VISION 2000 PARADE HITS SOME SNAGS

Vision 2000 member Julia Jorgensen hopes activities in nearby communities won't reign over her parade.

Jorgensen is the chairperson for the Vision 2000 parade to be held at 1 p.m. Sept. 30. The parade will proceed from Capaha Park to the Broadway Street flood gate for a ceremonial baptism of Vision 2020, a new strategic planning organization that will work toward specific goals to improve the community.

"The purpose is to take us back to the river, both literally and physically," said Jorgensen. "We really want to showcase the diversity of our city."

Jorgensen said she would like to have about 50 groups participating in the parade, but several local groups and individuals who normally would have signed on to participate are already committed to events like the Cotton Carnival parade in Sikeston and a fun run in Jackson.

Entrants in the Vision 2000 parade should feel free to express themselves with floats, costumes or special colors, Jorgensen said. Judges will be on hand to rate each entry, and prizes of $50 and $25 will be awarded for top winners.

Anyone wishing to participate can contact Jorgensen at 335-8228 until 3 p.m. today.

"We are looking for anyone who is a part of the history of Cape Girardeau or groups that are currently active," Jorgensen said. "Anyone who is part of Cape Girardeau needs to brag on how great the city is right now."

The parade is part of a full weekend of activities commemorating the activation of Vision 2020 and the conclusion of work by Vision 2000. Other events include a reunion party Sept. 29 for current and former Vision 2000 members, a Vision 2020 dinner Sept. 30, and dedication of a new rose garden near City Hall on Oct. 1.

Vision 2000 was established in 1987 to work toward four main areas of improvement -- community spirit, planning and zoning, business/industry/jobs, and education -- in the community before the year 2000. At the end of the month, the new organization will establish and work toward a new set of goals through the year 2020, Jorgensen said.

"Cape Girardeau is a much better place to live and work because of our citizens' support of our goals," she said. "It's really because of the whole city that we have this, but now we have goals for the next 20 years.".