SEMO District Fair expects a strong turnout

The sight of carnival rides and the aroma of deep-fried treats are expected to draw people of all ages to Arena Park for the 2013 SEMO District Fair.

The fair, in its 158th year, runs through Sept. 14. Organizers are predicting good crowds throughout the annual event.

"If the weather cooperates, I think we can surpass last year's attendance," said fair board president Pete Poe. "But I think we're going to have a good turnout. People know that there's something here for everybody."

According to Poe, about 92,000 people visited the fair in 2012, a 5 percent increase from 2011.

A reason for the strong turnout was attributed to the fair's grandstand entertainment. The grandstand will feature two tractor pulls on opening day, and barrel-racing events are scheduled for Sunday. A new event, the FMX (freestyle motocross) and BMX (bicycle motocross) "Freestyle Madness," will is set for Monday.

"It's something new," Poe said, "and it's going to be exciting. There's going to be exhibitions where motorcycles and bicycles will be used in performing stunts, wheelies and everything else. It'll be a sight to see."

A dual-demolition derby will be presented in the grandstand Tuesday, and Heartland Idol will be featured Wednesday.

Concerts by the fair's main-event performers, Three Dog Night, The Mavericks and Lee Brice, begin Thursday. Last year, Travis Tritt drew about 2,600 fans to the grandstand, Colt Ford drew nearly 2,000, and Gretchen Wilson brought in about 1,550. Poe said he believes this year's main events will do just as well.

"We've got a strong lineup," he said, "and ticket sales are strong. We're trying to reach different demographics this year."

The grandstand music kicks off with Three Dog Night, a band that has earned 13 gold albums and 21 Top 40 hits between 1969 and 1975. It achieved its first gold record with their ode to loneliness, "One," and boasts three No. 1 songs: "Mama Told Me Not to Come," "Joy to the World" and "Black and White."

The Mavericks will take the grandstand stage Friday. An unconventional group with a blend of country and Tex-Mex, the Mavericks won the Academy of Country Music's Top Vocal Group award in 1994 and 1995 and the Country Music Association's Vocal Group of the Year award in 1995 and 1996. Also in 1995, the group's "Here Comes the Rain" single won a Grammy for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

Lee Brice, who performs Sept. 14, released his first album, "Picture of Me," in 2007. Brice released the album "Love Like Crazy" in 2009, and the title song reached No. 3 on the country charts and was nominated for Song of the Year by the Academy of Country Music. Brice released his third album, "Hard 2 Love," in 2012, which produced his first No. 1 song, "A Woman Like You."

Poe said it was difficult to predict the fair's impact on local businesses.

"But we estimate that this year we can put in between $1.3 million and $1.5 million into the local economy," he said. Among the businesses that could benefit from the fair are local hotels.

"We've already taken several reservations because of the fair," said Anna Larue, a desk clerk at the Town House Inn. "A lot of them are coming in for the concerts, and we have some vendors staying here throughout fair week."

Gate admission to the fair is $4 for adults, and is free for those 11 years old and younger. Gate admission for the week can be purchased for $25. Tickets for grandstand events range from free (antique tractor pull, barrel racing and Heartland Idol) to $38 (Three Dog Night, The Mavericks and Brice); those are on sale at the fair office or by calling 334-9250 or 800-455-3247. For more information about scheduling, pricing, carnival ride armbands and entertainment, visit semofair.com.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address: Arena Park, Cape Girardeau, MO