Harlem Globetrotters bring their act to Cape Girardeau

Basketball fans of all ages braved the frigid weather Wednesday night, coming out to the Show Me Center to catch the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters in action.

Since 1927, the Globetrotters have been delighting basketball fans of all ages with their goofy antics and amazing talent.

"They're very skilled and entertaining," said Brandon Blaylock, who especially enjoyed seeing the players spin basketballs on their fingertips.

"They put on a good family show with lots of humor. I especially like watching the half-court shots," said Mark Blaylock, Brandon's father.

"I look forward to the silly things they do on and off the basketball court," said Jim Zieba.

With their nifty passing, fancy dribbling, and constant joking around with the audience, the Globetrotters gave the crowd of 2,584 fun-filled family entertainment for over two hours. They then stayed around to sign autographs for the kids.

"I like when they mess with the audience," said Kim Cavanah, who brought along her son Keagan.

Dumping cups of water and buckets of confetti in the crowd was just one of the ways in which they teased the fans.

"I want to see a windmill dunk," said Nolan Weber before the Globetrotters took the court. Later in the evening Weber's wish came true, bringing loud cheers from the audience.

For the older members of the audience, the show evoked childhood memories of watching the Globetrotters years ago.

"I'm excited. I last saw them when I was a little girl," said Penny Mueller.

For young children, seeing the Globetrotters for the first time proved to be an overwhelming experience. Putting smiles on children's faces comes naturally for the fun-loving hoopsters from Harlem.

Whether it was their dazzling dribbling ability, groovy dance moves or goofing around with the officials, basketball's self proclaimed "ambassadors of goodwill" certainly did not disappoint. From the thrilling introductions to the last slam dunk, the Globetrotters provided laughs for the entire family.

"It was a great show -- for both kids and adults," said Allen Borne.

Wednesday's performance was part of the Globetrotters 2004 world tour.