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NewsSeptember 16, 2005

Morning showers soaked the streets and muddied the walkways. By early afternoon, cool gusts of wind introduced a steady sprinkle that pecked at the cheeks of a thinner-than-usual crowd at the SEMO District Fair Thursday. "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head," by B.J. Thomas, drifted over the loudspeakers, poking fun at the overcast sky...

Morning showers soaked the streets and muddied the walkways. By early afternoon, cool gusts of wind introduced a steady sprinkle that pecked at the cheeks of a thinner-than-usual crowd at the SEMO District Fair Thursday.

"Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head," by B.J. Thomas, drifted over the loudspeakers, poking fun at the overcast sky.

In a tradition that seems to occur at least one day each year, the rain came to the fair. And the dampness dented the attendance for several activities.

Soggy conditions washed out the tractor rodeo, which will be rescheduled after the district fair, said coordinator Dave Wells. The Randy Travis concert plowed ahead, attracting about 3,500 people after dark.

Attendance thus far has been about 65,000, which is slightly lower than this time last year, said fair board president Pete Poe. The fair's three main events and a fireworks display Saturday should attract more than the 97,665 who attended last year.

When the grounds opened at 11 a.m., a handful of vendors greeted some of the most avid fairgoers. Morning attendees, usually older people, prefer less hustle and bustle, said Margaret Ensor with Sivori Catering.

Most vendors open at 3 p.m. when school lets out and parents take off early from work. Lowery's Carnival opens at 5 p.m.

Cape Girardeau resident Caitlin Cameron, 40, has attended the fair each year since her daughter was an infant. Her advantage is that 8-year-old Lydia and 6-year-old Ian are homeschooled.

"If it were 105 degrees, we'd still be here," Cameron said. She is so familiar with the fair, she has honed her schedule.

Cameron's tricks: Visit two hours a day Monday through Friday. Arrive before 1 p.m. to avoid cover charges. Indulge in one tasty treat a day. Watch the free attractions. Designate one long day for carnival rides and buy the armband. Pet the livestock every day.

"We end up spending the same amount as everyone else, but we get to spread it out over five days," Cameron said.

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Vendors followed routine by preparing food in anticipation for a larger crowd with the evening's main event.

Frank Butler with Merrigian Concessions cleaned, dipped and rolled mouthwatering caramel apples in a variety of coatings.

Helping his aunt and uncle, Alex Romero skewered pork, chicken and beef for tender kabobs.

One young couple stole a few playful kisses while vending cotton candy.

A blond male vendor paused from heating jumbo corn dogs to mock the "YMCA" blaring over the loudspeaker.

Everett Whitnel entertained two grandparents with a 3-year-old granddaughter as he explained the wonders of Mr. Fuzzle the Magic Pet, a magic worm. Working his first 8-day fair in years of touring, he has had more business than he is used to.

"I'm satisfied," Whitnel said.

Vendors also provided an educational experience as clusters of fourth- and fifth-grade students interviewed them for a school project. From the College School in Webster Groves, Mo., about 51 students and 10 chaperones attended the biannual field trip.

Each student was assigned a state to research in order successfully run a carnival booth that reflected the theme of that state.

Said fifth-grader Nick Glover, "So we're here for ideas and inspiration."

jmetelski@semissourian.com

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