SEMO District Fair

Champion junior heifer calf: Birk Beef Cattle, Gordonville Reserve champion junior heifer calf: Hat Creek Genetics, Jackson Champion heifer calf: Hat Creek Genetics, Jackson Reserve champion heifer calf: Versemann Angus, Jackson Intermediate champion heifer: Wyatt Pohlman, Oak Ridge...

The Southeast Missouri District Fair provided ample fun, food and farm animals for young and old from far and wide.

This year marks the 167 year of the SEMO District Fair. The fair will begin Saturday, Sept. 9, at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau will host those young and old who want to partake in carnival rides and perhaps more than a few deep-fried treats. There will be the usual events for fairgoers to enjoy through the fair's end Saturday, Sept. 16, including the grandstand performances, pageants and some free entertainment. Below is a listing of daily events for the 2013 SEMO District Fair...

The Sept. 10 to 17 SEMO District Fair saw a 2.2% year-to-year increase in admissions over 2021, according to information newly released by the Fair Board. Fair admissions totaled 82,887 last month compared to 80,637 in 2021. "Attendance was behind (last year) going into the last Friday and Saturday (but) we had a strong end to the fair, which I attribute to the truck and tractor pull and the demolition derby," said Dustin Richardson, Fair Board vice president...

All cities are in Missouri unless mentioned. Champion junior heifer calf: Paige Birk, Gordonville Reserve champion junior heifer calf: Hat Creek Genetics, Jackson Champion heifer calf: Lane Pohlman, Oak Ridge Reserve champion heifer calf: Hat Creek Genetics, Jackson...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department will be instituting no-parking zones and closing streets around the city to help with traffic flow during the SEMO District Fair events. "No Parking" signs will be placed around Arena Park on Friday and will be enforced starting Saturday, according to a news release from Cpl. Ryan Droege, public information officer for the department...

Colorful rides light up the skyline of Arena Park. Sounds of live music and revving engines fill the Grandstand with excitement. Funnel cakes, corn dogs and cotton candy abound. The theme of the 167th-annual SEMO District Fair, “No Time Like Fair Time,” couldn’t be more true...

The SEMO District Fair, a Southeast Missouri staple for nearly 170 years, returns Sept. 10 to 17 with entertainment headliner Blues Traveler performing Sept. 15. Darrell Aufdenberg, president of the fair association, said he and others who put on the fair are really excited about this year’s rendition. Aufdenberg, himself a farmer, said he’s looking forward to the youth livestock shows. There has been an increase in entries this year...

The year's annual SEMO District Fair will host musical performances and motorsport events, organizers announced Wednesday. The fair will run from Sept. 10 to 17 at the Cape Girardeau fairgrounds in Arena Park, located at 410 Kiwanis Drive. The theme is "No Time like Fair Time."...

Grand champion cow/calf: Joey Rubel, Old Appleton Champion junior heifer calf: Terry Pohlman, Oak Ridge Reserve champion junior heifer calf: Verseman Angus, New Wells Champion heifer calf: Gracyn Meier, Jackson Reserve champion heifer calf: Paige Birk, Gordonville...

Champion: Eva Barnfield, Gordonville, 4-H Club Reserve champion: Emma Essner, Tilsit 4-H Club Champion: Mason Lee, Helping Hands 4-H Club Reserve champion: Kaleb Davis, Fruitland 4-H Club Overall grand champion rabbit: Eva Barnfield, Gordonville, 4-H Club...

The SEMO District Fair's Grandstand entertainment has been announced. This year's concert lineup for the fair, which will be held from Sept. 11 through 18 at Arena Park, will be Christian singer Zach Williams, who is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. Sept. 14, jam band Blues Traveler will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 15 and southern rock sextet Whiskey Myers will play at 8 p.m. Sept. 16...

The 2020 SEMO District Fair has been canceled because of coronavirus concerns, the fair’s board of directors announced late Wednesday night in a news release. The fair was scheduled to take place from Sept. 12 through 19 at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau...

