SEMO District Fair kicks off Saturday

Editor's note: The parade route has been corrected in this story.

From Saturday to Sept. 17, the annual SEMO District Fair will set up at the Arena Park fairgrounds in Cape Girardeau to offer plenty of opportunities for fun.

Many free events will be available for fairgoers, as well as the usual rides and fair food.

The fair will begin with its annual parade at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, from Capaha Park and following a parade route to the fairgrounds.

Pete Poe, director of promotions for the SEMO District Fair, said the motor stage events are some of the most popular activities at the fair each year.

Maurice Braxton works on assembling the carousel Tuesday in the midway for the SEMO District Fair at Arena Park.Laura Simon

"They are top-notch and very affordable," he said, adding the grandstand entertainment also will feature an exciting lineup.

This year, grandstand events will open the entertainment schedule with an antique tractor pull and the Auto Tire & Parts Dual Demo Derby on Saturday.

Other events will include concerts by Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae on Sept. 13, country band Old Dominion on Sept. 14 and the Grammy-winning gospel and country quartet Oak Ridge Boys on Sept. 15. Read more about the concerts in this Friday's SELive section.

Various additional events will fill the grandstand schedule throughout the week, including the Heartland Idol contest on Monday and the Hot Rod Truck and Tractor Pull on Sept. 16 and 17.

The activities tent schedule is as full as that of the main stage and features a load of concerts and contests as well. A complete schedule is available at semofair.com or semoevents.com.

"I'm excited about everything about the fair," Poe said. "We have something for everyone, and we have enough free stuff going on throughout the run of the fair that people could come several days and not do all the free things. Not only with the free exhibits and the livestock area, but our activities tent has a lot to offer, too."

Livestock competitions will take place throughout the fair, with the judging that includes poultry, cattle, hogs, horses, rabbits and even guinea pigs. The number of livestock entered at the fair is up this year, Poe said.

Fairgoers also can see many other entertainers throughout the fairgrounds, such as juggler and strolling entertainer Wade Henry or juggler and strolling magician Marcos the Juggler.

Adults and children can enjoy the many activities available at the fair, including a couple of new rides, and traditional offerings of corn dogs, turkey legs and other fair food.

"I'm not sure what the latest, greatest fair food will be, but there is always a deep-fried something on a stick ... hot among the fair food," Poe said.

Admission to the fair gate will be $5 for adults and children ages 12 and older, or $30 for a weekly pass.

Special fair entry promotions will run Sept. 13 (two admissions for the price of one) and Sept. 15 ($3 admission). Tickets for grandstand events can be purchased at semofair.com, at the fair office or by calling (573) 334-9250.