What a weekend!

There's always plenty to do in Southeast Missouri, but this weekend may be one of the busiest in recent memory. And it's an important weekend too. Anyone with a special interest in history or sports will long remember the events of this weekend for years to come.

This is the weekend when Cape Girardeau officially marks the bicentennial of the Corps of Discovery, the exploratory journey made by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in 1803. Dozens of activities are planned for the weekend. If you're in the downtown area especially, you will find all sorts of things to do. Be sure to visit the Red House, the recreation of Cape Girardeau founder Louis Lorimier's home at the time of the visit by Lewis and Clark.

As you enjoy the special commemorative events this weekend, be sure to remember how much time and effort have gone into the preparations. Hundreds of volunteers have contributed thousands of valuable hours in so many ways. Hats off to everyone who had a hand in this special hoopla.

This is one of the biggest days in football history at Southeast Missouri State University. Saturday's game at 1 p.m. in Houck Stadium could well produce the team's first-ever Ohio Valley Conference championship and an automatic playoff berth.

What a year it has been for this football team. After being ranked at the top of the pack before the season opener, Southeast struggled against non-conference opponents. Now the team sports a 5-2 conference record as it meets Jacksonville State.

The stadium ought to be standing room. Fans, come on out to show your support for coach Tim Billings and his pumped-up squad.

Tonight is also the regular season opener for the women's and men's basketball squads at Southeast. The women will play SIU at 6 p.m., and the men face the University of Wisconsin-GreenBay at 8:15 p.m. at the Show Me Center.

Tension and spirits are also high as the Central High School soccer team heads for the state semifinals this evening in Fenton, Mo. The team will strive to preserve its perfect record. And, if they win tonight, the Tigers will play Saturday for the state championship.

On hand for this all-important contest will be hundreds of fans whose enthusiasm matches that of the team members. Soccer fever has never been hotter in Cape Girardeau.

Big weekend? You bet. Where will you be?