The 2020 SEMO District Fair is set for Sept. 12 through 19, and the musical lineup was announced late Tuesday. According to a Facebook post, musical entertainment includes Zach Williams, a Christian rock artist, on Tuesday, Sept. 15; Blues Traveler, all types of rock including blues, folk, soul, and southern and others, known for their 1990s hit "Runaround," on Wednesday, Sept. 16; and Whiskey Myers, Southern rock and country, on Thursday, Sept. 17...

Best of show - canning: Joe Ewers, Cape Girardeau Best of Show in Canning received gift certificate from Gail Howard with Pampered Chef. Best of show: Baking: Susan Ahrens, Jackson Best of show: Sewing: Linda Withrow, Cape Girardeau Best of show: quilts, Hand-Quilting: Helen Vandeven, Marble Hill, Missouri...

Angus Champion junior heifer calf: Greg Meier, Hat Creek Genetics, Jackson Reserve champion junior heifer calf: Bradley Going, Nashville, Illinois Champion heifer calf: Greg Meier, Hat Creek Genetics, Jackson Reserve champion heifer calf: Emmalee Mueller, Perryville, Missouri...

Pete Poe's "office" much of last week was the cab of his pickup truck as he logged mile after mile around and through Cape Girardeau's Arena Park. Next to him, on the truck's center console, was his cellphone and a note pad where he kept track of all the things that needed to be done before the SEMO District Fair opened...

Among the pack of roughly 200 restored large tractors, lawn tractors and other farming machinery sits Wayne Helderman’s red Massey-Harris 555D “wheatland” tractor next to a slick-wheeled 1924 Wallis. The tractors will be on display through Friday, marking the Egypt Mills Antique Tractor Club’s 39th year at the SEMO District Fair in Cape Girardeau...

FFA Steers (sponsored by CO-OP Service Center, Inc., Jackson) Grand Champion FFA Steer: Aaron Brown, Jackson FFA Reserve Grand Champion FFA Steer: Chase Gray, Kelly-Benton FFA FFA Beef Showmanship (sponsored by MFA Exchange, Jackson): Kyle Lappe, Jackson FFA...

BEEF Angus Champion Heifer Calf: Kyle Lappe, Jackson Reserve Champion Heifer Calf: Paige Birk, Gordonville Intermediate Champion Heifer: Paige Birk, Gordonville Reserve Intermediate Champion Heifer: Hat Creek Genetics, Jackson Junior Champion Heifer: Caleb Crain, Mounds, Illinois...

1st: Sharon Lutes and Heather Davis; Glenallen, Missouri 2nd: Sonya Pearman and Kelsey Whalen; Olive Branch, Illinois 3rd: Effie Sidiropoulos and Mia Willis; Jackson 1st: Caroline Wirtel of Cape Girardeau; daughter of Morgan and Charlie Wirtel 2nd: Graelyn Reddin of Cape Girardeau; daughter of Madison Robertson and Jalen Reddin...

After a disappointing opening day, attendance numbers at the 163rd SEMO District Fair rebounded to reach about 93,000 across eight days — close to 2017’s numbers, said Pete Poe, a member of the fair’s board of directors. “We had a really good week,” Poe said...

1st: Bryce and Willy Max of Jackson 2nd: Tony and Tatum Hughes of Jackson Tied for 3rd: Jerry and Stosh Gillian of Marble Hill, Missouri; Tab and Andrew Below of Cape Girardeau 1st: Katie and Beth Chesser of Millersville 2nd: Reid and Rhett Richmond of Cape Girardeau...

What accounts for the fair's sustained popularity depends on who you ask. 4-H organizer J.W. Strack said his mother, Dortha, who was a longtime fair organizer before her death in February, had a saying that summed up the fair's appeal. "She used to say it every year," he said. "From 1 to 100, you're always a kid at the fair."...

For the first time in 54 years, the SEMO District Fair is operating without the experience and dedication of “Miss Dortha” Strack, who became somewhat of an icon within the 4-H community. Strack died in February. She was the first inductee into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame...

Six rabbits — and a chicken — were dressed and ready for judging during the Poultry and Rabbit Dress-Up Contest on Sunday afternoon at the SEMO District Fair. Lauren Cox, 8, has been participating in the Poultry and Rabbit Dress-Up Contest for three years now, competing with a chicken and a rabbit; while siblings Arabella and Elijah Standley, ages 9 and 6 respectively, gave it their first shot this year with their rabbits...

