Sinkhole forces change to Cape River Front Flea Market

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Local vendors are having to make some changes after a sinkhole has formed in downtown Cape Girardeau. 

According to a statement released by the City of Cape they are actively monitoring and assessing a potential sinkhole located near the Merriwether pump station downtown. The affected area was clearly barricaded to ensure public safety. Residents, drivers, and pedestrians are strictly advised to stay out of the barricaded zone. Crews have inspected the eroded area and underground stormwater tunnels. Preliminary assessments indicate the issue may have been affected by legacy stormwater leaks that occurred many years ago, which have since been repaired. 

Flea market organizer John Rogers shares the flea market will continue on September 26, 2026, from 8:00 am until 4:00pm and be just as big as ever. 

“There’s a sinkhole at the bottom of the boardman pavilion lot” says Rogers. “The city is handling it quite well. The works department is on top of it and, so since that’s the case, we will, try to work with the city and work around that area with the event on the riverfront. It will now take place in two lots. It will be at Broadway and Main and also Independence and Main, otherwise known as the Boardman Pavilion lot.“

SEMO Pets will have pets available for adoption and more than 100 vendors will be on-site.

 “Now we got about 110, 115 vendors booked. So, the event should bring a great crowd, and it should be a great day for all, all weather event as well. So, if it would rain, folks can put on their galoshes, their little kids’ galoshes, little umbrellas and still shop the event” says Rogers. 

Rogers shares the Cape River Front Flea market now has extra spots since adding an extra lot, and vendors interested can reach out to the Cape Riverfront Flea Market Facebook page.