Dexter will be a beehive of activity all next week as the annual Stoddard County Fair kicks off with a week of adventures, excitement and fun.

The week will kick off in its exciting and traditional way with the annual County Fair Parade through Downtown Dexter. Bands, floats, clowns, tractors, horses and more will delight as the parade begins at 5:30 p.m. from the intersection of Stoddard and Catalpa streets.

Entries for parades are still be accepted by parade organizers and awards for the top three floats in three divisions - Commercial, Schools, Churches & other. To enter or for additional information, contact the Dexter Chamber of Commerce at 573-624-7458 or toll-free at 1-800-332-8857.

The parade will also feature the annual marching band contest, with bands competing for the honor of “top band” to lead the 2012 county parade.

The opening night at the Fairgrounds will feature the Fair Queen contest right after the parade in Arena A.  Young ladies who wish to enter the pageant may find the entry form here.

Also on Tuesday night, there will be plenty of fun and action in Arena B, with the Chicken Catching and Youth Games.

Beginning Tuesday evening the, Stoddard County Fair will highlight local talent and entertainment. The Tuesday spotlight will shine on the music of Anna Catherine DeHart. DeHart, of Sikeston, has a voice that has been called “strong and mature beyond her years. She blends traditional country with today’s sounds.

“I've been singing most of my life. I've grown up around music and have been greatly influenced by country music,” DeHart said.  Her musical influences include Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette to some of today’s superstars like Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and Martina McBride.

DeHart will perform beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on the Midway.

And what would the Fair be without the rides? Tinsley Amusements will be on the Midway each evening of Stoddard County Fair Week.