GROUPS EARN AWARDS FOR CHIRSTMAS FLOATS

The Downtown Merchants Association Monday announced winners in the 1997 Christmas Parade.

Winners were chosen from 108 entries.

The Chairman's Award for best overall float went to Walker & Associates.

Other winners included:

Sweepstakes Award for overall appearance

-- First place, Hobbs Chapel

-- Second place, Walker & Associates

-- Third place, Heartland Center

-- Fourth place, West Side Church of God

Christmas Spirit award for best Christmas theme

-- First place, St. Francis Medical Center

-- Second place, Abundant Life Church

-- Third place, Stroder's Hi-Cotton Dancers

-- Fourth place, First Christian Church

Best Lighted Float award

-- First place, Sandy Creek Baptist Church

-- Second place, Cape Electrical Local #1

-- Third place, Coldwell Banker/Hamilton Realty

-- Fourth place, Southeast Missourian

Merit Awards

-- St. Mary's School

-- Iona Baptist Church

-- Easter Seals

-- City of Cape Girardeau

-- Seabaugh's Wrecker Service

-- Capaha Bank

-- Hutson's Furniture

-- SEMO Hoggs

VIP and Jerry Ford were honored as the best professional band in the parade and St. Vincent's was recognized as the best junior high band.

All winners will receive a certificate from the Downtown Merchants Association.