Dexter, Missouri - The detail shops around town are busy in preparation for tonight's Stoddard County Parade. The long lineup of emergency vehicles, bands, floats and fun will be gathering at the North end of Stoddard Street as the parade watchers fill the sidewalks.
The tradition of the Stoddard County Parade and Fair dates back as far as 1917 when the carnival came to town and setup near the old National Guard Armory. The story is told they would begin to march to the fair down Stoddard Street to Locust Street and on to the fair grounds. It the 1960's, it was decided to move the East City Park area in Dexter.
The earlier version of the Dexter Jaycees managed and organized the Fair activities until the 1970's, when the Dexter Fair Board assumed the role for the fair. The Fair Board was handed the reigns of the parade from the Dexter Lions Club for the Stoddard County Parade in the early 90's and have been duly assigned ever since.
When it comes to an event of this magnitude, there are some real key individuals that selflessly give of their personal time, vacations, and work to make these events happen. It's a year around job many times and many don't realize the dedication involved.
"My brother-in-law says 'there is a fine line between a dedicated person and a stupid person," says Sam Huey Jr. "... and my family thinks I might have crossed that line." Sam Huey Jr. has been involved with the Stoddard County Fair for nearly 40 years. He started working with the fair through the Jaycees in 1973. A short move from Dexter brought him back in 1979, and he has been a permanent fixture to the fair every since.
Unlike any other year, Sam donates one of his vacation weeks for this affair.
"There is a lot to get done to be prepared," added Huey. "It's really something that I have enjoyed doing."
Other members of the Stoddard County Fair Board that continue their passionate work each year are Sam's wife, Robin Huey, Pam and Amy Dowdy, John Dowdy, Kevin Holman, this years chairman, Bud Parsons, and countless others that give of themselves to put the smiles on the faces of Stoddard Countians.
The Fair Board is engaged on many levels preparing, upgrading, and sponsoring other event throughout the year. The events range from rodeos to truck and tractor pulls to demolition derby's. There is also work involved as they board is busy upgrading the fair grounds for this annual festival.
The group attends the annual Fair and Festival Conference each year to stay abreast of the latest ideas that help to make the Stoddard County Fair a great success.
When asked "What keeps you all going every year? Pure Desperation," was Huey's reply.
"For the most part, we are a non-profit organization," explained Sam. "The fair is our main money maker each year but allows us the ability to make the necessary upgrades and expansions to the grounds that are needed."
As you are around the fairground this year, you will see some of those upgrades to the tune of $80,000 in improvements to the 4-H Building, the new bathroom facilities and the new stage the strong lineup of entertainers this year. The Fair Board even partnered with the City of Dexter when the pressurized sewer system was installed at the East City Park.
"We are constantly trying to improve something," noted Huey.
The Dexter Fair Board encourages all area residents to make time to come and be a part of the festivities tonight and each night this week.
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Dexter, Missouri – The Miss Heartland Pageant, sponsored by the Dexter High School Choral Music Program, was recently held in Dexter, Missouri.
Shown in the photo is the 2013 Miss Heartland and her court.
From left to right: 2nd Alternate Morgan Cliff. She is the daughter of Steve and Cherie Cliff of Dexter and is a senior at Dexter High School.
Miss Heartland is Brandi Jo Emerson of Oran, Missouri. She is the daughter of Robin Emerson and the late Randy Joe Emerson. She is currently a student at Southeast Missouri State University.
1st alternate is Rachel Putnam. She is the daughter of Denny and Shannon Putnam of Dexter. Rachel is a junior at Dexter High School.
Photo provided by Shannon Putnam.
Congratulations to these beautiful young ladies!
SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri- On Saturday, September 21st, the 8th Annual Stoddard County Fair Youth Pageants “Country Days” will take place at the Stoddard County Fairgrounds. The Pageants will begin at 10:00 a.m. on the Midway.
Rules for the Pageants
-Contestants cannot be a prior queen in division.
-Contestants must live within Stoddard County or attend a Stoddard County School. Contestants that are home schooled must live in Stoddard County.
-Contestants must enter appropriate division, according to their age the day of the pageant. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Divisions for the Youth Pageants
10:00 am Cutest Baby Boy (0-11 mos.)
10:15 am Cutest Baby Girl (0-11 mos.)
10:30 am Tiny Mister ( 1-2 yrs.)
10:45 am Tiny Miss (1-2 yrs.)
