BUSY WEEKEND OFFERS ACTIVITIES FOR ALL TASTES

Cape Girardeau will be a busy place this weekend. And for those with time on their hands, local organizers have plenty of activities to fill the hours.

The Missouri National Guard Association will host its annual conference at Holiday Inn this weekend - with Gov. Mel Carnahan presenting the keynote address. More than 1,000 attendees are expected, including guests. That represents a real boon to the local economy.

Cape Girardeau's waterfront is also one of three entry points for the annual Mississippi River Valley Scenic Drive. Organizers say this year's 131-mile tour may draw close to 5,000 participants - especially if the nice weather holds. Most of the 16 towns along the route have planned special events. In Cape Girardeau, period costumes and lectures will be presented at Fort D. Other entry points for the self-conducted scenic tour include: the Biehle exit off I-55 and the junction of Missouri 51 and 34 at Marble Hill.

The Missouri Department of Conservation will open its nature center Saturday and Sunday in conjunction with the tour. It's a good opportunity to see this regional headquarters in Cape County Park, since hours are typically limited to weekdays.

More than 250 Civil War re-enactors will do battle during a two-day encampment near Burfordville. Confederate and Union camps will open at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday with demonstrations throughout the day. The mock battles and camps will be held near the Little Ole Opry Building.

Those with creative and historic tastes will be drawn to the third annual Black Forest spring Craftsfest Saturday and Sunday. Nearly 40 artists and craftsmen will demonstrate their period and modern wares at these 1870s vintage villages just north of Cape Girardeau.

The Southeast Missouri Press Association will host its annual meeting Saturday at the Southeast Missourian newspaper. About 50 editors, writers and publishers will participate.

The Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau is also expecting as many as six overnight bus tours this weekend. The conventions, activities and tours should keep the bureau hopping.

A number of groups deserve commendation for organizing such top-notch entertainment for the whole family. The only problem on Saturday and Sunday may be one of too many choices. Cape Girardeau seems like the place to be this weekend - that is, unless you're looking for a hotel room.