CHRIS PAGANO * cpagano@semissourian.com

Grandpa's Own Root Beer proprietors Bill Parker and Rex Brown of St. Joseph, Mo., sold their drink in brown and blue bottles, flasks and mugs with jelly-jar lids.By Chris Pagano ~ Southeast Missourian

People moseyed into Arena Park on Saturday as if the 148th annual SEMO District Fair were the most relaxing event in Southeast Missouri instead of the one that packs the most people, food and activities into the smallest space in the shortest amount of time.

About 91,500 people crowded into the park over eight days last year despite some heavy rain. As though cooperating with event planners, the clouds parted over Cape Girardeau Thursday to allow a dry, cool setup for rides and booths.

Fair president Pete Poe said visitors starting arriving at 10 a.m. Saturday, a little earlier than usual. Admission was free until noon. By 1 p.m., 6,500 people had passed through the gates.

"We're off to a good start," Poe said. "Despite the rain, which set us back a bit, the crew and volunteers met the challenge, and everything was right on time. Our midway operator is used to making tight schedules."

Fairgoers began hearing the sounds and smelling the scents that keep them coming back year after year. Bill Parker and Rex Brown of St. Joseph, Mo., dressed in pinstriped overalls, belted out their jingle -- "Try Grandpa's Own Root Beer, and get it here. Now I made it for you and put in the cork too. Yee-ha!" -- as they filled each bottle.

After joint trips to the ticket booths, adults set children free to meander through the lot of thrill-promising rides.

"I can't wait," said Theresa Roberts, 14, of Cape Girardeau. "I love riding the rides. Especially the red, blue and orange one that goes up high and spins." -- Chris Pagano

The fair continues through Sept. 13 and will feature these events:

Sunday

1 p.m. Pet parade, grandstand

1:30 p.m. Horse show, grandstand

3 p.m. SEMO Fair Pageant

Monday

5:30 p.m. Parade from Capaha Park to Arena Park

5:30 p.m. Karaoke contest, activities tent

7:30 p.m. Demolition derby, grandstand

Tuesday

5:30 p.m. Baby contest, girls, activities tent

7:30 p.m. Mud drags, grandstand

Wednesday

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Senior activities, activities tent

2-4 p.m. All Stars Band, activities tent

5:30 p.m. Baby contest, boys, activities tent

7:30 p.m. Tri-States Star Search, grandstand

Thursday

Noon 4/H and FFA tractor rodeo, grandstand

4:30 p.m. 4/H and FFA livestock sale, livestock arena

6 p.m., Brooke Burrows, country vocalist, activities tent

8 p.m. Marshall Tucker Band, grandstand

Friday

Noon-5 p.m., $7 armbands for kiddie rides only

5 p.m. Heartland Gymnastics, activities tent

6 p.m. Smile contest, ages 2-10, activities tent

6:30 p.m. Cross cut saw contest, antique tractor display

6:45 p.m. Square dancers, activities tent

8 p.m. Phil Vassar, grandstand

Saturday

8:30 a.m. 4H and FFA public speaking contest, livestock arena

10:30 a.m. Parade of livestock champions, livestock arena

11:30 a.m., Quarter scramble, ages 10 and under, livestock arena

Noon-2 p.m., Ag-stravagnza agricultural quiz, livestock arena

1 p.m. Poultry and rabbit dress-up contest, livestock

2 p.m. Fiddlers contest, activities tent

2 p.m. Pee-wee showmanship, livestock arena

4 p.m. Wood carving auction, livestock arena

4:30 p.m. Country and western dancing, activities tent

5 p.m. Pedal tractor pull, livestock arena

6-8 p.m. Jackpot Country, activities tent

8 p.m. Operation Redneck, grandstand