A downtown Christmas

Downtown Cape Girardeau is again going all out for Christmas shoppers.

The fourth annual Downtown Christmas Open House will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today and all day Saturday during normal shopping hours.

The open house is both a shopping experience and an old-fashioned holiday social event.

Twenty-five downtown merchants are participating, and special events are planned: pictures with Santa, face painting, crafts, carolers, buggy rides, snacks and hot chocolate. There also is a $2,000 shopping spree that will be given away as part of the special event.

Last year, an estimated 1,500 shoppers took advantage of downtown merchants' hospitality. Organizers of this year's even expect even more. The weather forecast is for seasonally crisp temperatures.

Downtown Cape continues to thrive. Storefronts have been spiffed up. New development is taking place, old buildings are being renovated.

For a Christmas experience that is as much a party as a shopping outing, make time to visit downtown tonight and Saturday.

And while you're there, be sure to see this year's animated window display at Hutson's Fine Furniture, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary. The special window has been a downtown tradition since 1959. Hats off to the Hutsons for continuing a wonderful holiday experience.