If being in the same room as tons of Christmas decor and crafts, dozens of baked goods and gallons of nine different soups motivates you, take a break from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and visit Eisleben Lutheran Church in Scott City. With nearly 25 years in the making, the annual Homemade Christmas is just one of the fundraisers that will benefit Eisleben Lutheran Church maintenance costs (such as flooring replacement) and missions programs. ...

Instead of the usual chili supper or bake sale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday will be the first time for Jefferson Elementary in Cape Girardeau to host its Fall Craft Show and Bake Sale, highlighting crafts and baked goods handmade by students prekindergarten through fourth grade...

Stop by The Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum and celebrate family day with folktales, crafts and traditional music from Appalachia to the Ozark Mountains. Where: The Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum, 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau...

Be part of the Jackson Kiwanis Club’s 5K Run/Walk “It’s All About Kids.” Proceeds will benefit children’s projects such as Elks Christmas baskets, Jackson Police Department Annual Toy Drive and various programs at Orchard Drive Elementary School. Where: Orchard Drive Elementary School, 1402 Orchard Drive, Jackson...

Get ready for River City Players Community Theater’s season finale “Erica and Me.” Organizers described the show as “a comedy with lots of twists and turns and misunderstandings.” Matthew Antill is portraying Simon, the young man wanting that promotion at work; Charlie Foster is portraying the boss; and Claudette Hency is the wife of the boss. ...

The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri is holding its annual gourmet food and dessert auction and you’re invited. You’ll get to sample from the best cooks and chefs in the area. Appetizers and drinks will be served. Auctioneer will be Tom Jones. All proceeds will support animal care...

This weekend marks 10 years for the Community Choral Festival at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, but it's more than just another concert. Proceeds from donations received will benefit the Jackson Ministerial Alliance and its food pantry. And this year the concert is extra special because it falls on All Saints' Day weekend, an important time of reflection for many churches...

Forerunner to the 2004 teen comedy “Mean Girls” and based on the popular film, “Heathers,” the story focuses on lead character Veronica as she falls in love while ascending the high school popularity ladder. When character Heather Chandler labels her an outcast, Veronica decides to lay low. But Veronica’s dark and dangerous love interest’s plan is soon executed...

Three big events highlight a plethora of things to do this weekend: the VintageNow Fashion Show, Cape Fear Con and Cape Girardeau Central High School's production of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." You can make it to all three — and a few more — with careful planning and your TGIF guide...

Even with a slight pause in several of the usual outdoor events (aside from Chaffee German Days this weekend), Southeast Missouri still offers plenty to do to take your mind off the climate change, even if you’re a fan of the subtle hints of fall wafting through the breeze. ...

It's never too early to gear up for Halloween, right? (I do have limits, though — I draw the line at Christmas music before Thanksgiving.) But before we jump right into fall and all the holidays that seem to come one right after the other, let's focus on the eclectic weekend at hand. It's a mixture of spooky adventures, Oktoberfest in uptown Jackson, anniversaries, pumpkins and remembering those who are no longer with us...

Summer events are winding down (Tunes at Twilight and Doggy Swim Day, to name a couple), and others are just getting started. As we feel fall creeping in for its official debut Monday, it signals the beginning of football season (which usually means pregaming with buddies) and more outdoor activities that won't leave you having to wring out of your shirt afterward.

I feel as though I've consumed most of what the food vendors at the SEMO District Fair have to offer (and it's all been amazing), but the cuisine escapade isn't over yet -- we have two more days to enjoy brat burgers, elephant ears and chili dogs! Don't miss the last of the fair week grandstand activities: Hot Rod Truck and Tractor Pull at 7 p.m. today and 6 p.m. Saturday...

Pools are closed, but I'm not crying because the SEMO District Fair kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Saturday with the annual SEMO District Fair Parade in Capaha Park! I plan on attending the fair every day, so I can consume gluttonous amounts of root beer and pork burgers. ...

All I can think about is how awesome it will be to see 55 bands in downtown Cape Girardeau this weekend for charity-driven Fawkesfest19. No matter the music genre you prefer, you'll find a great assortment of local bands that'll live up to the hype (and maybe you'll discover some new ones, too)...

Look no further for your weekend plans; I've searched high and low for a mixture of activities to keep you occupied no matter the mood. Your only obligation this weekend is to attend each event listed below (just kidding). But as we gear up for what I call the last official week of summer (I say that because most pools will close nationwide on Labor Day), take advantage of all the outdoor events you can...

It seems like only yesterday I was counting down the days until my pool opened for summer. Now I'm savoring the remaining pool days as Labor Day approaches. I'll also be savoring some of this weekend's events, which are focused (mostly) on food...

