A wonderful fair

More than 100,000 fairgoers officially attended this year's eight-day SEMO District Fair, the oldest fair in Missouri after 154 years. This year also marked an anniversary for the fair: its 70th year at Arena Park. Prior to 1939, the fair was held at what was then called Fairgrounds Park, better known today as Capaha Park.

Although attendance was down a tad from last year, fair organizers were happy with the turnout. They also were pleased with the full eight-day schedule of livestock exhibits, a new twist this year.

Overall, the fair ran smoothly, and that doesn't happen by accident.

It takes an army of organizers to put on an event like the SEMO District Fair: planning, setting up, organizing, parking, judging, overseeing and cleaning up. The fair board has the process down to a science that keeps the fair running smoothly and gives fairgoers the best possible experience.

As with nearly every fair week, there was a bit of rain. But the weather wasn't too disruptive, and overall the days and nights at the fair were pleasant.

Hats off to everyone who had a hand in making this year's SEMO District Fair a success. Now the work starts on the 2010 fair.