Delta Fair Revs Up
KENNETT – Autumn was in the air Tuesday as the Delta Fair Parade opened the annual Delta Fair.
This year’s parade featured plenty of area law enforcement and emergency services vehicles, including one from out of state, an antique fire engine from Leachville, Ark.
Marching bands from the Bootheel played old and new favorites while clowns strolled along beside them. One very colorful, very noisy clown who sported fright-wig-red hair cringed at being called “Bozo.” He ranted feverishly at the audience, bemoaning the curse of the slanderous handle, all in good fun.
The parade began at the intersection of the south bypass and St. Francis Street and ambled along First Street to Southeast Missouri State University’s Kennett campus, very close to the Delta Fairgrounds at 1601 First St.
The aroma of grilled burgers and barbecue filled the air as vendors in golf carts sold cold soft drinks, hot sandwiches and frozen confections to a multitude of parade aficionados who lined either side of the parade route.
The Delta Fair Queen float hosted Delta Fair Queen Bailey Bridges and her court. The float was followed by a plethora of vintage tractors, vintage automobiles and gymnasts who cartwheeled and flipped at random.
A steady stream of vehicles approached the fairgrounds as their operators searched for parking slots at and around the site. Kennett Police Department officers led by Chief Johnny Dennis guided a seemingly never-ending lineup of vehicles toward their ultimate destination, and took time to suggest alternate routes for those in need.
Once through the west gate, patrons entered the fantasy-like Midway, offered this year by Gold Star Amusements.
Live music provided by Kennett’s own cover band Jaded wafted through the night and attracted a large audience to the stage. Live music is a must at the fair, and Delta Fair-goers are provided with only the best acts around.
Attractions for the entire family are on hand, from balloon busting and star shooting to photo competition and animal rearing.
Perhaps the most inviting and dominant of these attractions is a giant Ferris wheel accompanied by a sky-high tower. Both marvels are illuminated by thousands of flickering and flashing lights, aimed at inviting awe and embracing spectacle.
Ticket prices vary from $2 to $4 depending on age. There are several armband events scheduled.
SEMO TIMES encourages everyone to take your family to the Delta Fair. It’s an annual event nobody in the Booth