There's so much happening this weekend it's going to be nearly impossible to make it to everything listed below, but don't fret -- your TGIF is all you need! Today you'll find me at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau for the annual Cape First Church Family Day and Demolition Derby. There's nothing better than being surrounded by the smell of hot dogs and exhaust!...

Regular readers will know I love most things from the 1990s, so I was super excited to finally see the new live-action "The Lion King" this week. Some people told me to not expect much; others said it was great. Both sides wore me down to a neutral setting, so I entered the theatre unbiased. ...

If you love any combination of action, drama, booze and great entertainment, then this weekend is definitely for you. With two wrestling events back-to-back (Saturday and Sunday), a pub crawl in memory of beloved bartender Marcellus Jones, drum and bugle corps traveling from all across the nation and a tribute to Elvis Presley, you have no reason to sit at home and continually respond to Netflix's "Are you still watching?" prompt...

With a calendar full of music, meals, moon-landing events and movies -- including the release of "The Lion King" -- this weekend is looking busy. Several bands will perform at the 150th celebration of Oran, Missouri, today and Saturday. (Yes, there will be food; I'll be there.) And Emerald Street Church of God is having a party for its 95th anniversary (also with food; see you there) on Sunday...

We looked to the sky for fireworks last week in honor of America's 243rd birthday, so now let's gander even farther into outer space -- for some natural wonders. With the help of experts, peek into the heavens at Riverside Regional Library in Jackson. Or, you can sit under the stars this evening at Capaha Park for a free showing of the animated '90s "Space Jam."...

The Fourth of July is over, but the hype (and aroma of fireworks) still lingers in my neighborhood. I'm all for it, because it means people are still celebrating freedom and America. This weekend the party continues with the kickoff to pop-up movies in Capaha Park, local bands and First Friday with the Arts. There's even a new dinosaur at Bollinger County Museum of Natural History...

This weekend just might be the most exciting time to be a reporter covering culture and happenings in Southeast Missouri -- there's so much exploring to do! There are three large, free outdoor events -- Cape Be You Urban Festival, Red Door summer block party and community meal and Cape Community Art Day -- all with an overlying theme of community unity. There also are several live music events worthy of your attendance...

This is my last column ... as a 30-year-old. In just a few days I will become a wise, weathered man of 31. I may have changed over the years (hopefully for the better), but one of the things standing the test of time and never disappointing is the "Toy Story" film franchise...

Whatever you do this weekend, remember Sunday is Dad's time. It's his day, and it's family time. I suggest going to a local buffet to celebrate. You'll probably find my family at Golden Corral Buffet & Grill in Cape Girardeau at some point between now and Sunday (the guys in the family thoroughly enjoy eating until we can no longer move)...

For the next few days, here are three things that are for sure: I will get to sleep in, I will be in my pool, and it will be Monday before we know it. With daily temperatures reaching nearly 80 degrees, outside music venues are beginning to offer free performances -- and there's plenty this weekend...

May sure flew by, and now June (my favorite month) is upon us. I tend to get excited when major holidays are right around the corner -- my birthday is in a few weeks, and I'm ready to celebrate. As a child, I always noticed fireworks vendors setting up their tents during my birthday week. So when I see those tents now, I still know gifts for me -- and pyrotechnicss -- are on the way...

Happy Memorial Day weekend! My gift to you is an extended four-day guide to what's happening in Southeast Missouri. Many of us are looking forward to a long weekend (I particularly look forward to some pool time), but that doesn't mean you have to leave the area to have fun -- this week's TGIF is proof...

The next few days will be packed with adventure as the Blue Angels return for the Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival. If you've never been, now's your chance; you just have to get your tickets. To kick things off, the Angels pilots make a special appearance at Tunes at Twilight this evening at Ivers Square in downtown Cape Girardeau before the big show Saturday and Sunday. There also will be free beer samples at Tunes...

First and foremost, it's Mother's Day weekend. I do have some gifts for my mom, even though every year she tells me, "Oh, I don't need anything," which usually is followed by a text hinting at certain things I could buy if I were to buy her gifts. It's funny how helpful that is. But it's almost funnier to know she's reading this...

The weather forecast shows chances of rain this weekend, but all I see are lots of things to keep you busy -- inside and outside -- so there's no reason to worry. My whole life seems to revolve around food, which I'm totally OK with, so I am more than ready for Food Truck Friday in downtown Cape Girardeau this afternoon as a way to kickstart the weekend -- you'll find the list of food vendors below. ...

