CBS seeking good backdrop for Flag Day broadcast in Cape

Producers of the CBS "Early Show" hope Cape Girardeau will show its patriotic spirit on Flag Day as a backdrop for a live broadcast.

Next Wednesday "Early Show" weatherman Dave Price will roll into Cape Girardeau for the show's Great American Vacation giveaway. Price will broadcast weather segments live between 6 and 8 a.m. in Cape Girardeau and announce the winner of a paid vacation to a location in the United States.

Tracie Rosenbaum, broadcast associate for "The Early Show," said the location for the broadcast hasn't been pinned down yet. The vacation package that one local person will win is being kept secret to surprise the winner.

The show is looking for a good backdrop to go with Flag Day, though. Several locations have been rumored, including Cape County Park North and its flag display.

"We're hoping since it's Flag Day to have a place that embodies the American spirit," Rosenbaum said.

Tracy Glenn, public information manager for the city of Cape Girardeau, said the city will accommodate the broadcast however it can. There will be increased police presence at the site of the taping, but the city doesn't know what other accommodations producers will need.

Rosenbaum said CBS wants to encourage veterans, their families and others to come to the taping with patriotism in mind wherever the location.

Price began his nearly two-month tour across the country today in Springfield, Mo. Each Wednesday and Friday he will broadcast from a different city, giving away a vacation package in each city.

Rosenbaum said CBS picked cities of various sizes for the visit.

Dan Timpe, promotion director for local CBS affiliate KFVS12, said strong ratings for the local "Breakfast Show" also guarantee a strong audience for "The Early Show" every day. Timpe said that local popularity could have been a factor in bringing Price to Cape Girardeau, along with the local station's request for the visit.

Price was recently in town to scout the area. During the visit he filmed a short video that was shown at the First Friday Coffee last week.

msanders@semissourian.com

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