SEMO Fair

The sweet smells of cotton candy, funnel cakes and other treats will soon fill Arena Park in Cape Girardeau. Rides will be put together, and livestock owners will bring their animals to the fair grounds soon.

Yes, the SEMO District Fair is set to return Saturday.

The oldest fair in Missouri, the annual eight-day event draws thousands. In 2012 about 92,000 visitors were on hand for the festivities.

The fair is an opportune time to show off this area, and the fair organizers have helped make this a wonderful event for the entire family.

Early in the week the grandstand entertainment includes events such as an antique tracker pull, barrel racing and demolition derby. Starting Wednesday night, the musical entertainment kicks off with the 13th annual Heartland Idol Karaoke Finals. Three Dog Night will perform Sept. 12. The Mavericks will take the stage Sept. 13. Lee Brice will close out the entertainment lineup Sept. 14.

Watch for a story previewing the fair in Friday's Southeast Missourian. More information also is available at semofair.com and at semoevents.com.

This is one of the top events in the area. We thank the fair board, city officials and volunteers for their efforts.

We hope you make plans to attend the 155th annual SEMO District Fair.