Because of excessive rainfall, the SEMO District Fair schedule for this weekend has been altered, according to a news release Saturday. The Dual Demo Derby scheduled for 6 p.m. today has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday and barrel racing has been canceled and will not be rescheduled, according to the release...

Major rainfall in the forecast has put the brakes on what was scheduled to be a bustling weekend in Cape Girardeau. The 163rd SEMO District Fair Parade has been canceled for Saturday, and the annual Day at the River, another popular event, is being moved inside to the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, 2289 County Park Drive...

The SEMO District Fair returns next weekend, bringing with it a new carnival company, 30 amusement rides and more than 80 vendors. To kick things off, the annual fair parade will begin 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau, followed by the annual SEMO Fair Pageant on Sunday...

Youth 1st: Austin Bodenstein 2nd: Dillon Aufdenberg 3rd: Lucy Dicks Adults 1st: Luke Aufdenberg 2nd: Renee Peters 3rd: Truffy Supreme female champion: Paige Birk, Jackson FFA Reserve supreme female champion: Hunter Wessell, Jackson FFA Angus Grand champion heifer: Paige Birk, Jackson FFA...

Doe champion: Josh Swain, Leopold 4-H Club Reserve champion: Tanner Morehead, Leopold 4-H Club Buck champion: Hannah Stengler, Rodeo 4-H Club Reserve champion: Mason Lee, Helping Hands 4-H Club Overall grand champion: rabbit: Josh Swain, Leopold 4-H Club...

1st: Ainsley and Lux Strickland, Essex, Missouri 2nd: Blaine and Brady Torbet, Cape Girardeau 3rd: Ayden and Austin Moreland, Cape Girardeau 4th: Hadley and Madelyn Musgraves, Jackson 1st: Bryce and William Max, Jackson 2nd: Jerry and Stosh Gilliams, Marble Hill, Missouri...

1st: Cindy Wheatley, Sikeston, Missouri 2nd: Dayne Greer, Coldwater, Missouri 3rd: Dude Huey, Cape Girardeau 4th: Wayne Wheatley, Sikeston, Missouri 5th: Mike King, Oak Ridge 6th: Mary King, Oak Ridge Full-size feature 1st: Dustin Matty, Cape Girardeau...

Wayne Helderman knows tractors. His International Harvester 650 is one of about 100 tractors at the SEMO District Fair this year, presented by the Egypt Mills Antique Tractor Club. Helderman said it was made in 1957, the same year he graduated from high school at Jackson. He bought the tractor at a sale in Illinois several years back...

On a cool, overcast Tuesday afternoon, cattle and handlers lined up in the youth show barn on the SEMO District Fairgrounds. Lights aren't on overhead, and natural light doesn't do much to illuminate four black angus cattle tied up in their straw-covered stalls...

Some were merely crumpled. Others would be hideous, if not for a ramshackle charm. Even the groundskeeper's wheelbarrow bumped along on a flat tire as he rounded the track caching fire extinguishers. But that was the game -- perseverance. Among the fleet that gathered Saturday evening for the SEMO District Fair's demolition derby was an undead Lincoln Town Car; number 19...

Thousands of locals lined sections of Broadway and North Kingshighway to watch the annual parade Saturday morning that kicks off the SEMO District Fair in Cape Girardeau. Beginning at Capaha Park, the parade — containing the maximum of 125 entries — proceeded along Broadway and North Kingshighway before concluding at the fairgrounds in Arena Park...

Because of a high number of people anticipated to attend the SEMO District Fair, parking regulations will be implemented, according to the Cape Girardeau Police Department. "No Parking" signs will be posted Friday in Arena Park, and enforcement will begin 6 a.m. Saturday...

Of all the new and returning attractions coming to the SEMO District Fair this week, organizer Pete Poe said the one he's most anticipating may be a bacon-wrapped Oreo cookie. "It's really kind of good-looking, and it tastes good, too," he said. "I had one up in Sedalia, [Missouri]."...

Painter and U.S. Navy veteran Aaron Horrell's upcoming "Paint for a Cause" fundraiser will be his biggest yet. The final project will be a 5-by-10-foot mural of an eagle and airplane above a depiction of the Missouri Veterans Home, painted inch-by-inch...

