SEMO District Fair moves parade day, makes other changes

The 159th SEMO District Fair is changing its schedule.

The fair's theme is "Sew it, Grow it, Show it!" and will take place from Sept. 6 to 13. Its annual parade is moving from its traditional Monday evening slot to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. The new Tuesday evening performer is contemporary Christian artist Jeremy Camp.

These changes allow the Auto Tire & Parts NAPA Dual Demolition Derby, the fair's most popular event, to move to 7 p.m. Monday night, Sept. 8.

The parade moved after a decision recently by the fair committee with support from community members. The parade route will stay the same, said promotions and publicity director Pete Poe, beginning at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau and proceeding along its normal route until its finish at Arena Park.

Poe said by moving the time of the parade, organizers hope to increase attendance.

Two new promotions have been added to the fair.

The first is a "two for Tuesdays" event, in which activities are priced two-for-one. This includes from the price of admission to buying a corn dog.

The second promotion, "Heartland Heroes," is a Thursday event where Poe said the fair will honor law enforcement and fire department personnel.

A new entertainment activity, "AgLand," will be in the activities tent and will support agriculture education, according to a news release. AgLand will have a variety of free entertainment with animal acts, strolling entertainers, dancing and contests.

In the KidZone area, children will be able to view livestock exhibits and competitions, FFA and 4-H exhibits and homemaker exhibits in the Arena Building.

After the parade Sept. 6, the DeWitt Auction and D&S Salvage Co. is hosting a Hotrod Truck and Tractor Pull at 7 p.m. Mouser Steel is sponsoring the annual Heartland Barrel Racing event at 1 p.m. Sept. 7.

KHIS Radio 107.9 is hosting Christian artist Camp at 7 p.m. Sept. 9, and River Radio Group is starting its "American Idol" spinoff, "Heartland Idol," at 7 p.m. Sept. 10. Classic rock band Grand Funk Railroad will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 11, and at 8 p.m. Sept. 12, new country artist Chris Janson will perform.

To close the fair, popular country artist Clay Walker will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 13.

For more information on ticket prices, promotions or entertainment, contact Pete Poe at info@semofair.com or 270-0898, or visit semofair.com.

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644