STRIKE UP THE BAND: PARADE LEADS CROWDS TO FAIRGROUNDS

A parade from Capaha Park - where the Southeast Missouri District Fair was located from 1900-1929 - to Arena Park where the fair has been since 1940, will kickoff the 138-year-old fair.

The parade is planned 5:30 p.m. Monday and will likely include well over 100 units.

Norm Robert, chairman of the Fair's parade committee, explained that the parade was added several years ago and it has grown each year. It now draws large crowds of spectators along Broadway and North Kingshighway.

"This has really grown into one of the largest parades in Southeast Missouri," said Robert. "I think you could say that the Monday evening parade has become part of the proud tradition of the Southeast Missouri District Fair."

Notices about the parade have been sent to organizations in the area including school bands. Robert is hoping to have at least a dozen bands participating in the parade.

"Anybody that wants to come and participate in this parade is certainly welcome," said Robert. "We would like to know in advance who wants to be in, but groups can just show up. We'll find a place for them somewhere."

Everyone needs to be at Capaha Park around 4:30 p.m. to get in position for the parade, Robert said.

Anyone who wants to be in the parade can call Robert at 335-6952 or the fair office at 334-9250.

The parade will turn off North Kingshighway into the entrance of Arena Park and continue a short distance before breaking up at the main entrance to the fairgrounds.