Pleasant temperatures and minimal rain helped make for a fun atmosphere at the SEMO District Fair last week. According to fair board president Pete Poe, the eight-day event drew 92,000 visitors. Poe said this was about a 5 percent increase from 2011.

As reported in Wednesday's Southeast Missourian, hotels also saw an uptick in occupancy. According to one hotel manager, it was the entertainment that boosted this year's reservations.

The financial benefit doesn't stop with hotels. Poe said at September's Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce First Friday Coffee that the fair was expected to have an economic benefit of about $1.3 million for local businesses and fair vendors. Religious and other charitable groups also stood to benefit, thanks to their volunteer efforts at the entrance gates. In addition to the economic boon to our area, the fair is also a good opportunity for family fun.

We appreciate all those who make the SEMO District Fair a success. Though this year's event has come to a close, the fair board continues to look for areas to improve.

We look forward to seeing you at next year's fair.