SEMO District Fair looks ahead to 159th year

It won't be long before Arena Park is filled with the smells of fried food and the shouts of carnival-goers.

The SEMO District Fair kicks off its 159th year Saturday with a theme of "Sew it, Grow it, Show it!" and promises to appeal to young and old.

Each day boasts a number of events that allow visitors to watch or jump in and participate. Karaoke, look-alike contests and the poultry and rabbit dress-up contest returned this year.

Promotions and publicity director Pete Poe said last year's fair went well, and the fair board holds similar hopes for this year. About 93,000 people attended the fair in 2013 and, like every year, Poe said he hopes to see turnout increase. He's been in contact with organizers of other fairs and said he has reason to be optimistic.

"Fairs throughout the summer have been enjoying good numbers this year, and I don't see why we wouldn't have a similar situation here," he said.

But there's plenty of work to be done before opening day. In a Friday interview, Poe said 125 volunteers were expected to show up Saturday to help set up equipment.

The volunteers also will help with improvements to grandstand seating. When people fill the grandstand Saturday for its first event -- the antique tractor pull -- the old wooden planks will be removed from the center seating area and replaced with aluminum.

The seating isn't the only change fairgoers will notice. While the fair parade route remains the same, it has moved from its traditional Monday evening slot to 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

The move allows the Auto Tire & Parts NAPA Dual Demolition Derby to take over as the Monday night entertainment. The derby is one of the fair's most popular events, and Poe said the grandstand reaches capacity nearly every year. Last year's event featured a sold-out crowd of about 3,000 people.

The Tuesday night entertainment will be contemporary Christian artist Jeremy Camp, followed by Heartland Idol on Wednesday. Musical acts will close the week with classic rock band Grand Funk Railroad performing Thursday and country artists Chris Janson and Clay Walker taking the stage Friday and Saturday, respectively.

Also new to the fair are two promotional nights. The first is "Two for Tuesday." Admission prices will be two-for-one, and some vendors will participate in the promotion.

Thursday will be Heartland Heroes night, honoring law enforcement and fire department personnel.

Each day, young visitors can visit AgriLand on the south side of the fairgrounds. Poe said the new feature was a cooperative venture with state agriculture associations and is designed to educate young children about the field.

"It's helping teach youngsters where food really comes from," he said.

Offering new features and promotions is something the fair board believes is important to improve the experience for fairgoers, Poe said. Its mission is centered around agriculture and entertainment, and is taken seriously, he added.

"We have a reputation to uphold and a legacy to build on," said Poe.

Additional information regarding fair events, activities and entertainment is available at semofair.com or by calling 334-9250.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

410 Kiwanis Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO