FAIR ATTENDANCE AT RECORD PACE

Ray Dannenmueller's eyes brightened as he leaned forward to discuss some of the SEMO District Fairs he has witnessed in the past 75 years.

"I always got excited about the harness horse races," said the 82-year-old Jackson resident, who sat Wednesday morning with his wife of 57 years, Lucille, in the SEMO District Fair's R&R tent.

"We never did any betting on those races, but they were always fun to watch," said Dannenmueller.

He hasn't missed a SEMO District Fair since his father began taking him when he 7.

Dannenmueller passed that fair tradition on to his two sons.

"My dad, who would have been 98 in just 10 days if he were still living, used to come to this thing in a horse and buggy. He never missed and neither have I," he said, leaning back with a look of pride.

Horse races no longer are part of the offering at the fair, but that hasn't caused the Dannenmuellers to lose interest in the event. After all, there is still the livestock competition.

"I used to be a dairy farmer in Scott County, so I'm always interested in seeing what they're breeding these days," said Ray Dannenmueller.

Lucille Dannenmueller likes to take in all of the sights and sounds of the annual event.

Each year, one day of the fair is devoted to senior citizens, something that always attracts people like Tom and Jackie Wills.

"The only time we missed going to the fair together was during the war," said Jackie Wills. "Other than that, we've been here looking at the booths and the livestock."

The Wills used to attend the fair for three or four days to see how their children fared in 4-H livestock competition.

"Now we just like to walk through the grounds and see what's here," said Tom Wills.

Cletus and Stella Hahs, who have been attending the SEMO District Fair for more than 40 years, enjoy mingling with fellow seniors and getting a break on the parking.

"It's nice only having to pay $2 and then knowing that there are activities set aside for seniors," said Stella Hahs.

Like Ray Dannenmueller, Cletus Hahs still fondly remembers horse racing at the fair.

"The SEMO District Fair was a lot smaller event then than it is now," Hahs said. "But it was always a fun thing. That's one thing that has never changed."

Attendance at the 1994 version of the fair is at a record pace. After three days, more than 31,000 have attended the fair, an increase of 10 percent over last year's three-day total. SEMO District Fair board member Pete Poe said total attendance could exceed 90,000 if the pace continues.

On tap for Thursday is livestock judging at 9 a.m., a 4-H/FFA tractor rodeo at noon, and 4H/FFA livestock sale of steers, lambs and barrows at 4:30 p.m. The band Restless Heart will perform in the grandstand area beginning at 7:30 p.m.