Regular readers already know I’m basically a 5-year-old in a 30-year-old body. Pop culture — especially from my childhood — always brings a smile to my face. So I’m pumped about this weekend’s TGIF, which features the 14th annual Cape Comic Con at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau...

Daffodils have been blooming the last few weeks, which since childhood has signaled to me the arrival of Easter egg hunts. I'm too old to participate in one now, but I've put together a helpful list for you and the family, since this time of year still gets me amped up for spring...

With temperatures no longer in the 30s (mostly) -- and allergens flying through the air -- I think it's safe to say it's finally springtime. Easter is quickly approaching and related events are already beginning to pop up throughout Southeast Missouri. If you have little ones, you'll find the following list to be helpful...

I hope you made it through April Fool's Day (and the rest of the week) without incident. Now you can (and should) focus on spending each night this weekend at a different production within Southeast Missouri. I might even see you there! "Hello, Dolly!" debuted last night at Notre Dame Regional High School, and I recommend it. ...

It's quite the mixture of fun things this time around, so hang on! Tonight, you and the fam need to check out Kelly High School's production of "Help Us, Mr. Holmes!" The students have put a lot of after-school effort into the family-friendly show. All proceeds will benefit the school's drama department...

Here's to hoping you have fully recovered from all the St. Patrick's Day festivities, because this weekend there's a flight of music varieties to check out. There's even the production of "Evita" taking the stage Saturday at the Southeast River Campus...

Thanks to the beginning of Lent and the start of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, we have a buffet of activities to keep you from sitting at home staring at Netflix for hours upon hours this weekend. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but take the next few days as an incentive to "mix it up" a bit, as the kids say...

It's time once again to move the clocks up an hour Sunday, and I couldn't be more excited. But this time each year always prompts me to ask myself the same question: How many people actually have old-school clocks with physical hands? No offense if you have one (or a dozen in your home), but the only clock with physical hands I own is Power Ranger-themed, above my kitchen pantry...

One day I wake up and it's winter; the next day, it's spring. Good thing there's something stable in life I can always rely on for my weekend plans: TGIF. Aside from that being a shameless plug for the Southeast Missourian entertainment section, we do have several interesting events going on the next few days...

The pools aren't open just yet (I'd be the first to report, if so) and it's still a little dreary outside. It may be rainy this weekend, but don't let that get you down or keep you at home. We've got bowling tonight to benefit Notre Dame Regional High School, the last few showings of "Sister Act" the musical at the Southeast River Campus through Sunday and former editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics -- Roy Thomas -- in uptown Jackson on Saturday...

Much to my liking, the average daily temperatures aren't too cold for this time of the year, which has me looking forward to spring more each day. In just a few weeks we will be moving our clocks up one hour, as we officially welcome springtime! And it seems as though the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is eagerly looking forward to spring as well, with all the outdoor-themed activities offered this weekend...

The weather has been weird lately, which in my opinion can sometimes lead to higher levels of stress because of all the uncertainty of how to dress. And I may have revealed too much about myself with that hypothesis. I'd honestly be fine if Mother Nature would just decide to stick with spring and then happily continue on into higher, summer-like temperatures. I've been counting down the days until my pool reopens since the day after it closed on Labor Day...

It's quite the packed next few days, Southeast Missouri! First of all and most importantly, it is Super Bowl weekend. But I didn't have to tell you that, right? If that's brand new information for you, it's OK. I used to be the same way before I realized it's literally another food holiday for many Americans...

It looks to be very cold (and possibly snowy) this weekend, which means there's no better time to stay indoors, be warm while enjoying a handful of the various events happening throughout Southeast Missouri. Today and Saturday is the annual Bootheel Bluegrass Festival, with nine bands from all over the United States...

Brace yourself for the next few days, as there will be several opportunities to grow and learn more about you, while discovering new things within and about Southeast Missouri. Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday observing the life work of King — and it isn’t just a day off from work or school. Several events honoring the day take place Monday, so your weekend itinerary has been extended accordingly...

If you're new, welcome to Southeast Missouri, where the temperatures know no season but there's plenty to do year 'round! Snow seems likely this weekend, so time to turn your attention to indoor activities the entire family can enjoy (without having to make sure the little ones stay bundled up)...

Let's all take a moment of silence, breathe deep and realize we're temporarily in the clear when it comes to spending holidays with the extended family. But you can still take part of the clan for a cruise this weekend for multiple stops at family-friendly events throughout Southeast Missouri...

Well, 2018, as the kids say, "it's been real!" This past year has been ridiculous for the number of events happening throughout Southeast Missouri, which is great. I couldn't choose just one or two to highlight this week, even though several of my favorites involve food (which is no shocker, I'm sure)...

