Fair week is upon us – the SEMO District Fair kicks off Saturday, September 9 and runs through Saturday, September 16! We put our heads together to come up with everything you need to know so you can have the most fun humanly possible at the SEMO District Fair.

1. Start the party with a parade

The Annual Fair Parade officially kicks off the SEMO District Fair on Saturday, September 9 at 9:30 a.m. Find a spot along Broadway and Kingshighway from Capaha Park to the fairgrounds at Arena Park and get ready to hear area marching bands, see the floats and catch some candy.

2. Come hungry

70+ food vendors fill the fairgrounds with the sweet sweet smells of deep fried everything, washed down with lemon squashes galore. Two for Tuesdays scores you two food items for the price of one at participating vendors. This is where the buddy system really comes in handy, because you can enjoy double the food with a friend who’s happy to share!

3. Get ready to ride

Lowery Carnival Company brings your favorite rides to the SEMO District Fair, running the gamut from little kid friendly to daring thrills. Carnival ride specials run daily, and Thrifty Thursday gives you 5 hours of fun for $15.

4. Book your grandstand tickets

Free grandstand events include the popular Antique Tractor Pull, barrel racing and Heartland Idol, and tickets are on sale for Crowder, the Charlie Daniels Band, Blackberry Smoke and more.

5. Don’t miss daily activities

Strolling magicians, jugglers and entertainers roam the Fairgrounds, and wildlife shows take place three times a day. There’s free bingo in the activities tent, livestock competitions and more! Get the full list of daily events here.

6. Look back

The SEMO District Fair is celebrating its 162nd year in 2017 and they are not slowing down! The fair has its roots in the Southeast Missouri District Agricultural Society, incorporated in 1855. Fairgrounds were taken over as a campground for Union troops during the Civil War and left the grounds in an unusable state. A fair was held from 1870-1897 before low attendance ended the party, and the SEMO District Fair as we know it today began in 1900 at fairgrounds at present day Capaha Park. Today, the SEMO District Fair is organized by volunteers; many families have been involved with the fair for generations.

We hope to see you at the fair! Share the fair food and fun, tag your pictures with #VisitCape.