Busy weekend expected to boost tourism

More than 1,400 Southeast Missouri State University students will graduate during spring commencement Saturday -- a record. The graduation is estimated to bring between 6,800 and 7,000 family and friends to the Show Me Center, said university news bureau director Ann Hayes.

That same day and Sunday, 10,000 to 12,000 people are expected to visit the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport to watch acts such as the U.S. Army Golden Knights and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds during the 2014 Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival, said airport manager Bruce Loy. Usually, about 8,000 visitors are expected, but since this is the Snowbirds' first appearance in Cape Girardeau, more are likely to attend, he said.

Many smaller-scale events also are happening this weekend, said Stacy Dohogne Lane, director of public relations for the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau will host its annual spring garage sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, and the Cape Riverfront Market will take place at the same time in downtown Cape Girardeau.

It is nearly guaranteed local restaurants and hotels will be bursting with visitors this weekend.

After the busy weekend, Dalhousie Golf Club on Monday and Tuesday will host the Class 4 state golf tournament, which could bring about 350 people to the greens, said Jason West, spokesman for the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

ashedd@semissourian.com

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