Great events

What a few days it was last week. First the Great Race, then the air show. For Cape Girardeau, this was a banner week that showcased the area.

Chuck Martin, executive director of the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau, on Monday told us more than 5,000 people attended the Great Race. He said the turnout exceeded expectations.

Along the route, businesses setup Pit Stop Parties and Welcoming Parties -- a nice touch that fostered a festival-like atmosphere and fun for all ages. Yes, it was warm. But for a summer evening in Southeast Missouri, it was a nice opportunity to enjoy outdoor fun and socialize with friends and co-workers. Of course, the vintage cars were fun to see.

If one major event wasn't enough, Cape Girardeau turned around to host a two-day air show Friday and Saturday. It was estimated that 3,500 people came out Friday, and the airport was bustling Saturday with people enjoying the show, taking helicopter rides, looking at the planes on display and finding plenty of good food to enjoy.

If you missed this year's show, you really missed some good fun with phenomenal air performances -- plus a jet-powered school bus that reached nearly 300 mph.

To top it off, the weather was outstanding. The air show is famous for taking place in the scorching Southeast Missouri heat, but the weather was mild, and we missed the rain. Plans already are underway for next year's show, which is scheduled to take place in May.

So, what's next? Cape Girardeau, Jackson and other communities are gearing up for July 4 celebrations on Thursday. Whether you plan to attend these festivities or hold your own, we hope you have a wonderful Independence Day.

Congratulations to everyone behind the Great Race and Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival. These were excellent events, and it's our hope the recent success will spur more activities going forward.