SEMO DISTRICT FAIR AWARD WINNERS 2016: FFA FFA steers Supreme grand champion steer: Paige Birk, Jackson FFA Reserve supreme grand champion steer: Jessica Gray, Jackson FFA Grand champion steer: Paige Birk, Jackson FFA Reserve grand champion steer: Jessica Gray, Jackson FFA...

Senior horse/mule challenge First: Dayne Greer, Coldwater, Missouri Second: Dude Huey, Cape Girardeau Third: Cindy Wheatley, Sikeston, Missouri Fourth: Earl Amelunke, Gordonville Fifth: Mike King, Oak Ridge Sixth: Mary King, Oak Ridge Seventh: Elizabeth Hunter, Blodgett, Missouri...

People come to the SEMO District Fair for a variety of reasons: the rides, the concerts, the tractor pulls. But what some people look forward to most of all is the food. From the smoke wafting from barbecue pits to the onions grilling before a generous helping is added to the top of a Polish sausage, the sights, sounds and smells of the food trucks, trailers and stands are a staple of the fair, as are the people and organizations who run them...

From Saturday to Sept. 17, the annual SEMO District Fair will set up at the Arena Park fairgrounds in Cape Girardeau to offer plenty of opportunities for fun. Many free events will be available for fairgoers, as well as the usual rides and fair food...

Cape Girardeau police will enforce additional "no parking" signs around Arena Park during the SEMO District fair. Police will place the signs around Arena Park on Friday and will begin enforcing the sings Sunday, according to a news release from the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Vehicles left in the no-parking areas will be towed at the owner's expense, and a traffic ticket will be issued...

4-H/FFA Combined Beef Snhow Angus Champion: heifer: Paige Birk, Jackson FFA. Reserve champion heifer: Paige Birk, Jackson FFA. Champion: bull: Tate Kiefer, Meadow Heights FFA. Polled Hereford Champion: heifer: Phillip Mueller, Frohna Busy Bees 4-H Club...

The theme and performance lineup for the 2015 SEMO District Fair was announced Wednesday. The fair reaches a location milestone this year, which is recognized in the theme "We Have a Good Thing Growing -- 75 years at Arena Park." Marking the fair's opening Sept 12 is the annual fair parade. It begins at 9:30 a.m. at Capaha Park...

Second: Michael Allen Third: Dude Huey Fourth: Mary King Fifth: Mike King Sixth: Edwin Peetz Jr. Seventh: Ron L. Estes Eight: Earl Amelunke Ninth: Mel Ehrhardt First: Charlie Walker, parent, Jodie Walker, Bell City, Missouri Second: Hanna Conner, parent, Roxanna Williams, Essex, Missouri...

Best of Show awards Agronomy: Addison Engelen, Leopold 4-H Club Arts & Crafts: Alice Mansell, Fruitland 4-H Club Arts & Crafts: Aleris Goodson, Farrar Hawthorne 4-H Club Breads: Sara Gholson, Tilsit 4-H Club Cake Decorating: Renee Peters, Tilsit 4-H Club...

The judges must have seen something Tamara and Winnie Smee didn't. The two Cape Girardeau women won first place Tuesday evening in the mother-daughter look-alike contest at the SEMO District Fair. "We don't see [the resemblance] as much, but other people do, so I thought we might as well enter," Winnie Smee, 18, said as she and her mother stood outside the activities tent in matching magenta shirts and skinny jeans...

The main event for the 159th SEMO District Fair on Sunday was the fourth annual Mouser Steel Heartland Barrel Racing Extravaganza hosted by the Barrel Racing Association. The races began at 1 p.m. with the PeeWee division, where 10 riders ages 8 and younger took turns riding their horse around the track...

Organizers of the SEMO District Fair could not have asked for a more perfect opening day. With hot or rainy weather a deterrent for crowds, a cool day in the 70s was exactly what they needed. The fair began Saturday with the antique tractor pull and the SEMO Fair Parade, the latter of which was a change from its usual Monday night slot. Crowds lined the streets from Capaha Park along Broadway to the fairgrounds at Arena Park. After that, the crowds only grew...

