Fairs highlight fun, culture and talent

One aspect of our local fairs that is often overlooked is the culture and variety of talent and fun we get to experience.

Recent Southeast Missourian articles have highlighted some of these aspects.

The Country Fire Cloggers, highlighted before the SEMO District Fair, is one example. Based in Ellsinore, Missouri, the group performed their style and type of folk dance. The dance has roots in Irish step-dancing and tribal dances of early African-Americans.

The SEMO District Fair brought in 97,857 people during the weeklong festival, up about 4,000 from last year. That's an impressive number. Many came for the food and the rides, but many came for the talent, too. The institution of the fair itself is part of our culture, but so are the many talents that are showcased throughout the entire week.

Another unusual phenomenon will be on display this weekend, as the East Perry Community Fair, dubbed "The best little fair in the land" flexes its cultural muscles.

The fair hosts a somewhat famous mule-jumping competition that has been a staple at the Est Perry Fair for 34 years.

The competition is based on which mule can jump the highest. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. That, plus the unique food offered at the fair, makes the East Perry Fair one of the events that makes it special to live in Southeast Missouri. The parade will begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday.