Attendance has been booming at the 143rd annual SEMO District Fair.

Through Thursday, 60,104 people had attended the fair at Cape Girardeau's Arena Park, and it had two days to go.

"That's 5,493 people ahead of last year," said Pete Poe, president of the fair board.

Thursday's attendance was 12,980, the second highest total this week. Sunday's gate was higher when no admission fee was charged.

Thursday's figure got a boost from 3,590 fans who attended the Willie Nelson concert at the fair's grandstand.

If the current attendance pace continues, the fair could top last year's figures. Last year, 101,953 people attended.

Weather is often among determining factors for attendance. Poe said a little drizzle hasn't dampened enthusiasm or kept people from attending.

"Everything has been going our way," Poe said. "Last night (Thursday) turned out to be beautiful. As close as Oak Ridge to the north and Ware, Ill., to the east were real thunderstorms."

The forecast looks promising for a dry conclusion to the fair tonight.

FAIR ATTENDANCE

Sunday, 19,613

Monday, 7,516

Tuesday, 8,631

Wednesday, 11,364

Thursday, 12,980

Total attendance, 60,104