Pete Poe has been with the SEMO District Fair for more than 30 years. During that time, he's seen every kind of outcome, from masses of people flooding the entry gates to the lackluster years with lower attendance. "It's hard to say [what makes a good year] -- weather, temperature, rain, people's schedules -- all kinds of things have a play on it," he said...

10 Jeremy Camp 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Grandstand Grammy-nominated contemporary Christian artist Jeremy Camp plays uplifting gospel music with a rock influence. 9 Cross-Cut Saw Competition 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at the Antique Tractor Display Area...

State fair cuisine remains unmatched in terms of novelty, decadence and downright practicality. Fair season brings with it a handful of culinary delights that we look forward to the rest of the year, and Wes Campbell, director of outdoor concessions at the SEMO District Fair, promises this year will be no exception...

It won't be long before Arena Park is filled with the smells of fried food and the shouts of carnival-goers. The SEMO District Fair kicks off its 159th year Saturday with a theme of "Sew it, Grow it, Show it!" and promises to appeal to young and old...

Kids throughout Southeast Missouri are getting their livestock in trim for the SEMO District Fair, set for Sept. 6 through 13 at the fairgrounds at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau. Entry clerk Patty Turner said about 100 youngsters from a 23-county area are expected to show their animals. Gabe Ruehling of Perryville, Missouri, and twins Andrew and Nathan Aufdenberg of Gordonville are among them...

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The SEMO District Fair ended last Saturday night, and the removal of its carnival rides and exhibits from Arena Park marked the unofficial end of summer for area residents. But fair board president Pete Poe is happy with this year's edition of the fair that once again brought in tens of thousands of people from across the region...

Contemporary country singer Colt Ford closed out the SEMO District Fair on Saturday night, playing to a crowd of more than 2,000 people. Tickets for the orchestra section and about a third of the grandstand were sold before Saturday night, and tickets were selling quickly before the concert started, despite some rain...

About 2,600 people turned out Friday night for country music veteran Travis Tritt at the SEMO District Fair.

Country singer Gretchen Wilson invited about 1,550 fans to get rowdy with her Thursday night at the grandstand in Arena Park during the SEMO District Fair. Wilson began the show with her song "Here For The Party." After the song was finished, she asked the crowd, "What about you? You here for the party tonight?" The crowd seemed to agree as they were yelling, clapping, singing along and dancing...

Father/son look-alike contest First, Paul and James Fortner, Jackson; second, John and Maxwell Spear, Cape Girardeau; third, Stephen and Wyatt Baker, Marble Hill, Mo. Baby boy contest 3 to 6 months: first, Ryder Otterson, Jackson; second, Easton Kyle Peeler, Jackson; third, Michael Zaiden Seabaugh, Cape Girardeau...

More than 480 spectators watched nine regional finalists compete Wednesday night in the 12th annual Heartland Idol contest at the SEMO District Fair. Each contestant performed two songs.

Team: Kimbeland Eagles, Cape Girardeau. Team members: Walt Marshall, Kay Marshall, Dan Braswell, Jill Braswell, Randy Bohn, Shelley Bohn, Delbert Walter and Joan Walter. Class 5,500 lbs.: First, Keith Ward, Poplar Bluff, Mo.; second: Mike Brockmire, Cape Girardeau...

Hundreds came out to Arena Park for the dual demolition derby and other activities at the SEMO District Fair. "I came out for the derby and I want to see one," said David Kelch of Thebes, Ill. Kelch and wife Rhonda brought twin sons Cayden and Brayden, 4, to cheer on friend Derek Temke of the Podunk Racing Team. ...

SEMO District Fair pageant Tiny Miss (ages 2-3) First place, Makenna Lynn Nixon, Chaffee, Mo.; second, Audrina Roach, Cape Girardeau; third, Stella Madden, Portageville, Mo. Little Miss (4-6) First, Maleigh Lemings, Gideon, Mo.; second, Lorelei Stanridge, Sikeston, Mo.; third, Carlee Copeland, Cape Girardeau...

Karaoke contest Senior First, Anna Ayers, Chaffee, Mo.; second, LaJune Knox, Cape Girardeau; third, Charlene Welch, Diamond, Mo. Junior First, Brittany Conk, Poplar Bluff, Mo.; second, Amber Vandeven, Chaffee, Mo.; third, Heather Conaway, Jackson...

