's Bake Shoppe, Sam's Fine Jewelry and Sweetgum Gallery. Those interested may also place an order by calling Kuehn at 573-380-3801, or emailing director@downtownsikeston.org.