Information Sheet

 

 

R         Southeast Missouri District Fair Association.

925                  Booklets, 1949-1976.

                                    One folder.

 

 

 

These are a “Program, Premium List and Catalog” (1949) and a souvenir booklet (1976) for the “SEMO District Fair,” which was sponsored by the Southeast Missouri District Fair Associa­tion and held on 12-17 September 1949 and 14-18 September 1976 at Cape Girardeau in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri.  Included are schedules of events, admission prices, and ad­vertise­ments for area businesses.

 

The Southeast Missouri District Fair, commonly called the “SEMO District Fair,” traces its roots to 1855.  The current incarnation was organized in 1939 and incorporated in 1940 as the Southeast Missouri District Fair Association, a Missouri benevolent corporation.  Held at the SEMO District Fair Grounds (later called Arena Park) in Cape Girardeau, the events are typical of “county” fairs, including harness racing, auto “thrill” shows, a carnival midway, and livestock and horticultural exhibitions.

 

The 164-page booklet for the “8th” fair in 1949 includes detailed rules for the agricultural shows, a schedule of events, and many advertisements for area businesses.

 

The 40-page souvenir booklet for 1976 was intended more for attendees than participants.  The fair that year included popular musical entertainment (Brenda Lee and Mel Tillis), an auto “thrill show” and demolition derby, a tractor pull, harness racing, a carnival midway, and livestock and horticultural exhibitions.  This booklet consists mostly of advertising, but it includes informa­tion about the fair’s hours, parking, and attractions.

 

 

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