The second day of the SEMO District Fair brought hundreds out for the exhibits and competitions. The 4-H building showcased 921 crafts, projects, robotics, computer projects and artwork by area young people. The work was done by 4-H members aged 8 to 18. Also displayed is work done by Clover Kids, which is for younger children. The Clover Kids submitted 70 projects for judging...

Hundreds flocked to Arena Park on Saturday for the opening day of the 155th annual SEMO District Fair. Although the antique tractor pull was postponed until Sept. 15 due to muddy conditions, 120 antique and restored tractors were on hand for viewing...

The sight of carnival rides and smell of deep-fried fair treats has delighted generations of Southeast Missourians, and now it's time for these things and more to fill Cape Girardeau once again. The 155th SEMO District Fair begins Saturday in Arena Park. ...

After the last funnel cake is devoured, after the Ferris wheel spins 'round for its final time, after the fair fun comes to an end, it's time to pack up. Starting at about 10:30 p.m. Saturday, about 100 workers with Lowery Carnival Co. labored into the early morning hours dismantling the 30 or so rides and many more game and concession booths...

A large and enthusiastic crowd welcomed Kennett, Mo., native David Nail and his band to the stage Saturday evening at the SEMO District Fair. "I've spent many a day and many a night here in Cape Girardeau," Nail told the crowd three songs into the performance. "And I've got to tell you that it means a lot to be able to come back home and play music in front of some of my best friends and my family. It's always a little emotional to come back home, so bear with me."...

Though it wasn't the crack of dawn, roosters were crowing Saturday afternoon at the SEMO District Fair during the 4-H and FFA Rooster Crowing Contest. The third annual event was sponsored by Cape Girardeau Walmart and the SEMO District Fair. There were 10 handlers total competing...

Drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford and bassist Stu Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revisited have been rocking crowds around the world for 53 years.

First: Wayne Stroder, Oak Ridge; second: A.W. Hunt, Millersville; third: Junior Peetz, Jackson; fourth: Dude Huey, Cape Girardeau; fifth: Earl Amelunke, Gordonville; sixth: Dayne Greer, Coldwater, Mo.: seventh: Mary King, Oak Ridge. Illinois Tractor Pulling Association ...

Despite a hoarse voice from battling illness the past two days, George Jones belted out songs from his country music repertoire to an almost sold-out crowd Thursday night at the SEMO District Fair. "I went through two days of I won't even tell you," Jones told the crowd...

The Heartland Idol Karaoke contest has been rescheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, according to fair organizers. The singing competition was canceled Wednesday night as rain pelted the fairgrounds, shutting down the midway and rides by 4 p.m. Admission for the Bootheel Harley Davidson's Heartland Idol is free. ...

Tonight's Heartland Idol competition at the SEMO District Fair has been postponed until Saturday. The postponement was reported on Twitter by local radio station K103, which is a sponsor of the contest. The competition pits amateur singers against each other to see who can sing the best karaoke. Admission is free...

Spectators filled the grandstand Tuesday night at the SEMO District Fair to watch the dual demolition derby.

With the dual demolition derby set to take place at the SEMO District Fair today, participants are putting the finishing touches on their cars for the competition. According to Bob Mauer, vice president of Auto Race Promotions, the derby's 80-car limit will probably be filled...

About 400 people showed up Sunday afternoon for a new event at the SEMO District Fair this year -- barrel racing. The race in the grandstand arena was put on in conjunction with the Heartland Barrel Racing Association. The associations' Tyler Williams said it was a mutual decision between the association and the fair staff to decide to try barrel racing this year because horse racing competitions seem to be hot in the area...

The SEMO District Fair will commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks Sunday. It will do so by holding a ceremony at the grandstand at 3 p.m.

Local organizations are planning ceremonies to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Knights of Columbus Council No. 1111 will hold a ceremony at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Knights of Columbus hall at 318 S. Spanish St. in Cape Girardeau...

A few familiar faces will play the SEMO District Fair grandstand when Creedence Clearwater Revisited takes the stage Sept. 16. The group features the original drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford and bassist Stu Cook. "We're sort of a crossbreed," Cook said. ...

