LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: RAISE CONSTRUCTIVE IDEAS

To the Editor:

Now that riverboat gaming has passed, let's try and find some family-oriented ideas to bring business to Cape. In a few years the newness of gambling will wear off and business may drop. If we think ahead, we may have other attractions to take up the slack.

What if we could bring back excursion boats for such things as dinner-theaters, dinner-dances, etc. The local restaurants could make bids to cater different excursions. It would be great advertising for the restaurants and in a unique way.

Some of the excursions could have "live" bands. Depending on the size of the boat, there could be more than one band for different tastes. The Admiral of St. Louis is an example. It had arcades and snack bars for the kids, while their parents dined and danced.

Imagine sightseeing up the Mississippi to Ste. Genevieve in May, while the dogwood and cherry trees are in bloom. Spend the day touring the historical homes. Or in the fall, when the trees are painted in brilliant colors. The senior citizens could enjoy these trips with friends. Maybe even play bingo or cards to pass the time. If these excursions were successful, maybe we could bring in larger boats for three and seven day cruises up the mighty Mississippi.

Company parties and conventions could be held on these boats. After the boats docked everyone could enjoy the quaint downtown shops and end the evening dining and dancing.

For those who are not interested in cruises, the riverfront could be host to other attractions. On Sundays, while the shops are closed, the large parking lot across from Hutson's could be used for a large flea market. The one in Pevely draws people from miles around. It wouldn't be stealing business from the shops since they are usually closed on Sunday's. And people can still window shop.

Again, we could use the parking lot for small festivals, bake sales, craft shows, etc. We could bring in some lost arts of forging horseshoes or candymaking. Some of these ideas could be used for fundraisers.

In the evening, the bars and restaurants could have more "live" bands and maybe some outside barbecues. Visitors might enjoy walking down the street listening to the music and smelling those wonderful aromas.

For the winter holidays, we could celebrate with candlewalks and caroling down Broadway, while enjoying the shops holiday decorations. And a Christmas parade attracts people from outside the area.

Of course, none of this will be a success without proper advertising. And none of this last-minute ads on cable's message line. Sure it will cost money, but you have to spend money to make money.

Most of these ideas are being used elsewhere, but who wants to drive elsewhere when it's right here in Cape. Come on, let's put on our thinking caps and get things moving.

Tina M. Blechle

Cape Girardeau