Nestled along the mighty Mississippi, in beautiful southeastern Missouri is found the community of Cape Girardeau. The hospitality of the City of Roses and Missouri Lions District 26D will be in full force for the Missouri Lions 1998 State Convention to be held April 30th through May 3rd. Those planning a Thursday, April 30th arrival will find the hospitality of Cape Girardeau and Lions District 26D ready and waiting. For specific information on sites to see, places to go and other planned activities in the area you may call the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau 573-335-1631.

ROARING BY THE RIVER will be the Friday's theme. The festivities begin with the annual Golf Tournament, Friday May 1st, 8:00 am at the Cape Girardeau Country Club. The Westpark Mall (within walking distance from Convention Headquarters) will be open by 10:00 am for areas finest shopping. Registration will begin Friday and will be located in the Holidome of the Holiday Inn Westpark Hotel. The 1st convention session will be held in the Jackson Room of the Convention Center adjacent to the Holiday Inn. The Hospitality Room will be the highlight of the day. The Mississippi River is the east boundary line for District 26D and is the flowing theme throughout the convention. Picture yourself surrounded by a river boat and plenty of southern hospitality. A strolling Dixieland band will entertain you while you taste the sensations provided by each of the eleven Missouri Lion Districts. There will be plenty of seating and easy access to each hospitality area. And, of course, Lion J.Y. Miller of District 26D will continue the tradition of creating the special drink of the Convention. All of this fun will begin at 6:00 PM.

Special Leo activities are planned during the convention including educational sessions and socials.

ROSES BY THE RIVER is the theme for Saturday. All the great activities you would expect begin to take place this day. The Pin Traders will have their area and will open for business. Registration will continue in the Holidome. Activities for the day will include educational seminars, convention sessions, the Model Luncheon featuring speaker, Dr. James Robertson (Faculty in the Political Science Department, Stephen F. Austin University, Nacogdoches, Texas) an entertaining and inspirational graduate of Lions World Services for the Blind. Delegate voting will follow the luncheon. As in past conventions, the Governors Banquet will culminate the days activities with our International First Vice President Kajit Habanananda as the keynote speaker. Plus we will have outstanding entertainment by the Sons of the Western Bootheel.

On Sunday, WE WILL GATHER BY THE RIVER, with the morning necrology memorial service. You may also wish to visit one of Cape Girardeau's fine churches. A list will be provided for you at registration. All convention activities will culminate with the completion of the final session.

This will be a memorable convention which you will not want to miss. A copy of the convention registration form is included elsewhere in this issue of the Missouri Lion. Complete it today. YOU are also responsible for making your own Hotel reservations.

Holiday Inn Westpark (Convention HQ) ..... 573-334-4491 .... 800-645-3379 .... ($62.00 + tax)
Victorian Inn .................................................... 573-651-4486 .... 800-331-0445 .... ($62.00 + tax)
Drury Lodge ..................................................... 573-334-7151 .................................... ($62.00 + tax)
Pear Tree Inn ................................................... 573-334-3000 .................................... ($58.00 + tax)

To receive special convention rates mention the Missouri Lions State Convention to reservations. You can find Convention information on the World Wide Web at http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/4898/register.html.