Good Clean Family Fun: The SEMO District Fair Oral History Project

County fairs are a tradition in rural America. Fairs have historically provided a time and space for farm families and townsfolk alike to come together for a few days to visit and display their prize crops, livestock, and handicrafts. Even as the nation raced toward industrialization and urbanization in the 19th and 20th century, county fairs continued to thrive in rural areas throughout each region of the U.S. In the Midwest, county fairs still continue to provide opportunities for people of all ages to socialize and display goods. The SEMO District Fair in Cape Girardeau, Missouri is no exception. Each September, this event offers agricultural education, unique food experiences, and entertainment. Behind the event is a team of volunteers, who begin planning in January and contribute thousands of combined hours to present an enjoyable week of "good clean family fun" to the people of Cape Girardeau, the surrounding towns, and visitors to the region.

In the spring of 2015, a group of eight students enrolled in GH520: Oral History at Southeast Missouri State University decided to explore the fair and its meaning to the community through the collection of oral interviews.* The narrators for this project represented different groups, from members of the Southeast Missouri District Fair Association board to blue-collar citizens of Cape. They ranged in age and background, from a nineteen year old student to a longtime volunteer in his eighties, from 4-H leader "Grandma Stack" to radio deejay "Kirby Ray," these narrators were chosen to represent the various demographics associated with the region, the city, and especially the fair.

Some common themes can be found in each of these eight interviews. Almost all the narrators mentioned their enjoyment of "fair food," especially staples such as corn dogs, funnel cakes, kettle corn and barbeque. Specific foods and certain flavors play an important role in cultural identification. Here is an example of distinctly Midwestern culinary creations available anytime, but savored, even anticipated, during fair week.

Several narrators for this project also mentioned ways they enjoyed various forms of entertainment at the fair, beginning with the parade on the opening day. Highlights ranged from a visit from First Lady Barbara Bush in 2002 to a show by rock band REO Speedwagon in 2007. Some of those interviewed recalled enjoying more traditional forms of entertainment such as tractor pulls and demolition derbies. All agreed that the fair provides a space for families and community members to come together and enjoy these commodities and amusement.

Agricultural showmanship and education have long been main components of country fairs; indeed the historical roots of fairs in agriculture can be traced to this movement in medieval Europe. In the contemporary Midwest, many rural children become involved with agricultural exhibits at the fair through groups such as 4-H and Future Farmers of America. The SEMO District Fair volunteers expressed pride in their promotion of agricultural products and education. A new 4-H exhibit hall was built for this purpose in 2005, to replace temporary tents that had been erected for that purpose and were prone to flooding in heavy rains. Further educational outreach is provided by Kid Zone volunteers. This exhibit is geared toward young children and is open to daycare visits for no charge. Rural adolescents continue a tradition of raising and showing livestock such as poultry and cattle, among many other animals at the SEMO District Fair.

Inevitably, narrators also recalled unpleasant times at the fair, along with some unsavory components. Several mentioned the occurrence of heavy rains, flooding, and mud as a challenge to maintaining a carnival atmosphere. Others grumbled about higher prices and musical acts that inadvertently excluded minorities and certain socioeconomic groups. But the most persistent negative memory involved the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001. This traumatic event happened on the Tuesday of fair week, sending deep waves of shock throughout the fairgrounds at Arena Park. Many of the vendors and entertainers were far from home, finding themselves rather stranded in Cape Girardeau, Missouri during the terrifying days surrounding the collapse of the Twin Towers. However, fair staff and volunteers form a community, and this social and emotional support was very therapeutic for all who endured the trauma during the fair week of 2001.

As with all cultural institutions, the fair may need to adjust to changing demographics in the Southeast Missouri region. Staples of the event such as fair food, classic agricultural exhibitions, and carnival games and rides will continue to draw crowds, but young adults in the second decade of the twenty-first century might be looking for more. One narrator for this project suggested bringing in a side stage for local musicians to have a turn in the spotlight; this would certainly be in keeping with the return-to-grassroots atmosphere of present day fairs, farmers markets, and similar gatherings.

In sum, the SEMO District Fair may only convene for one week in September, but that week represents months of planning and thousands of volunteer hours by the fair board and their associates. Not one of these dedicated helpers receives monetary compensation for their time and effort, but all agreed the reward is not of a tangible nature. Rather, it is experiences during fair week such as people-watching while enjoying a funnel cake, taking a shot at the deejay in the dunking booth, or hoping for a blue ribbon for a prized gourd. While the annual fair may not appeal to every person in the area, it certainly offers a wide variety of activities for those looking for "good clean family fun." Long live the SEMO District Fair!

Courtney Kisat, PhD

Southeast Missouri State University

Department of History

*To access the transcripts and audio of these interviews please see http://www.gh520spring2015.wordpress.com