FAIR READY TO OPEN ITS 138TH YEAR

The SEMO District Fair is celebrating 138 years of bringing the best the best livestock, the best crops, the best entertainment to the community.

The fair is held Sept. 12-18 at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

Bob Nitsch, president of the fair's board of directors, said, "Basically when we go back a hundred years, that's really what the fair was about. Bringing your best to the fair and showing it. We try to stay with those roots.

"It's what people come to the fair to see the best it will be there this year as well," he said.

"We get excited just because it's the fair," Nitsch said. "If the concessions are any indication, we are going to have a great fair.

"We have had more people interested in the fair over the past five years than I can ever remember," he said.

Tickets for the grandstand entertainment are selling good.

Friday night's performance of the Charlie Daniels Band and Saturday's performance by Collin Raye could both be sellouts, Nitsch said.

The mainstage lineup includes:

Monday: Demolition derby.

Tuesday: Tractor pull.

Wednesday: Big Bull Chute-Out.

Thursday: Gibson/Miller Band.

Friday: Charlie Daniels Band.

Saturday: Collin Raye.

Tickets may be ordered by calling 314-334-9250 or 1-800-455-FAIR.

Farrow Amusement Company will again bring its assortment of rides and games to the fairgrounds. The carnival will begin Saturday. The fair is helping celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ferris wheel.

Sunday is Sneak a Peak Day, featuring a horse show that has become a fair favorite.

A parade from Capaha Park to Arena Park will kickoff the fair Monday at 5:30 p.m. It will likely include well over 100 units.

The first Southeast Missouri District Fair beauty queen in 32 years will be selected Monday. Actually, four queens will be selected, based on age divisions.

The popular baby contests are scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday.

The petting zoo returns. Free entertainment is planned daily at the R&R tent, including the 4th Annual Old Tyme Fiddler's Contest Thursday.

Judging in livestock categories begins Tuesday morning.

"I think we will be near last year as far as livestock is concerned," Nitsch said. "Livestock is very valuable to our fair. That draws a lot of interest."

New this year are guided walking tours of the livestock areas, designed to educate "city slickers" about farming and agriculture.

Concessions spots inside the Arena Building were filled by mid-August.

"We still have more room outside," said Nitsch.

"We are excited about the concessions. These are another way to create some excitement at the fair. That's what we're looking for."