Annual Parade of Lights begins at 5 p.m. today

Editor's note: Old Town Cape announced Sunday morning the Parade of Lights is postponed to Dec. 6 because of bad weather.

The 24th annual Cape Girardeau Christmas Parade of Lights will begin about 5 p.m. today to help begin the holiday season for the community with this year's theme, "Mistletoe Magic."

With more than 100 entries consisting of businesses, organizations, churches, marching bands, scout troops and social groups, the parade promises to be festive.

"Every year, all participants always go over-the-top with their preparations and decorating and never disappoint for creating a truly magical spectacle," said Christa Zickfield, marketing and events manager for Old Town Cape.

The parade will begin at Capaha Park and run east on Broadway, turn south onto Main Street and end just beyond Hutson's Fine Furniture.

Zickfield said she is looking forward to the parade because it has been a fun family favorite in Cape Girardeau for years.

"It's always fun to see families and friends gathering with a true sense of excitement as Christmas is ushered in and downtown comes alive," she said. "We're incredibly fortunate for the wonderful community we live in, and we, Old Town Cape, consider it an honor to help organize this parade."

Parking restrictions will begin at 2 p.m., with specific restrictions on Broadway from West End Boulevard to Main Street, and on Main Street from Broadway to Merriwether Street until the parade is finished.

According to a National Weather Service forecast, there is a 60 percent chance of showers today but the chance of precipitation lessens to 40 percent by evening.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled no later than 1 p.m. today. Check for status updates on social media or at OldTownCape.org.

lyoung@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3632

Pertinent address:

Capaha Park, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Broadway and Main Street, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

43 S. Main St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.