Dozens of workers were busy Saturday at Arena park, making last-minute preparations for the 141st SEMO District Fair, which starts today and runs through Saturday.

While most of the carnival rides, concession stands and game booths were assembled last week, Saturday was for maintenance, stocking and cleaning, said Pete Poe, vice president of the SEMO District Fair Association.

"Setting up is the trick," Poe said. "Everybody's where they're supposed to be, getting things they're responsible for ready to go."

Mickey Rodriguez of Chicago spent her Saturday getting the Red Barons, a miniature airplane ride for children, cleaned and checked for safety.

"I love my job and I love kids, but the worst part is setting up and tearing down," she said. "If you didn't love it you'd go crazy."

Laura Parker of Florida said it takes her a couple of days to get her caramel apples and corn stand ready for hungry fair-goers. She worked Saturday in a hot booth in near-90-degree temperatures cooking caramel corn and stocking up.

Kurt Vanos of Chicago cleaned the Gravitron and then changed the flashing bulbs, just like he does every week.

"If something breaks, I've got to fix it," said Vanos. "It's hard work but I like it. I like meeting people who are here having fun."

While the Fair is still about carnival rides, funnel cakes and country music, there will be some new attractions for those who might be tiring of the same things.

In addition to several new carnival rides, the biggest new event will be the free circus that holds something for everyone. The George Coronas Circus will deliver its first local performances today at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Performances will be presented daily Monday through Thursday at 7 p.m. Friday performances will be at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. On Saturday the circus will perform its final three shows at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Event organizers expect the Fair to be successful. The Fair attracted more than 90,000 people last year, and they hope this year does even better.

"It's a family fair, and there's something for everybody," Poe said, adding that there is outstanding grandstand entertainment.

On Thursday, comedic duo Williams and Ree perform. On Friday, country artists Rhett Akins and Bryan White take the stage. On Saturday Tracey Lawrence will perform as the carnival winds down.

While many tickets have been sold, Poe said there are still tickets available and there is no fear of selling out.

There will also be livestock and horticulture exhibits, Poe said. "No one part of the fair drives the other," he said.

Gates open at noon and admission is free today. Parking, however, will cost $2. Bracelets that will go on sale for $10 will give people access to any ride from noon until 6 p.m., Poe said.

Fair-goers might get wet, according the National Weather Service. The forecast calls for partly sunny skies today with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the early afternoon. High temperatures should be in the mid-to-upper 80s Sunday.