Exhibits, competitions mark second day of SEMO District Fair

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.

"It's wonderful," said Dustin Oehl from Friedheim, who is the current state president for the 4-H Association. "Kids choose projects that interest them at the beginning of the year. All through the year they meet with a project leader."

On display were examples of photography, woodworking and cake decorating, as well as a welded peacock, a grasshopper made from a large pipe wrench and a blue ribbon-winning coyote pup done in taxidermy.

"This is a great showcase for their work," Oehl said. "Their faces just change when they walk in and see a blue ribbon on something they've worked all year on. The level of creativity is so amazing."

One of Sunday's main events was the barrel racing competition sponsored by the Heartland Barrel Racing Association. In this event, the rider runs a horse around a pattern of three barrels as fast as possible without tipping a barrel over or breaking the pattern.

The 1st Division winner was Patty White with a time of 13.286 seconds. The 2nd Division winner was Ronnie Moreland running 13.790. The 3rd Division winner was Jimmilyn Deweese with a time of 14.307. Winning the 4th Division was Brandy Kenna with a time of 14.793. The 5th Division winner was Brittany Rogers with a time of 15.385.

The SEMO District Fair Pageant was another main event for Sunday. More than 75 girls competed for recognition, prizes and a crown.

"I like doing them because I get to win things," said 4-year-old Chloe Walter, who entered with her 2-year-old sister Charlie. "I get to spin around and wave and blow kisses. Sometimes they have candy and balloons. I like getting the crown and the trophy."

The winners were: Tiny Miss, MaKenna Lynn Nixon, 2, of Bell City, Mo.; Little Miss, Maleida "Molly" Lemings, 6, of Gideon, Mo.; Young Miss, Alexis Jo Medlock, 7, of Jackson; Preteen Miss, Madison Wooldrige, 11, of Bernie, Mo.; Teen Miss, Taylor Owens, 16, of Dexter, Mo.

The Miss Division was won by Heather Porter, 18, of Ellsinore, Mo.

The winners will be introduced before the Heartland Idol competition Wednesday night.

A crowded exhibition at the fair was the animal education portion of Woody's Menagerie and Wildlife. During that exhibition, Gregg Woody entertains and presents interesting animals. Zeke, a 12-week-old African lion, and Baxter, an 8-month-old grizzly bear cub, are two of the stars of Woody's show.

Pertinent address:

Arena Park, Cape Girardeau MO