ORGANIZERS GEAR UP FOR SEMO DISTRICT FAIR

Labor Day weekend was long on labor and short on relaxation for about 100 volunteers and members of the SEMO District Fair Board who prepared for the fair's opening next week.

The volunteers erected wood fencing around the perimeter of Arena Park, set up parking booths and built a concrete fence around the grandstand.

"It's a lot of little things that people don't see," said Sam Below, president of the fair board. He has helped organize the fair for the past seven years.

The 140th annual district fair kicks off Sunday and continues through Saturday, Sept. 16, at Arena Park.

The SEMO District Fair, a non-profit venture, is the fourth-largest outdoor event in Missouri. And fair organizers hope to see attendance reach 100,000 before the seven-day fair concludes.

Attendance averages 80,000 to 90,000 people each year, Below said. And while the crowd size steadily increases, admission prices haven't changed in 15 years.

Admission to the fair is $2. So is parking. Children under 12 are admitted free.

"The fair is part of the community," Below said, adding that everybody in the area comes to the Fairgrounds.

Some 4-H and Future Farmers of America chapters set up at the park on Monday. Members of the Tilsit 4-H club painted benches for their food stand.

Livestock and other farm exhibits will arrive by Tuesday and carnival rides should arrive Wednesday.

The fair opens with a horse show on Sunday, followed by a demolition derby Monday night, a tractor pull Tuesday and a truck pull Wednesday.

Country music artists Holly Dunn, Aaron Tippin and Ricky Van Shelton will take the stage for three concerts beginning Thursday evening. Although sales are brisk, tickets are still available at the fair office, Below said. Prices range from $10.50 to $16.

Other events include free entertainment at the R&R Tent, livestock exhibits, and antique tractor displays.

The Paul Bunyan lumberjack show returns to the fair this year with three performances daily. The show features world champion lumberjacks and a log-rolling dog.

One of the most popular attractions typically is the midway. Astro Amusements, which operates the midway rides, will unveil a new ride -- Pharaoh's Mountain -- at this year's fair.

On Friday afternoon, children can have unlimited kiddie rides for just $5 with a bracelet.

Although the fairgrounds officially open Sunday, the SEMO District Fair Parade is the traditional opening event. It will be held Monday afternoon.

Corporate sponsors of the fair are Astro Amusements, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Schaper's IGA, Save-A-Lot Food Stores, Southeast Missourian, K103-FM, KBSI-Fox 23 and Ameritech.