Big bash at the fair

When the SEMO District Fair opens its gates Sept. 10 at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau, it will be the start of a historic week: the fair's 150th anniversary.

As one of the oldest fairs in Missouri -- records are fuzzy about which was first and which has existed with the fewest interruptions -- the SEMO District Fair has long been a popular attraction as summer winds down, garden produce is harvested, prize pies are baked and show animals are groomed. Attendance at the fair is usually in the 100,000 range, which makes it the best attended event in Southeast Missouri.

One big draw for the fair is the top-notch entertainment that performs each night. This year, a country star who has won top awards for his music, including a Grammy and Country Music Association honors, leads off three nights of shows. Randy Travis is expected to be a big draw at the fair.

Travis will be followed by Tracy Byrd and then the Renegades of Southern Rock, a group of musicians from other popular bands.

In addition, there will be the usual fair attractions that are so popular: the food booths, carnival rides, displays of all kinds, tractor pulls, horse show, demolition derby and karaoke contest.

And to mark the sesquicentennial of the fair, fireworks shows will be on tap both on opening night and to close the special celebration.

September isn't that far off. Fair tickets will be available July 13 at the fair ticket office. Get ready for a special week this year as the SEMO District Fair welcomes thousands of guests to celebrate a special birthday event.