SEMO FAIR ESTABLISHES FOUNDATION

The SEMO District Fair has established a new fund-raising foundation and accepted its first contribution, $10,000 from NationsBank.

The foundation is collecting money to build permanent structures and make improvements to the fair.

The 143rd annual district fair was held Sept. 13 to 19 at Cape Girardeau's Arena Park.

The first project for the new foundation will be construction of a permanent show arena.

The fair has long used financial support of corporate sponsors, explained Fair Board President Pete Poe. The foundation expands the fair's fund-raising abilities.

The new organization was created so donations to the fair foundation are tax deductible.

"We are probably not going to do much active fund raising for the rest of 1998," Poe said. "But in 1999 we'll be looking for funds."

The district fair has pumped money into fairground improvements like wiring, plumbing and bleacher repairs over the years.

The foundation will help continue those improvements, Poe said.

A list of future improvements will be compiled. Poe said the first project to be done, the permanent show arena on the fairgrounds, is needed.

The fair has used a temporary tent each year during livestock judging and shows.

A permanent structure would offer better lighting, water, seating and an announcer's stand.

"We'll be doing it right," he said.

NationsBank donated the $10,000 toward construction of a show arena.