Hundreds line route of SEMO District Fair parade

Hundreds of spectators and hundreds more children who scrambled for candy lined a parade route from Capaha Park to the Arena Park fairgrounds Saturday morning to watch the opening of the 75th annual SEMO District Fair.

The weather was crisp but comfortable by the time the first waving firefighters made the turn onto Kingshighway about 9:45 a.m.

All sorts of floats followed. Politicians, lock-stepping marching bands and even a chicken hutch on the Buchheit float went past the crowd.

Marching bands are the traditional parade performers, but the Cape Girardeau Central High School Orchestra found a way to join the party this year, performing the Beatles' "Hello Goodbye" and other numbers from the back of a trailer.

Basketball-bouncers, carriers of crosses and a dark green limousine from First Baptist Church made the rounds.

Jace Means, right, takes a look at the candy collection of Tyler Radford and Wyatt Means on Saturday during the SEMO District Fair Parade in Cape Girardeau. (Glenn Landberg)

A souped-up yellow truck, dubbed "the Short Bus," revved its engine and postured on monster tires.

The freewheeling Cape Girardeau Roller Derby team glided around their float: a small SUV transformed into a massive quad skate. Three of the skaters laid down in the street for the referee to jump over with an aerial twist for panache.

Back at the fairgrounds, workers, cooks and tradesmen were busy preparing for the opening rush. They arranged displays, test-ran rides and groomed two sleepy camels.

A ripple of applause followed a dozen or so uniformed National Guardsmen who walked alongside their float. First State Community Bank, in an effort to outdo the competition, passed out Popsicles as well as candy.

Eleven-year-old Bret Walton, along with his sister and brother Aubree, 8, and Braeden, 7, reported the volume of candy being thrown was satisfactory, as was the variety, and he said the floats were fun to watch.

Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger sits atop a 1948 Farmall, the same tractor he drove 68 years ago at the age of 10, before the SEMO District Fair Parade in Cape Girardeau. (Glenn Landberg)

"I liked all of them," Bret said. "Especially the Short Bus."

By the time Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger putted by on an antique Farmall tractor, the parade was winding down and it was nearly lunchtime. Some the spectators migrated to the fairgrounds for their first bit of fair food -- that is, if they hadn't already spoiled their appetites on suckers and Tootsie Rolls.

tgraef@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3627

Pertinent address:

Capaha Park, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Arena Park, Cape Girardeau, Mo.