DISTRICT FAIR CATALOG COVER DESIGNED BY LOCAL ARTIST

This year's SEMO District Fair catalog will undergo various changes from previous years before being released to the public the middle of this month.

The cover design of the catalog will feature an artist's drawing, possibly for the first time ever.

"I don't know if they've had an artist-drawn cover in the distant past," said Marilyn Schott, catalog chairperson for the Fair Board. "But I do know that we haven't had one in the last 15 to 20 years."

Schott said clip art was often used for past covers. She learned of the option of using a drawing from Godfrey and Associates, the agency handling publicity for this year's fair.

An illustration by local artist Don Greenwood was chosen to appear on the cover by the Fair Board.

Greenwood, a native of New Orleans, does a variety of artwork for local newspapers and businesses. An example of his work can be seen on the cover of the 1991 Cape Girardeau telephone directory.

Greenwood's talents also include engraving work. His leaf-stamping and embossing was used in former President Reagan's re-election campaign, and his engraving is sought by clients worldwide.

Schott described Greenwood's catalog cover drawing as consisting of an adult hand held by a young girl with a Teddy bear. The girl is wearing a banner, which holds the front cover information.

The theme of the drawing, said Schott, depicts the family-type orientation of the fair.

"By showing both an adult and a child, the cover says that there is something for everyone at the fair," Schott said.

This year's catalog is also larger than last year's. Schott said the catalog will be 96 pages, increased by eight pages from 1990. She said the expansion was a result of "tremendous response" from the catalog's advertisers.

A final change is the inclusion of entry forms in each catalog. In the past, Schott said, entry forms were placed only in select catalogs.

The catalogs will be sent to each of the exhibitors from last year's fair and will be placed in several area businesses.

The fair, scheduled for Sept. 8 to 14, is an event in which people can bring things they've created for competition, Schott said.

She said, "It's a neat feeling to see how they compare with others. Also, ribbons and money are awarded to winners."

In addition to livestock, homemaking, and fruit and vegetable competitions, the fair's activities will include carnival rides, food and drink concession stands, grandstands each night featuring top-name entertainment, a tractor pull and other exhibits and entertainment.