LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: DOWNT OWN MERCHANT THANKS COMMUNITY

Dear Sirs;

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Downtown Merchants Association and KBSI-FOX 23, to thank the citizens of Cape Girardeau for making the 1ST Annual Christmas Parade of Lights a great suceess.

The participation from the community made this a special event. From those who worked hard and long on entries for the parade and those who braved the cold to line the streets from Broadway to Main Street to watch the parade. It was a sight to behold.

The Christmas and community spirit is very much alive and well in Cape Girardeau.

I would personally like to thank Virgil Chirnside, Bob Talley and the staff at Union Electric for getting power to our Christmas Lights in time for the parade, as well as Dewayne Bennis from SEMO Sign, who made sure every bulb was burning. I would like to thank Steve Engles from KBSI for his support and input as co-sponsor of the event, and Christine Roussel for all her hard work. There were many others, so "Thanks to all." See you next year.

Dennis 'Doc' Cain

Downtown Merchants Association