Fair events to proceed on schedule

Talk at the SEMO District Fair was much the same as anywhere else in Cape Girardeau on Tuesday. Everybody was discussing the morning's acts of terrorism.

But the fair proceeded on schedule, complete with the mini car derby, the midway and the other sights, sounds and smells that make the fair what it is.

Event director Pete Poe said everything is expected to run on schedule, including the country music acts scheduled for Thursday through Saturday. Trick Pony and Neal McCoy are driving in, and Charley Pride is within driving distance if that becomes necessary.

Some feared the concerts would be affected by Tuesday's shutdown of air transportation.

"We have a lot of sympathy for the folks involved in these events, but we thought everyone might need something to take their minds off their troubles," Poe said.

Armbands for $14 will be good for rides today from 5-11 p.m. The main grandstand events are a senior horse and mule hitch challenge and a tractor pull.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Southeast Missouri Hospital will have activities for seniors in the R&R tent.