SEMO FAIR IS FUN-FOR-FAMILY TRADITION

Excitement fills the air. The funnel cakes are cooking, the animals are arriving and the carnival lights are illuminating Arena Park. Today marks the start of the 139th SEMO District Fair.

This treasured tradition keeps us coming back for more. The secret can be found in a family atmosphere and plenty of activities for all ages.

This year's lineup of events -- especially the grandstand entertainment -- should boost attendance. Brisk ticket sales have reflected early satisfaction by fair-goers, especially for country music favorites Restless Heart on Thursday, Janie Fricke on Friday and Aaron Tippin next Saturday.

The secret to the success of the SEMO District Fair is its ability to combine the region's agricultural roots with commercial appeal.

People come to eat the food and admire the livestock. They come for the excitement of the midway and to applaud the grandstand entertainment. They come to meet old friends in the R&R Tent and see the sights. They come for tradition and innovation -- all in one place.

Year after year, the SEMO District Fair board delivers. And this year their theme promises even "More in '94."

The only disappointment in recent years has been the weather. Last year, rain and cool weather hurt attendance. The total gate in 1993 approached 77,000, compared to about 81,200 the year before. Fair officials will keep their fingers crossed for weather that isn't too cool or hot this week.

The fair is certainly no secret to the region. It represents one of the largest tourist draws, attracting visitors from throughout Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. It is a good way to show off our city in the favorable light it deserves.

The Arena Building will be filled with blue ribbon winners of all kinds. Current and future farmers will strut their livestock for potential awards. It is an opportunity for city folks to see sheep, cattle, hogs, chickens and Missouri mules up close and personal.

Just like a pied-piper, the annual fair parade will lead in the crowds Monday night. It begins at 5:30 p.m. at Arena Park. The parade typically includes more than 100 units.

The 1994 edition brings back some old favorites: More than 400 entries are expected for the Sunday horse show. The grandstand skies will fill with soot and clatter Monday for the annual demolition derby. Tuesday night will be just as noisy as giant tractors pull to prove who's king of the hill. The Big Bull Chute-Out will return with its rough-and-tumble riders on Wednesday.

The price continues to be right for fair-goers. Admission won't be charged until Monday at 4 p.m., although a $2 parking charge will begin Sunday. The fees have been held in check for a number of years, a fact appreciated by fair-goers.

More than 100 dedicated volunteers will be working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth-running fair. Their object isn't to make money -- all proceeds are plowed back into Arena Park improvement. These volunteers work hard to keep this impressive tradition alive and well, a fact that deserves a grand thank you.

The SEMO District Fair is a source of pride for Southeast Missouri and reason enough for eight days of pleasant distraction.