Christmas downtown

Editor's note: The following editorial has been corrected.

Downtown Cape Girardeau is looking quite festive these days as several businesses have decorated their storefronts for Christmas. Many of the trees planted as part of the Broadway renovation now have lights.

Another example of Christmas spirit in downtown Cape Girardeau is the annual Old Town Cape Downtown Christmas Open House, scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. Friday. Several stores will offer specials, and there will also be caroling, free wagon rides and children's activities, along with free pictures with Santa.

A popular promotion for the event is a $1,500 downtown shopping spree. Those interested must register at one of the booths -- Hutson's Fine Furniture, eDen Spa and Salon or 116 N. Main St -- and drop off a ticket from the registration packet to at least one Christmas box at a participating business. For more chances to win, drop off other tickets at each of remaining stores' Christmas boxes. Participants must be at least 18 years old and only one entry packet will be registered per person. The winner will be announced Dec. 11.

Stores with Christmas boxes include: Buckner Brewing Co., Jayson Jewelers, Stash, eDen Spa and Salon, Renaissance, Riverfront Gifts & Collectibles, Bilderbach Art Plaza, Somewhere In Time Antiques, Pastimes Antiques, Zickfield's Jewelers, Sloan and Themis, Hutson's Fine Furniture, Cup 'N' Cork, Sweet Designs Boutique, C.P. McGinty Jewelers, Kids Bazaar and Hotshots.

Last weekend was a busy one for local entertainment, particularly of the Christmas variety. Southeast Missourian photographers took photos at several events. To see the galleries, visit semissourian.com/multimedia.

Here's a look at a few other events on the schedule this weekend:

* Bethel Assembly of God will present three performances of "From Humbug to Hallelujah" during the next few days. The musical comedy is set for 7 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday at the Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School. Admission is free. Reservations can be made by calling 335-5531.

* Local author Stan Crader will sign copies of his new book, "The Longest Year," from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Bilderbach Gallery. Proceeds from the book will be donated to Resurrecting Lives, an organization that supports veterans with traumatic brain injuries.

* A holiday percussion ensemble performance will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Bedell Performance Hall at the River Campus. This 45-minute concert is particularly geared for families with young children.

* The 8th-annual Bonney Bank Fine arts & Crafts Sale is scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Christ Episcopal Church in Cape Girardeau. This event will feature several unique items for purchase.

* The International Fair Trade Market Plowshares Sale will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Abbey Road Christian Church. This is another opportunity to purchase impressive handcrafted items.

To learn about other events on the weekend schedule, visit semoevents.com and check out page 2 in the Southeast Missourian.