QUALITY FAIR IS RESULT OF HARD WORK

Today marks the final day of the 144th edition of the SEMO District Fair.

In terms of weather, it has been one of the best in recent history. The days have been sunny, the humidity has been low and the nights have been cool. That has helped to boost attendance -- perhaps to record levels, depending on today's numbers.

And although farmers are begging for rain, the continued lack of it has certainly helped fair attendance. Typically it rains at least one day of the fair, and a rainout of one day or more is not uncommon.

From its start, the fair has run like a well-oiled machine thanks to an army of dedicated volunteers and fair board members.

From keeping the grounds clean and safe to making sure events come off as planned, they're always there working diligently behind the scenes. Many take off the entire week or more from work -- instead laboring hard without pay at the fairgrounds.

Pete Poe, who has ably led the fair for several years, deserves particular praise. The fair board reinvests its profit back into future fair and grounds improvements. They give of their time for personal satisfaction and community betterment. These are the kind of friends and neighbors who make Cape Girardeau County such a fine place to live and work.

A pat on the back should extend to the city of Cape Girardeau as well, especially Dan Muser and his parks department. They have helped to ensure a smooth-running fair in spacious Arena Park that is packed to the gills with booths, displays, animals and entertainment.

If you haven't yet been to the fair, what are you waiting for?

This year's fair is one on the best yet with food booths, thrilling carnival rides, top-notch entertainment, interesting displays, unusual animals and lots of free attractions. Tonight, country music legend Waylon Jennings will perform in the grandstand.

The fair board has kept admission and parking prices low. And don't forget, kids under 12 get in free every day.

The fair's continued success is the fact this event is geared to the whole family. In this day when life is on a fast and furious pace, family members can pass in the night. Too often there's little time to even eat together.

But the fair has a way of bringing families together for a night or two of wholesome entertainment. From the opening day to the toe-tapping parade to the big-name country entertainment, the 144th edition of the SEMO District Fair has not disappointed fairgoers.

And this year Mother Nature seemed to give her blessing as well. The result may well be record attendance numbers -- a tribute to the dedicated SEMO Fair Board volunteers for a job well done.