Sunday offers lots of holiday festivities

Today will be a very festive day in the Cape Girardeau area.

In one of the more anticipated concerts of the Christmas season, the "Sounds of the Season" concert will fill the sanctuary of Cape First Church at 254 Silver Springs Road. This event is a major fundraiser for the SoutheastHEALTH Cancer Center. This is the 21st year for the concert. Proceeds will go to the cancer care fund, which was established to relieve patients' financial fears as much as possible.

Another festive tradition will take place at New McKendree United Methodist Church, where people can get into the Christmas spirit by listening to a hand bell choir concert. It's a free concert, from 3 to 4 p.m.

Other Christmas events, all of which can be found at semoevents.com, include:

• A holiday craft and bake sale at St. Mary Cathedral School from 8 a.m. to noon
• A Christmas tree exhibit at the Lutheran Heritage Center in Altenburg, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Oliver House Museum tours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Jackson, and a Santa Claus visit from 5 to 7 p.m.
• Shades of Christmas Concert with Shades of Soul and Chris Nall at The Venue at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Immaculate Conception Church Christmas Concert with Heartland Pops Chorus and Orchestra and more at 2 p.m.

Today is a good day to check out some of the musical talent in our area and get into the Christmas spirit. And while you're at it, don't forget to stop by and see the light displays at the Cape Girardeau County Park and Jackson City Park. No Christmas season would be complete without taking a drive through the lights.

Merry Sunday, everyone!