It seems like Almost Yesterday that the Show Me Center was dedicated in Cape Girardeau. The ribbon cutting for the $13.5 million facility was held on August 20, 1987. One thousand red, white and blue balloons were released by the crowd and a large number of city, state and local dignitaries were on-hand for the festivities.
Cape Girardeau Mayor Gene Rhodes, Missouri Speaker of the House of Representatives Bob Griffin, State Senator John Scott and former Missouri Governor Christopher "Kit" Bond were present and made comments.
The Show Me Center was a wonderful new facility made possible by the sometimes difficult collaboration of city, state and university. Chairman of the House Budget Committee Marvin Proffer of Jackson stated, "All of you have something to be proud of. This is a Show Me Center. We showed the state what can be done."
City Manager Gary Idee said, "It gives us a unique opportunity to enjoy the best of this nation's music, culture, enterainment and sports."
As illustration of that projection, dedication week was brought to a spectacular conclusion with a two hour performance by 84 year old comedian Bob Hope -- who brought down the house when he asked the opening night crowd of 6,500 -- how, after this long and distinguished career in show business he had managed to end up in Cape Girardeau. He paused and then added, "Well, it could've been worse...it could've been Marble Hill."
Mr. Hope also added to our memories of the event by driving a golf ball off the roof of the gleaming new structure. It was a spectacular opening for a spectacular building, a catalyst for growth in Cape Giradeau and southeast Missouri. It seems like Almost Yesterday.
