FAIR WORK TAKES SHAPE; WORKERS ARE CONVERTING PARK TO FAIRGROUND

About 40 volunteers began the work of transforming Cape Girardeau's Arena Park to the SEMO District Fair grounds this weekend.

On Saturday, volunteers put up a fence around the fair grounds and emptied buildings at the park where supplies are stored during the winter.

Today, a major cleaning operation is planned; painting and repairs are scheduled Monday.

By midweek, tents will be erected, the carnival will be setting up shop and concession operators will be arriving from across the country.

"It will sure look different by next week," said Bob Nitsch, vice president of the Fair Board Saturday.

The 137th District Fair officially begins next Sunday with the Sneak-a-Peek day. But the carnival will operate and the 4-H Horse Show is planned on Saturday, essentially extending the fair an additional day.

Nitsch said the Labor Day holiday annually marks the beginning of work on the fair grounds. Work planning the fair has been going on for months.

"Things are looking real good," Nitsch said, complimenting Raymond Cox, who headed the effort Saturday, and other volunteers who to put up the fence.

With most of the planning behind them, fair organizers now begin the actual work of the fair.

"The tents will be here Tuesday. The carnival will start setting up Wednesday or so," Nitsch said.

Not only are the fairgrounds shaping up, he said, but many aspects of the fair look even brighter than last year.

"Ticket sales are looking real good. We are ahead of where we were last year. Billy Dean (who performs Sept. 19) is selling real good. In fact, he may sell out."

He said the Wednesday Big Bull Chuteout, a rodeo event featuring bull riding, is also generating a lot of interest.

The number of concessions at the fair is up from last year. "And we're still getting inquiries," Nitsch said.

The concessions located inside the Arena Building are near capacity. In fact, organizers are placing some exhibits on the stage area, in the lobby and even just outside the main doors.

"Livestock and agriculture exhibits are up some," he said. "I think that is one of our real draws. Those who went to DuQuoin are coming here this year."

The DuQuoin State Fair in Illinois canceled its agriculture and livestock shows as part of budget cuts.

"This is one of the biggest, more exciting years I can remember," Nitsch said. "Even the phone rings more."

Asked if he predicts an increase in attendance as well, Nitsch replied, "That's sort of like the weather. But as I have traveled through the area talking about the fair, I've gotten a good reception. People seem very supportive of the district fair and people are telling me that they haven't been to the fair for a couple years but plan to attend this year. We just hope the weather holds."