SEMO District Fair changes are a positive

We have not arrived at summer yet, but plans for this area's big fall attraction, the SEMO District Fair, are underway.

The 159th SEMO District Fair will be held Sept. 6 to 13. There are a few new attractions this year along with the favorites. Here's a list of a few:

* The parade, which has traditionally be held on Monday, will be moved to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. The route is the same as last year -- start in Capaha Park and end at Arena Park.

* The Auto Tire & Parts NAPA Dual Demolition Derby has been moved to Monday night.

* On Tuesday night popular contemporary Christian singer Jeremy Camp will perform.

* Also on Tuesday is "two-for Tuesdays." Activities and food are priced at two-for-one.

* On Thursday night "Heartland Heroes," an opportunity to recognize law enforcement and fire departments, will be held.

You can read about other new attractions along with the entertainment lineup in a story that appeared in the April 30 Southeast Missourian and semissourian.com.

For more information about the fair and ticket prices, visit semofair.com.

We are pleased to see these changes. The parade move to Saturday should help ease commute traffic on Monday in a busy section of town. Attendance also should improve.

Adding entertainment options like Jeremy Camp should bring more people out to the fair.

Thanks to the fair committee for their work on this event. It's a major undertaking but provides a lot of fun for locals and those outside the area.