DISTRICT FAIR: A JOB WELL DONE

For the third year in a row, the SEMO District Fair board has turned a profit. The achievement is certainly no accident. It's a tribute to the professionalism of fair board members and the popularity of the fair.

Board President Pete Poe reported a $70,000 profit at last week's annual meeting. It represents one of the most profitable years for the fair.

Poe credits good cost control by all members of the fair association as the chief reason for the black ink. As a not-for-profit agency, the fair doesn't have to make money. But proceeds are returned to Arena Park improvements. And that's something from which we all benefit.

Cost control is important when you consider the fair brings in more than $400,000. Add to that the fact most of the fair workers are volunteers.

The fair board has much to celebrate. In addition to a healthy financial report, final figures indicated 82,000 people attended - up 2,000 from last year. Many fairs are fighting sagging attendance numbers. Family fare and an agricultural focus to the SEMO District Fair have proved a winning combination.

We congratulate the fair board and officers on a job well done. Since few are paid, fair board members receive their "compensation" in a job well done. This year, they should feel mighty proud.