Country fans will see a forefather of the genre Thursday at the SEMO District Fair. George Jones will play his legendary hits like "She Thinks I Still Care," "Tender Years" and "He Stopped Loving Her Today" for the crowd at 8 p.m. Thursday as the fair's grandstand entertainment for the night. ...

Fair food has come a long way since the corn dog was introduced at the Texas State Fair in the 1940s. Nowadays there's hardly any food that some vendor hasn't thought of throwing into a deep fat fryer. For example, recently fried Kool-Aid and even fried beer have been added to the midway menu. ...

Trivia contest winners The Kimberland Eagles. Members are Delbert Walter, Joan Walter, Randy Bohn, Shelly Bohn, Bud "Walt" Marshall, Kay Marshall, Dan Braswell and Jill Braswell. Ken-Ten Truck Pullers 5-F class First place: Rick Wilson...

For many, the SEMO District Fair is for indulging in fried foods and getting an adrenaline rush from carnival rides. For some others, it's about showing off talents in the more than 10 contests and tournaments held in the eight-day festival at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau...

When John D. Hale attended the SEMO District Fair as a boy, he never dreamed that one day he would be a headline entertainer at the event. "I've showed livestock there. I've seen a lot of shows there," Hale said. The John D. Hale Band took the grandstand stage Saturday evening at the fair, becoming the first area band in recent memory to perform there. ...

About 200 people sat close to the stage as Bryan White sang songs of love and homecoming Friday night at the SEMO District Fair. White is on tour in support of his new album, "Dustbowl Dreams," and performed several songs from the album as well as some hits from his previous albums...

East Central Missouri Tractor Pullers Association Class 9300 SF First place: Leon Hellebusch of Marthasville, Mo. Second place: Roger Liermann of Marthasville, Mo. Third place: Cole Stanbury of Auxvasse, Mo. Class 8200 PS...

The SEMO District Fair draws to a close Saturday with a local act for the main entertainment. After a long day of rides, fair food and trying to win things, relaxing in the stands to the country rock of the John D. Hale Band is the way to go. The band's sound ventures closer to the country days of old, outlaw country. Its blend of folk, country, bluegrass and rock follows in the footsteps of other popular fair acts...

More than 2,000 animals will be shown throughout this year's SEMO District Fair, giving attendees the chance to see livestock every day of the event. Lawrence McBryde, co-chairman of the fair's livestock support committee, said for the second year the fair has used the split show format, allowing exhibitors to show their animals either Saturday through Monday or Tuesday through Saturday. ...

Mel Tillis is a country-music icon by every measure: A Nashville veteran for more than 50 years, the performer of "Coca Cola Cowboy," "Southern Rain" and "Good Woman Blues" has had 36 top 10 hits, was named Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year and has been inducted into the hallowed halls of the Grand Ole Opry...

Before grandstand gates opened Tuesday at the SEMO District Fair, drivers and their pit crews made modifications to their demolition derby cars, knowing there was a possibility it would never run again. For most of the dual demolition derby participants, Tuesday's competition wasn't their first of the year, or even the summer, and unless drivers spent their heat "sandbagging" their car -- not taking hits -- and many of the parts will be hitting the junkyard sometime this week...

Country music legend Merle Haggard has canceled his Thursday night performance at the SEMO District Fair due to illness, but it has some of his most die-hard fans upset about the fair's no-refund policy. Fair organizers announced Haggard's cancellation on Tuesday along with his replacements: country-music pioneers Mel Tillis and Ray Price.

As the young handler of a champion Holstein exited the livestock arena at the SEMO District Fair grounds Monday, Competition judge Howard Dust smiled, happy to see a possible future farmer excel. "This is what makes this fun, it's kids like that," said Dust, an experienced judge from Shumway, Ill., who made his debut at the SEMO District Fair this year. "It's about the camaraderie too, they're all like family."...

At the 155th annual SEMO District Fair it's hard to miss the many banners and booths with slogans or messages from Southeast Missouri groups. Some are straightforward, such as businesses advertising their products. With other groups, the message is less obvious -- and gotten across with strawberry-seasoned chicken wings...