SEMO Fair hosts 93K visitors despite 'terrible,' wet opening day

After a disappointing opening day, attendance numbers at the 163rd SEMO District Fair rebounded to reach about 93,000 across eight days � close to 2017�s numbers, said Pete Poe, a member of the fair�s board of directors.

�We had a really good week,� Poe said.

After a �terrible� opening day, with rain and mud, �it was not a pleasant day, but we got through that. We�re really pleased,� Poe said of the �Summer�s Last Blast�-themed fair.

Visitors enjoyed fair staples, such as the demolition derby and livestock shows, barrel racing and River Radio�s Heartland Idol � the 17th, according to the fair lineup.

Nearly 2,300 animals were shown, including horses and mules, cows, sheep and goats. Small animals such as chickens, rabbits, ducks and geese were also part of that figure.

Country band Diamond Rio performed, and two Christian artists played the grandstand � Natalie Grant and Citizen Way.

Total fair revenue, including from 80 vendors (26 food vendors), is between $1.3 million and $1.5 million, according to earlier reporting by the Southeast Missourian.

The fair association pays the $25,000 annual utilities bill, Poe had told the Southeast Missourian.

About 30 volunteers were dismantling temporary fences and cleaning up the grounds Monday morning, Poe said.

�It doesn�t go away on its own,� he said, laughing. �We�ll be here until Wednesday afternoon or Thursday, getting it done.�

mniederkorn@semissourian.com

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