Jumping mules, distinctive food make East Perry fair a tradition

AARON EISENHAUER ~ aeisenhauer@semissourian.com Michael Richardson, a sophomore sousaphone player in the Perryville marching band, gets a soda with Emily Westmorlan after the conclusion of the parade at the East Perry County Fair on Friday, September 19, 2008. [Click to enlarge]

ALTENBURG, Mo. — Linda Ehlers still remembers opening day of the East Perry County Community Fair, when she was a little girl and had the day off from school in Altenburg to march in the welcoming parade.

The marchers always wore their Sunday best.

Viola Schilli figures this year marks about the 47th anniversary of her first time attending the "Best Little Fair in the Land," and she plans on continuing the tradition for years to come.

She always makes sure not to miss either day of the two-day fair, and says the mule jumping competition, taking place at 5:30 p.m. today, is her favorite event.

"My husband loves it — that's his big entertainment," Schilli said.

Earlier Friday, Schilli said she encountered a couple visiting the area from St. Louis.

On their way to a nearby winery, they decided to stop at the fair when they saw the banner stretching across the road in downtown Altenburg, Schilli said.

AARON EISENHAUER ~ aeisenhauer@semissourian.com The Perryville High School marching band makes their way down the streets of Altenburg during the East Perry County Fair Parade on Friday, September 19, 2008. [Click to enlarge]

They described the fair to Schilli as being "just like a storybook," as if stepping back in time, she said.

Even while driving toward the fairgrounds, she saw people fill the streets and gather on porches, greeting one another and giving the fair a feel similar to that of a homecoming or a family reunion.

"Everybody's just laughing, smiling, just relaxing and having a good time," Ehlers said.

While the fair has its own midway section devoted to rides, games and funnel cake, activities like mini golf and the popular mule jumping help lend flair to the festivities.

For years, some vendors at the event have offered food beyond the typical carnival fair.

Lorrie Baer of Perryville, Mo., said she always makes a beeline for the buttery grilled cheese sandwiches served up by members of the Immanuel Lutheran Church.

The stand usually starts out with nearly 500 pounds of cheese, and often runs out.

Schilli said her favorite fair snack is the fried fish — jack salmon breaded in cornmeal, black and red pepper and salt, then fried for about seven minutes until encased in a crunchy golden crust with a definite kick.

Another enticing aspect of the fair is the price, since parking is free, entry is free.

"It's a bargain — important with five kids," said Scott Stearns of Cape Girardeau.

Stearns said his family usually skips one night of the SEMO District Fair to attend the East Perry County Community Fair.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

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