An annual phenomenon takes place anuualy in East Perry County, Missouri. It is Fair Week. Almost every resident of this area becomes involved in some way in prepping for the East Perry Community Fair. This event has been happening around here for a lot of years, and it would not be the glorious event that it is without this community’s involvement. It has also become my habit to take a few days away from my regular “family history” style of posts in order to document the fair. If you want to find posts about previous fairs, you can type “East Perry Community Fair” in the search box and scroll through the results.

In the early years of this fair, it was held on property that belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church in Altenburg. Now, it is owned by the Fair Board. This sign on the Fish Stand gives evidence of the fairgrounds once being the property of Trinity.

These fairgrounds are also within sight of our museum, so if you come to attend the fair, you are welcome to stop by our place. We will be open from 10-noon on Friday and 10-2 on Saturday with free admission.

I stopped by the fairgrounds this morning to gather some photos for this post. First, let me display some shots of the midway rides. The Fair Board has contracted a new company for the midway this year, so those of you who have previously attended will see new rides in these photos. The thumbnails are clickable.

What would a fair be like in a German Lutheran community without beer. Beer stands will be scattered all around the fairgrounds.

Many of the food stands were not yet found on the grounds this morning, but no doubt will show up. Of course, the standard fare of grilled cheese, hamburgers, fried fish, bratwurst, kettle corn, and funnel cakes will once again be on the menu, along with plenty more offerings.

Entertainment for fairgoers can be enjoyed at two venues: the bandstand and the grandstand.

A fair wouldn’t be a fair without animals. Plenty of folks will be bringing cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, and many other animal varieties to show at the fair. Places have been prepared to display the livestock.

The festivities get kicked of tomorrow, Friday, September 22nd with the parade down Main Street beginning at 1:30 pm. I hope to display photos of that event when I get the time. This year’s Grand Marshalls are our special friends, Bill and Nelda Koeberl, who have been active fair workers and important members of our community for a long time.

More details about the fair can be found on their Facebook page….https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057489849811 A schedule, food offerings, and many other pieces of information can be located on that page.

Overnight, we had a bit of rain, enough to settle all the dust at the fairgrounds. While taking photos, it was a rather dreary morning, but before I was done, the sun managed to make an appearance, making possible some photo ops. I considered it a good omen for the fair. The weather forecast is very promising.

Free parking. Free admission. Bring money for food and beverage. Come and enjoy.