Grand opening weekend at new nature center

The Cape Girardeau conservation center in Cape Girardeau County Park will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. A ribbon cutting will be held at 10 a.m., followed by lunch sold by a local Boy Scout troop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday only. Learning stations and the building are open to the public until 5 p.m. Events include 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. performances by the Fishin' Magicians, and a 2 p.m. performance by Paul White Eagle, a Native American storyteller.

Cape rodeo to benefit Shriners Hospital

Cape's Wildest Rodeo will be held Friday and Saturday at the Arena Building in Cape Girardeau. Mutton bustin' will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. performance. There will be a clown contest Saturday night. Tickets are available at the gate, with children 5 and under admitted free.

Re-creation of story featured on Grampa Woo

Bobby Norfolk, an Emmy-award-winning storyteller, will re-create the story of William Clark's slave on the Lewis and Clark expedition at 5 p.m. Saturday. The re-created story is part of the program for guests aboard the two-hour Mississippi River cruise on the Grampa Woo. The event is sponsored by Old Town Cape, the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Southeast Missourian as part of the Storyfest 2005 series. Tickets may be purchased at the CVB or by calling 335-1631.

Community dance to be held Saturday

Cape Friends of Traditional Music and Dance will sponsor a community dance from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday at Christ Episcopal Church, 101 N. Fountain St. No partner, costume or experience necessary. There is an admission charge. For more information, call Judy Hubbard at 334-5289 or John Boyd at 335-7315.

Red House plans special programs

Several programs are upcoming at the Red House interpretive center. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, an antique gun display will be held. Dr. John Koch will lead the program. Tickets for the Red House Ball will be on sale beginning Monday at the Arena Building, Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Cape River Heritage Museum and the Red House. Proceeds will benefit the Red House Foundation. The ball will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. June 25 at the Arena Building, with refreshments, dancing by the Cape Friends of Traditional Music and Dance, a fashion show of historical costumes, silent auction, Red House bingo and old-time photographs. Other features include music by Steve Schaffner's band, Manitou and wine tasting with Larry Jackson. Come in costume or modern day dress.

High Noon Toastmasters club meets on Tuesdays

The High Noon Toastmasters club in Cape Girardeau, a not-for-profit organization administered locally by volunteer members, will hold meetings from 12:10 to 1 p.m. Tuesdays at the Church of Christ Annex, 328 S. West End Blvd. The group aims to help individuals become effective communicators both socially and professionally.

Civil War Roundtable has cookout Sunday

The Civil War Roundtable will hold an annual cookout at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Hanover Lutheran Church, 2949 Perryville Road. Due to recent yard work at the church, the cookout location is slightly south of the previous area. Authentic period dishes are planned. For more information, call Mike Hahn at 334-1928.

McGuire Cemetery service set for Sunday

A memorial service followed by a business meeting will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at McGuire Cemetery, Route OO, two miles south of Burfordville. Contributions will be received for cemetery maintenance. Individuals unable to attend may make checks payable to McGuire Cemetery Fund and mail to Earl Stovall, P.O. Box 284, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0284. For more information, call Donna Eakins at 334-8117.

--From staff reports