The trucks have arrived, the giant tents are going up and the preparations are nearly complete. Sunday marks the start of the 141st SEMO District Fair. The local extravaganza is billed as Missouri's oldest outdoor fair.

Many of the old favorites can be found this year, such as the gigantic horse show on Sunday, the demolition derby on Monday and tractor pull on Tuesday. A parade will lead fairgoers from Capaha Park to the fairgrounds Monday evening. Comic and musical entertainment will fill the grandstand Thursday through Saturday. A circus has been added to the fair this year, performing 10 shows during the week.

The fair is the region's largest tourist attraction, drawing some 90,000 people during its seven-day run. Admission and parking prices have remained the same. The fair opens Sunday with free admission all day.

Fair organizers continue to stress value and family-oriented events. It is a winning combination that has paid off each year as the crowds return.

While the fair board continues to bring in new acts and features, it realizes the importance of the fair's roots as well. Agriculture exhibits are very popular, especially the animals. It is an opportunity for city folk and country folk to mix. It is also a good chance to pay tribute to the importance of agriculture to the region's economy.

But what many fairgoers tend to forget is that the fair is organized by volunteers. The fair itself operates as a not-for-profit agency, and proceeds are plowed back into park developments and fair entertainment and improvements. It takes hundreds of dedicated volunteers to pull off a successful fair, and many of the people have given decades of service. All deserve a hearty pat on the back.