Fun in store this week at SEMO District Fair

This week is a big week for Cape Girardeau.

The SEMO District Fair is in full swing. Some activities began Saturday, including the annual parade.

The fair brings visitors in from all across Southeast Missouri. Many farm children have the opportunity to show off their animals for judging. Others come in for the rides and the food; still others come in for the entertainment.

It takes a small army to get the fair ready. Scores of volunteers help make the whole thing possible. We thank those who take part in organizing and executing the events and the logistics. There are thousands of moving pieces.

About 93,000 people came to the fair last year. Fair attendance is always affected by the weather. Here's hoping for cool and dry weather.

For those who have not yet read our stories on the fair, here is a rundown of the grandstand events:

• 1 p.m. today: Heartland Barrel Racing Extravaganza
• 8 p.m. Monday: .38 Special
• 7 p.m. Tuesday: Newsboys
• 7 p.m. Wednesday: Heartland Idol
• 8 p.m. Thursday: Dan + Shay
• 7 p.m. Friday: Hotrod truck and tractor pull

The annual fair is a cultural tradition that marks the beginning of fall. We encourage everyone, especially those with children, to take some time this week to check out all the sights, sounds and tastes of the fair.