'Best Little Fair in the Land': East Perry Community Fair returns Sept. 23 and 24

The 79th annual East Perry Community Fair is making a return visit next weekend to the Trinity Lutheran Picnic Grove in Altenburg, Missouri.

The two-day event, held Sept. 23 and 24, will include livestock judging, music and entertainment, a parade, a fun run, carnival rides, games and, of course, lots of food.

The jumping mules competition, one of the fair's biggest attractions, will take place at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 24.

"That event is one of our biggest draws," said Fred Eggers, publicity co-chairman of the East Perry Community Fair.

The mules jump over barriers that simulate fences, Eggers said.

Maria Martinez, center, cheers along with the crowd during the mule-jumping contest Sept. 26 at the East Perry Community Fair.Glenn Landberg

"Mules used to be trained to jump over fences for night hunting for animals like raccoons," he said. "You would train the mule to jump over the fence rather than go around it."

The fair also is famous for its grilled-cheese sandwiches and fish sandwiches.

"We use a special kind of white cheese that's used on pizza (for the grilled-cheese sandwiches)," Eggers said. "The fish sandwiches are made of a whole whiting fish with the bone left in. ... They are dipped in corn meal and other seasonings and deep-fried. You can pick the meat right off the bone."

The fair was described as "The Best Little Fair in the Land" in 1946, and that description has stuck, Eggers said.

"Vernon Meyr, who was a local banker, came up with that phrase back then," Eggers said. "He was the publicity chairman of the fair from 1946 to 1980."

Luke Foltz, 3, takes a spin on the Ferris wheel Sept. 26 at the East Perry Community Fair.Glenn Landberg

The fair, which is expected to draw between 20,000 and 30,000 visitors over the two-day period, is free for the public to attend.

"There is no admission charge, and no entertainment charge," Eggers said.

While the majority of fairgoers are from the local area, many who have moved away come back to visit at fair time, he said.

"Most of the people come from Perry, Cape and Bollinger counties," Eggers said. "However, it's kind of become a homecoming event for people from south Perry County and north Cape County. Lots of family gatherings and reunions are held that weekend."

Most events at the fair are held rain or shine.

Jimmy Long walks with Mackenzie to attempt a jump during the mule-jumping contest at the East Perry Community Fair on Sept. 26 in Altenburg, Missouri.Glenn Landberg

"We've had to cancel some things in the past due to weather," Eggers said. "But we always try to work around the weather to get all of the livestock judging and entertainment in."

The River Hills Run is planned for 9 a.m. Sept. 24.

"People run from Wittenberg to the fairgrounds, which is about four and a half miles," said Eggers, who jokingly added that it's "all uphill!"

When asked what makes the East Perry Community Fair special, Eggers shared this: "First of all, it's free (to attend). It's truly a community event, completely run by over 300 volunteers. And, it's a great homecoming for many."

Eggers has been involved in publicity for the fair since 1981.

Luke Foltz, 3, prepares to takes a spin on the Ferris wheel at the East Perry Community Fair on Sept. 26 in Altenburg, Missouri.Glenn Landberg

"The other publicity co-chair is Mike Engert, who has helped with publicity for the last 10 years," Eggers said.

For more information about the East Perry Community Fair, visit www.eastperryfair.com.

Pertinent address:

Altenburg, Mo.