Be sure to head down to the Stoddard County Fair at the fairgounds tonight. While you are there be sure to make your way to the “Slam for Sam” event. This event is being put together to raise money for a nine year-old boy named, Sam.
Sam was a perfectly healthy boy until he contracted a virus this summer that set up in his heart which facilitated the need for a heart transplant. He is the son Anita (Dudley) Barrios, grandson of Joe Dudley, and nephew of Jeff Dudley. Sam got his heart and is doing better but has a fight ahead of him. So as you could imagine there were an extremely large amount of expenses related to getting Sam to the point he is at now.
It is a fun event where you can use sledge-hammers, claw hammers and various other means of destruction to beat up on an old car. For a donation you can have fun and help out a young boy in need. The car was donated by Alan Rettig with Retco Trailers of Sikeston.
So be sure to get down to fair and take a swing at this old car and help out a family that needs help. If you can’t make it to the event you can make a donation to an account set up for them at US Bank.
Jessica Snider SMT Writer
Many people come to the parade for different reasons. Children are usually eager for the candy that is passed out, some may be interested in seeing a friend or a loved one's entry, or others may attend the parade just for the excitement in the air in downtown Dexter.
Though all the entries of the annual Stoddard County Parade were enjoyed, some winners of the parade have been revealed.
The winners include: first place Real Living Young Reality, second place Locust Street Flowers, and third place Central Gardens Residential Care. 
Taking the first place spot, Real Living Young Reality took a very fun approach to their entry in the parade this year. Everyone involved with the group could be spotted in their neon yellow tee shirts and possibly dancing along with their music being played from the decorated trailer in front of them. Many people felt compelled to dance a long with the float as the music played throughout the parade.
In second place, Locust Street Flowers had a mock wedding set up showing off their nice arrangement of flowers for any occasion. Riding in front of the wedding scene was one of their delivery vehicles showing who the entry belonged to.
Coming in third place, Central Gardens Residential Care Facility of Dexter had a unique float entry this year. The theme being along the lines of “You’re a Catch at Central Gardens,” a few of the residents were eager to help with the float as they dressed up as mermaids. Some other members were dressed up as pirates to go along with the ship, and King Triton was even among the group.
A lot of time, thought, and effort were put into the floats this year. The decision to pick three winners could not have been easy after seeing all of the floats go through the parade yesterday. The 2012 Stoddard County Parade in downtown Dexter was an event enjoyed by all who came out to see, and also those who could view it live on YHC.
All parade entries were enjoyed, but a special congratulations to these three selected winners!
All pictures taken at the parade may be viewed under photos at www.showmetimes.com, or can also be viewed via Facebook on the ShowMe Time's page.
Jessica Snider SMT Writer
It was the perfect weather as many people from around the county gathered to help kick-off the Stoddard County Fair by watching the parade prior to the fair.
There were many people lined up and down the streets of downtown Dexter anxiously awaiting the annual parade. There were a wide variety of float entries in the 2012 Stoddard County Parade.
With pageant queens, local businesses, political entries, marching bands, and many more, there was surely something there that everyone could enjoy.
Immediately following last night’s parade was the first night of the Stoddard County Fair. Many people anxiously wait to get their hands on a funnel cake, while others have their eyes set on riding the tallest ride.
One thing that has always attracted many people throughout the years is the Stoddard County Fair Pageant. This pageant is for high school girls within the county.
The pageant is always held on the fair grounds directly following the parade. The pageant is one of the exciting ways that the Stoddard County Fair gets started.
This year there was a great turnout for the pageant. With lots of spectators filling up the bleachers and even some of the standing area, the pageant got underway.
The contest started with Ashley Jarrell thanking everyone for watching, the contestants for participating, the retiring queen, and the emcee. Ashley announced that the retiring queen was Miss Stephanie Gee. Emceeing the pageant last night was Miss Lauren Thrower.
As the contest began, all the girls walked out for a first look. There was a wide variety in style and even color of all the dresses. From red, blue, black, and white dresses, it was noted to be a tough competition.
After each girl did her individual walk on stage to show off her personality, smile, confidence, and her dress, the judges then narrowed it down to the top six. Remaining in the top six were: Madison McGowan, Mackenzie Williams, Tesa Martin, Taylor Owens, Reale Cooke, and Chandler Crowley.
Now each top six girl knew they would be expected to answer a question. As each member of the top six got called onto the stage, they picked a question from the bowl and Lauren Thrower would ask them the question. All of the girls did a nice job answering the question right on the spot with the microphone in hand and judges watching carefully.
After each girl had answered their question, the judges had a big decision to make. After a few minutes of tallying scores, the winners were announced.
Claiming second alternate was Miss Taylor Owens, first alternate went to Mackenzie Williams, and Reale Cook was crowned the 2012 Miss Stoddard County Fair Queen.
All the contestants did a wonderful job in last night’s contest! Reale will be seen throughout the rest of the week at the fair assisting with her duties as fair queen.
September 10th marked the first ever Ben Kruse Charity Crappie Tournament with all proceeds going to 18 FORE Life! Dain Bess and Bruce Christian led the way in organizing this event at Redman Creek at Lake Wappapello.
Along with Dain and Bruce there were many others on hand to make it a success. Doug Cox and Dallas Buchanan volunteered their time to make sure that everyone was fed and they sold their delicious smoked pork loins to raise even more money for the cause. The tournament was enjoyed by all who participated in it, as well as, all of the spectators.
This tournament had a big turnout and is expected to be even bigger next year and for many years to come. 18 Fore Life has a track record of hosting some of the biggest charity events in the area and this crappie tournament was no different. Charity events like this take so much work from the volunteers at the top all the way down to the people who just do a few small tasks. But it takes everyone doing what they can to make a charity event, such as this, a huge success. Many volunteers will say that they feel like they get more out of volunteering than they ever have to put into it.
It was a competitive tournament, but everyone had a great time for an even greater cause. The proceeds from the 18 Fore Life Crappie tournament will be given directly to families in this area who have are in a fight with cancer.
Line-up for all the parade participants will be at 5:00 PM today. With only thirty minutes before the parade begins, everything has to be planned down to the "T". Area streets have been marked off with paint on Bain Street, Chautauqua Street and others surrounding the traditional starting line in front of Harp's Supermarket.
At 5:30, the whistle will blow and the parade will begin.
Many long time attendees of the festivities are well aware that they must arrive early to get their specific spot on the parade route. In the early afternoon, lawn chairs and tents could be found along the route marking spots that people want to view the parade.
The City of Dexter Street Department worked furiously through the past weeks to repair a section of Stoddard Street so it would be ready for today's event. The project was completed just in time with fresh smooth blacktop laid at the end of last week.
Make your plan to attend the parade and fair this year. Activities get underway at the Stoddard County Fairgrounds following the parade.
