It's time for downtown golf: Where will you be Sept. 29?

When Louis Lorimier, founder of our fair city, set up shop along the riverfront, he had no idea there would one day be an internationally acclaimed sporting event named for him.

Louis was not a great athlete. Yes, he raced horses when explorers Lewis and Clark visited that time. But did he actually ride a horse? Or did he simply yell, "Faster, you old nag!" as a herd of horses thundered past his home and general store.

The building that housed that home and general store was known as the Red House. I can't tell you why. It's not a secret. I just don't know.

A few years ago an ambitious, history-minded group decided to build a facsimile of the Red House. It is called the Red House Interpretive Center. It's a place where interested folks can go to learn more about our founder.

For example: I don't know if the docents talk about this very much when visitors show up at the Red House, but even though Lorimier wasn't much into sports, he did have other interests. Like hairdressing. Modern depictions of the man show him with his hair in a braid that stretches to his knees. Pretty soon men all over the territory were showing up at salons demanding the "Louis Look."

Don't you just love history?

The Red House Interpretive Center requires a bit of money to keep things in good shape. Lots of volunteers help out, including the Rose Hills Garden Club that maintains the plantings outside the Red House.

A small fee is charged for visitors to the Red House, but that's not enough to pay all the bills. There are other fundraising events coordinated through the city's Parks and Recreation Department Foundation.

OK. Here's what you've been waiting for.

The First-Ever Eighth Annual Louis J. Lorimier Memorial World-Famous Downtown Golf Tournament is coming up.

When? Sunday, Sept. 29, starting at 1:30 p.m. at the gazebo in the Common Pleas Courthouse Park on the hill overlooking the mighty Mississippi River.

What is "downtown golf?"

It's exactly what it sounds like. You play with one club, usually a five-iron, and you hit special Birdieballs that act just like real golf balls but don't crash through windows or leave huge dents in automobiles. You play on some grass, some city streets and along the riverfront.

There is a cost to participate. It's $25 if you sign up before Sept. 25. You can pay $35 after that. This entitles you to a nine-hole tournament followed by an all-you-can-eat catfish buffet at Port Cape Restaurant at about 3:30 in the afternoon.

Proceeds, after expenses, from the tournament go to the Red House fund. It makes things a little easier to keep the Red House going. It's a good thing.

So, watch for entry forms that will be published right here in the Southeast Missourian. Or call the parks department at 573-339-6340 for more information.

Maybe you'd like to be a hole sponsor. That's a great way to support the Red House and have fun at the tournament.

Bank of Missouri is the major financial sponsor of the event, just as it has been for several years. Thanks to support like that, the Red House can look forward to a bright future.

OK. There you have it. Sign up now. Show up for the tournament on Sept. 29.

Guys: braided hair is optional.

Joe Sullivan is the retired editor of the Southeast Missourian.