This year, neon lights from the Ferris wheel mark the 164^th anniversary of the SEMO District Fair.  After a rather rocky history, it’s grown to become one of the biggest annual events in the region.

If you’ve never been to the SEMO District Fair, you’re missing out. It’s no exaggeration to say there’s something for everyone, regardless of age. It would take more than a blog post to mention everything planned for this year’s fair, so we’ll just hit the highlights.

Let’s start with agriculture – the most historic part of the fair. In fact, the first Cape Girardeau fair was focused on crops and livestock, and we still honor that tradition. Gigantic gourds, watermelons, cucumbers and other produce will be on display, and you’ll be shocked by just how big these plants can grow. Then head to the barns to see Southeast Missouri’s finest farm animals up close – everything from cows and pigs to chickens and rabbits. The fair also pays homage to generations of farmers with an antique tractor show, featuring John Deere,  Case and more.

But the SEMO District Fair goes far beyond agriculture, filling the grandstand with musical entertainment. Christian artists Francesca Battistelli and Jason Crabb take the stage on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 7 pm. They’re followed by classic country group Sawyer Brown on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 8 pm and the legendary Little River Band on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 8 pm. Other thrilling grandstand events include tractor pulls, barrel racing and a demolition derby. Get the details.

Even if you can’t stay for a show, a walk around the fairgrounds is a sure winner. You may run into Marcos the Juggler or Wade Henry performing daring feats involving unicycles and fire. Comedian Kenny Ahern is guaranteed to make you laugh, with three shows each day. Plus, the A.C. Brase Arena and 4-H building are packed with arts and crafts exhibits, like intricately embroidered quilts, lifelike paintings, stunning photography and incredibly detailed decorated cakes.

It would be remiss not to mention the favorites that keep people coming back year after year – carnival rides and food. See Cape from the top of a Ferris wheel, spin in a Tilt-A-Whirl or win a prize at one of the midway games. Top it off with classic fair food, like corn dogs, cotton candy, taffy, fried Oreos and kettle corn. That’s the great taste of a late Cape Girardeau summer.

The SEMO District Fair runs from Saturday, Sept. 7 to Saturday, Sept. 14. Click here for more info.