Music lineup for fair announced

The musical entertainment for this year's SEMO District Fair will feature some well-known acts from country and classic rock.

Leroy Van Dyke, Sammy Kershaw, 3 Dog Night and the Country Gold Show of David Frizell, Jimmy Fortune and Rex Allen Jr. are scheduled to perform at the 149th annual SEMO District Fair, which will run from Sept. 11 to 18 in Arena Park.

Van Dyke and the Country Gold Show will perform Sept. 16, Kershaw on Sept. 17 and 3 Dog Night on Sept. 18.

"I think it's excellent," said fair committee president Pete Poe. "We have a fantastic lineup. I think we've covered all bases, we have something for everyone."

In addition to these ticket events, the fair will offer nonticket entertainment for people to enjoy.

Making its return is Heartland Idol, which will allow the public to battle it out to become the top karaoke performer in junior and senior divisions. The preliminary contest dates have not yet been announced, but the final will take place Sept. 15 on the main stage.

Other activities making a return include the demolition derby, hot rod and antique tractor pulls and the Mud Drag Series by the Midwest Mud Drags Association.

And what would a fair be without animals?

On Sept. 12 will be the open-class horse show, featuring as many as 300 horses.

While the horses will only appear for one day, the Wild World of Animals display will be free and open every day of the fair. There will also be free livestock shows.

Free parking will be available every day of the fair in the East Rodney, Kingshighway and Broadview parking areas around Arena Park.

Last year, 95,488 people attended the fair. Poe said the fair board's goal this year is to have 100,000 attend.

More information on the fair will be announced as the July 14 ticket sale date approaches.

kalfisi@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182