Bridge's place in history -- on a shot glass?

Excited about the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge?

Want to propose a toast to it?

There's perhaps no better means than a Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge shot glass. For teetotalers, there's a bridge coffee mug.

But those are just two pieces of memorabilia slipping into Cape Girardeau-area stores in advance of the Dec. 13 bridge dedication. Others include magnets -- at 99 cents, the cheapest of the bunch -- paperweights, can coolers, key chains and miniature spoons.

Majorie Foster-Stout, who owns Margie's restaurant near the foot of the bridge's Illinois side, said merchandise is selling well at her business. She even plans to buy some herself. "My son collects shot glasses," she explained.

It was the same at Rhodes 101 Stop at Independence Street and West End Boulevard in Cape Girardeau. Manager Marilyn Schildt reported brisk sales.

Customer Jamie Ross wasn't one of them. He walked by the prominent display Friday with barely a glance. Would he be back for some later? "No," he said, laughing. "It would be a waste of my money."

The items for sale were approved by a bridge opening committee made up of Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce members, Missouri Department of Transportation employees and city workers. Cathi Schlosser, a chamber employee on the committee, said CSPrinting paid an undisclosed amount for the rights to produce bridge merchandise, and that money will go toward dedication ceremony expenses.