The Downtown Merchants Association is planning for its annual auction.

"That's one of the things on tonight's agenda," said Don Greenwood, the president of the association, which will hold its monthly meeting today at Port Cape Girardeau. "We should have reports on some of the items which will be available for the annual fund raiser."

The "Beach Party" fund raiser will be held in a new location, said Dionne Hoffmeister, who will be coordinating the event for a fourth straight year.

The 14th annual extravaganza will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 318 S. Spanish St., Sept. 22. The event starts at 6 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres provided by Port Cape Girardeau. The auction will start at 8 p.m. but will feature a silent auction when the doors open.

The items are auctioned through the donation of Chug's Auction Service.

"We won't have a list of items available for awhile," said Hoffmeister, "but we always have a good variety of items for the auction -- clothing, jewelry, furniture, collectibles, art prints and gift certificates."

$10 admission

More than 200 people paid a $10 admission to attend last year's party, held at the former Gymnastics Building, at 45 N. Main St. The price will remain the same this year.

"We'll continue with the beach party theme," said Hoffmeister. "People can dress casual."

Highlighting the fun events will be limbo dance and hula hoop contests, and best-decorated beach hat contest.

The auctions of 1999 and 2000 were the largest yet, each raising more than $20,000.

Overall, the fund raisers have provided more than $180,000 for downtown improvements since the auctions started in 1988.

"A lot of people don't realize that the brick crosswalks, flower plantings, benches and historic signage have been paid for by the Downtown Merchants Association," said Greenwood.

Some of the funds have also been used for the annual downtown Christmas Parade and music festival.

In addition, funds have been used to build the downtown pavilion, lighting along the riverfront wall and a number of other restoration and beautification projects.

With the revival of the July Fourth fireworks, some funds may be designated for the fireworks.