Bridge dedication promises plenty of fun

Cape Girardeau is getting increasingly excited about its $100 million bridge, as well it should.

As a result, there is a long list of events related to the planned Dec. 13 opening of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge across the Mississippi River.

Not only will motorists be glad to be rid of the old bridge, a 75-year-old, rusting structure that will be blown up carted off on barges sometime next year, but they are fascinated by the gorgeous and graceful new structure that can be seen from miles away.

Among the planned activities: a bridge drawing contest, a beauty pageant, an essay contest, a song-writing contest, a photography contest, a bridge-building competition, special museum exhibitions, a raffle to win a chance to blow up the old bridge and be first on the new one and a ceremony dedicating the new bridge.

Entry forms and additional information about these events, which begin Oct. 16, will be posted online at several Web sites:

www.modot.org/southeast/bridge.htm

www.capechamber.com

www.capegirardeaucvb.org.

Watch for more details about the events celebrating the new bridge. It looks like there will be lots to do -- and plenty of fun as well.