Fun Things: Fairs, Festivals and Other Events

83. Fort D Days at Fort D Historic Site in Cape Girardeau offer Civil War re-enactments and other activities at the historic earthworks fort in south Cape Girardeau.

Jackson Homecomers

84. Held every July, Jackson Homecomers is an annual tradition featuring nightly entertainment, contests, carnivals rides and more.

85. Southeast Missouri State University plays host to the talented artwork of area high school students at the annual High School Art Symposium. Amazement over the abilities of the students is guaranteed.

86. Join local civic organizations such as the Lion's Club and Optimists in raising money for charity by purchasing tickets for chili, spaghetti and pancake fundraisers each year. Music and other entertainment provided.

87. Hundreds of residents join forces every Memorial Day for the 100 mile yard sale that stretches more than 100 miles along Highway 25 throughout Southeast Missouri.

88. Way of the Cross in downtown Cape Girardeau is an annual Good Friday celebration that re-enacts the 14 stations of the cross.

89. A longstanding tradition held in September in Southeast Missouri, the SEMO District Fair is a week-long fair featuring agricultural exhibitions, a carnival, nightly entertainment and a wide variety of food.

90. Empty Bowls is a national not-for-profit organization that raises money to fund local food banks by selling a small meal and giving away a handmade bowl with every ticket to its dinner in the fall. You can help by volunteering to paint bowls or attend the local banquet.

91. Old Greenville Days is always held on the third weekend in September. It consist of arts/crasfts display, live bluegrass, gospel and country music, civil war and rendezvous encampments. It is done in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other local businesses and organizations.

The Becking house will be one of the homes featured on the Downtown Home and Garden Tour in May. (Southeast Missourian file photo)

92. Tour some of downtown Cape Girardeau's most beautiful and unique homes and gardens at the Downtown Historic Home & Garden Tour, May 8 from noon to 4 p.m.

93. See some true class acts as local students showcase their drama abilities in annual theater productions at local high schools.

94. BBQ teams compete in the Annual Jaycees BBQ Fest sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. The event raises money for the local Toybox program. Held at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

95. MDA telethon at West Park Mall, Cape Girardeau. The annual local portion of the Jerry Lewis telethon is hosted by KFVS12 anchors and helps raise money for children with muscular dystrophy.

Artist Craig Thomas worked on a Street Painting mural for ArtsCape in Capaha Park. (Southeast Missourian file photo)

96. Artscape is a family-oriented community arts festival held every May at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau.

97. An annual event, the East Perry County Fair in Altenburg, Mo., hosts a famous mule-jumping competition and much more.

98. Kenny Rogers Children's Center Annual Telethon, in Sikeston, Mo., features performances as a fundraiser for children with special needs.

Downtown Golf Tournament. (Southeast Missourian file photo)

99. The annual Louis J. Lorimier Memorial World-Famous Downtown Golf Tournament which includes a temporary nine-hole course in downtown Cape and an all-you-can-eat catfish buffet, was first conceived by a Southeast Missourian columnist.

100. Annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival, in Charleston, Mo. Tour the six-mile Dogwood-Azalea Trail when Charleston glows with the beauty of magnificent dogwoods and azaleas at peak bloom. Held every April.

101. Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport off Interstate 55, June 19-20. Great entertainment for people of all ages. In 2010, the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels will be performing at the festival.

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Bonus picks

Saxony Village in Cape Girardeau Mo.: one of the "25 Best Places to Retire" in the U.S. according to "Money Magazine."

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It's the 20th Anniversary of the HerrinFesta Italiana festival. It celebrates the Italian heritage of Herrin, Illinois with five days of top notch entertainment, an Italiana food and beverage garden a bocce, golf and volleyball tournament, road races, art exhibit, Italian contests, and beauty pageants. "Where food, fun, and entertainment are primo."

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The City of Dexter offers a wide range of sights and sounds throughout the year whether you are looking to take a step back in time or attends plays, tour a museum, enjoy a parade or a sumptuous meal at one of its many fine restaurants. Find out more at www.visitdexter.com.