EAST PERRY COMMUNITY FAIR BEGINS TODAY

Jumping mules, fish sandwiches, prize swine -- their arrival in Altenburg means one thing: It's time for "the best little fair in the land."

Organizers expect 15,000 people to descend on Altenburg today and Saturday for the East Perry Community Fair.

Publicity chairman Fred Eggers said the fair got its nickname from one of his predecessors, Vernon Meyr. The event has been held since 1938 on grounds owned by the Trinity Lutheran Church.

Over the years, the grounds have been improved with parking lots, expansions and a road to relieve congestion.

The fair begins with a mile-long parade at 1:30 p.m. today, but Eggers said the jumping mules competition is the most popular event. It's scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.

"It started with raccoon hunters riding mules through the woods at night," Eggers said. "Rather than going around fences in the woods, hunters taught their mules to jump."

Competitors come from across Southeast Missouri.

Eggers said the most popular food at the fair is fish sandwiches. Traditionally, they have been salmon, but a switch has been made to whiting.

FAIR SCHEDULE

Friday

1:30 p.m. Parade

2 p.m. Opening ceremonies

3 p.m. Pedal tractor pull

5 p.m. Antique tractor pull

5:30 p.m. Poultry dress-up show

6:30 p.m. Music by Little Rock

Saturday

9 a.m. 4-H and FFA steer show, River Hills Run and 4-H draft horse show

9:30 a.m. 4-H saddle horse show

10 a.m. Beef cattle judging, 4-H and FFA barrow show, swine judging

10:30 a.m. sheep and goat judging, dairy cattle show, draft horse and mule judging

Noon Saxony Hills Community Band concert

1 p.m. Saddle horse show

1:30 p.m. Brooke Burrows performance

3:30 p.m. 4-H and FFA steer and barrow sale

4:30 p.m. Music by Crossfire

5:30 p.m. Jumping mules competition

9 p.m. Attendance prizes