It's official: Winter begins today and we're four days away from Christmas. This is your last weekend to take in all the Christmas-themed events Southeast Missouri has to offer ... until next year. Christmastime is a season of togetherness; so grab the relatives you don't spend much time with, those neighbors you don't talk to often, and even those people you haven't necessarily wanted to hang out with since the last presidential election...

I couldn't be more excited for Christmas. My bachelor pad has been officially decorated for the holidays since mid-October. I have one Christmas tree on display in my living room with St. Louis Cardinals-themed ornaments accompanied by a camouflage Santa hat as the tree topper, tinsel -- inspired by "It's a Wonderful Life" -- and humongous vintage-style multicolor lights that also double as a heat source...

With the weather being so back-and-forth lately, it's hard to believe that Christmas Day is less than three weeks away. But we have enough winter-themed events going on for the next few days to get you into that Christmas spirit everyone's raving about this time of year...

It's safe to say it's officially the time of year where holidays seem to come one right after the other. I'm not complaining, because celebrations now through New Year's Day usually contain an oversupply of food and beverages. To celebrate this weekend, taking the family to the Uptown Jackson Christmas Parade on Saturday is a must -- Santa will be there, too. If you're in the Chaffee, Missouri, area, be sure to check out the Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade at 2 p.m. Saturday...

For most, the day after Thanksgiving means shop 'til you drop. For me, the day after Thanksgiving means eat all the leftovers. But we can all agree this weekend there are lots to keep us busy. The Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks have made it to the playoffs, and this Saturday, Southeast is hosting Stony Brook in a first-round game -- Southeast's first home playoff football game -- 1 p.m. at Houck Field. For game updates, check out semoball.com...

With most retail stores already displaying mass-produced Christmas decorations of all shapes and sizes, this weekend is your chance to purchase and showcase your one-of-a-kind finds from local and traveling vendors. Three craft shows you have to attend in Southeast Missouri:...

We're beginning this Veterans Day weekend with some original art by students at the Fault Line Film Festival main gala and awards ceremony on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. And don't miss the River City Players Community Theatre performance of "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," through Sunday at Port Cape Girardeau...

Food is the one thing with the power to unite people of all races, backgrounds and political sides, and Notre Dame Regional High School students have put in hard work over the last few months to bring you "Restaurants and Relationships." It's a three-part production set in multiple restaurants, with show times through Saturday...

With Halloween being a few days away, I'm reminded of a time when young Joshua was decked out in his white Power Ranger costume, traveling door-to-door collecting free candy from the neighbors. Actually, it was only last year, and I was wearing my red Power Ranger costume. But that's beside the point...

We kick off this somewhat chilly weekend at Port Cape Girardeau this evening with humor, made possible by comedians Tina Dybal and Bobby Jaycox. Saturday, be sure to visit the Show Me Center for the ninth annual VintageNOW Fashion Show fundraiser, benefitting the local Safe House for Women. Since the show began, it has raised more than $350,000.

Welcome back, Southeast Missouri State University alumni! It's a time of hanging out with old friends, making new and enjoying all this weekend has to offer. It kicks off with the Copper Dome Society/Alumni Awards Dinner at the Show Me Center today, followed by a parade, tailgating and the Southeast Redhawks vs. Austin Peay football game Saturday at Houck Stadium, according to the official online schedule at semo.ed/homecoming...

It's the start of Oktoberfest season, and to celebrate we have several fall activities on deck to get you into fall -- without the fall-like temperatures. Today and tomorrow, be sure to visit the Bollinger County Fall Festival in Marble Hill, Missouri, for a parade and lots of food...

I have eaten my fair share of fair food lately, thanks to the SEMO District Fair last week, but I'm happy to announce there is yet another chance to eat, drink and be merry this weekend, in Altenburg at the "Best Little Fair in the Land." But block off your entire Saturday, though, and spend it at Ivers Square in Cape Girardeau for a one-of-a-kind, daylong music festival -- with seven bands and all the food you can handle...

Cooler temps are gradually making their presence known throughout Southeast Missouri, but there's still plenty to do outside. Don't binge on lunch today; save some room for the all-you-can-eat fish at Scott City Assembly of God. It comes with all the fixin's, too...

You're not supposed to wear white after Labor Day, but it is permissible to jump headfirst into all things "fall" -- concerts, festivals ... and the SEMO District Fair. It's quite a mash up of great food, tunes and activities through Sunday, so you better go to every event. And no, I am not joshing you...