Fair week

There are special indicators that mark the end of summer: the Jackson Homecomers celebration, the start of a new school year, the long Labor Day weekend and, of course, the SEMO District Fair in Cape Girardeau.

This year's fair activities kicked off Saturday with a full slate of competitions and judging. The fair ends Saturday night with a grandstand performance, and the grandstand will offer special entertainment each night of the weeklong events.

While there is an admission charge of $4 for anyone 12 and older, parking at Arena Park is free. Once inside the fair, there are free attractions like the judging exhibits, commercial displays, a fish and game display in the Conservation Building, antique tractors, livestock shows and much more.

Don't forget the midway. For many fairgoers, the sights, sounds and smells of the midway are a big lure.

You can keep track of all the fair events at the Southeast Missourian's calendar website, semoEvents.com.

Hats off to the host of sponsors that help make the fair, the oldest in Missouri, a destination for fun for the whole family. For more than a century and a half, the SEMO District Fair has been bringing area residents together for a good time.

Have fun. It's fair week.