Open house and Christmas walk tonight

Tonight is the Downtown Merchants Open House and Christmas Walk from 6 to 9 p.m.

Residents are invited to stroll down the streets of historic downtown Cape Girardeau, where patrons will be greeted by beautifully decorated window displays. There will also be Christmas carolers, refreshments, pictures with Santa, buggy rides, portrait drawings and door rides.

Santa Claus will be at the Southeast Missourian newspaper offices at 301 Broadway for photos and many other merchants will have drawings for door prizes.

All participating merchants have expanded hours for the open house and will be open until 9 p.m. tonight.

Those who attend are also encouraged to register for a chance to win a $2,000 shopping spree. Entry forms can be picked up at any of the 26 participating merchants today or Saturday. Participants must visit a minimum of 13 of the participating stores and have the entry form stamped at each business. Only one stamp per visit will be given and participants must have at least 13 stamps to be eligible for the drawing.

All entries must be stamped and deposited at any of the participating merchants by 5 p.m. Saturday.