PARK GRANDSTAND RECEIVES FACE LIFT

Wednesday as part of the Southeast Missouri District Fair's fix-up plan for the park.

Pete Poe, president of fair board, explained, "What we're doing right now is replacing some concrete dividers in the grandstand area that had deteriorated and become dangerous.

"Later this summer, work will be done to the aluminum bleachers to improve them and make them safer," Poe said.

Next year, the seats in the grandstands are scheduled to be replaced.

Poe explained that the work this week at the park is part of a master plan that the fair board of directors has created.

"Part of our stated purpose is to improve the fairgrounds," he said. "The better we make it, the easier it is for fairgoers to enjoy events and shows, the better off we are.

"Plus, other people who use the park get the benefit of the work we do."

Already this year, the fair association has completed part of a long-range electrical upgrading project at the park. Other phases of the project had been completed in past years.

"Already this year we have replaced some overhead wires that had become old and had deteriorated," Poe said.

This summer, electrical wiring in barns and cattle exhibit areas will be replaced.

"With the help of the city, this year we replacing the electrical outlets and water lines on East Rodney Drive, where the RVs park during the fair and dog shows and other events," Poe said.

In all, the fair association will spend about $24,000 on the maintenance projects.

The 1991 District Fair will be held Sept. 8-14 at Arena Park.

"We work on the fair 12 months a year," Poe said.