The main events for the spring drive, which is coordinated by the Center for Regional History at Southeast Missouri State University, will be held April 26-27, and many of the attractions are open year-round.

An added attraction for this year's drive is an extended southern route. The new route encompasses the region from Commerce to Gravel Hill and goes through Benton, New Hamburg, Chaffee, Delta and Crump. The added area will provide a pretty, rural, and hilly drive.

Throughout the two days, participants may take part in the Altenburg Historic Town tours and visit the village of Brazeau, Trail of Tears State Park, the Commerce Museum, the Pinecrest Azalea Farm in Oak Ridge and the Bollinger County Museum of Natural History. The River Ridge Winery near Commerce will be open, featuring live music from 2-6 p.m. The Cat Ranch Art Guild will hold an arts and crafts show in Marble Hill from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 26 and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 28. Other stops include the Saxon Lutheran Memorial, an 1800s farmstead and log cabin village in Frohna, and the Wicecarvers Store in Marble Hill.

For more information on the 2003 Spring Drive and Calendar of events, contact the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 777-0068.