11:00 am Little Miss (3-4 yrs.)
11:15 pm Petite Miss (5-6 yrs.)
11:30 pm Young Miss (7-8 yrs.)
11:45 pm Young Jr. Miss (9-10 yrs.)
12:00 pm Jr. Miss, 11-14 yrs. (Pageant Wear)
(If you are 14 and in High School, you must enter the Miss Pageant)
*The times listed above are approximate start times. We ask that all Baby contestants arrive no later than 9:45 AM to get registered, etc. We will begin promptly at 10:00 AM. The pageants will run consecutively. Contestants are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before the expected start time to get registered.
The entry fee to enter all pageants is $20.00. All contestants from 0-10 years old must wear a minimum 50% of denim and/or camouflage. There will be no changing area for contestants.
Call Ashley (Huey) Jarrell at (573) 421-7300 after 5 PM or Toni Holman (573) 703-6765 with any questions. Forms may be picked up at local businesses throughout the county, call above number for locations. Forms are also available at
http://www.stoddardcountyfair.com/
ENTRY FORMS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 4 pm Thursday, September 21, 2013. ABSOLUTELY NO ENTRIES ACCEPTED AT THE DOOR. Please mail your completed application to the address below or drop the form off at The Bunny Patch in Dexter.
SCF PAGEANT
C/O ASHLEY (Huey) JARRELL
18215 COUNTY ROAD 426
BLOOMFIELD MO 63825
Submitted by Jill Temples
SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri- The 4-H and FFA sale will be held Saturday, September 21st at 9:00 a.m. It is sponsored by the Stoddard County Fair Board. The sale is open to 4-H and FFA exhibitors only. The Buyers Breakfast will be at 8:00 a.m.
For more information call Anthony Bockhold at 624-4856 or J.T. Brehmer at 624-2361.
4-H and FFA Livestock Sale Guidelines
- All animals will sell by head in dollars per pounds.
- If selected by the buyer, any animal must sell.
- All sales are between the buyer and the seller.
- Sell order will be based on placing in show.
- The Stoddard County Fair Board will collect the payment from the buyer and distribute checks as soon as all money is collected.
- All entries subject to approval of the Stoddard County Fair Board.
- Proper health and test papers of all market animals are required to be on file with Fair Board.
- Livestock will sell by local market guidelines.
- Exhibitors must be present at Livestock Auction for livestock to show and sell.
- There will be NO CHARITY AUCTION at the end of the sale
- After 4H & FFA sale, seller of all market animals will be responsible for hauling animals to market as specified by the buyer.
- A market animal can be shown and sold at another fair and still be qualified to be shown and sold at the Stoddard county Fair, PROVIDING that it was not a terminal sale and meets ownership requirements.
- Animals below minimum weight requirements can show, but not sell at auction.
SPECIAL AWARDS IN LIVESTOCK SHOWMANSHIP
The Stoddard County Fair Board will give a Showmanship Award in each Livestock Division (Beef, Swine, Goats, Sheep, Equine, Rabbits, and Poultry.) There will be one award given in each class: 4H, FFA, and Open. This award will be based on participant’s control and handling of animals shown and showmanship abilities in the show ring. The Showmanship Award is chosen by the livestock judge and will be presented after the livestock show of each livestock division.
HERDSMANSHIP
The Stoddard County Fair Board will give a Herdsmanship Trophy in each Livestock Division, (Beef, Swine, Sheep, Goats and Equine.) This award is based on attitude and conduct of participant concerning the care of his/her animals, pens, and contribution of services on an as needed basis throughout the fair. This award will be presented to the one person in each group (one 4H, one FFA, and one Open Class.) Presentation will be made prior to the livestock sale on Saturday morning. Herdsmanship awards are selected by the livestock committee.
ALL LIVESTOCK EXHIBIT TAGS MUST HAVE CLASS NUMBER & BREED LISTED. EXAMPLE: 617 Black Angus
Submitted by Jill Temples
SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri- The Livestock entries will begin to be accepted on Monday, September 16th at Noon. Below are the rules, class regulations, and list of events for exhibits and livestock.
STODDARD COUNTY FAIR - OPEN CLASSES (ALL AGES) DIVISION RULES
1. All exhibits must have been made since the 2012 County Fair and never exhibited in the Stoddard County Fair.
2. Persons may enter only two (2) exhibits per entry number and exhibits must be entered in the name of the person who made the item.
3. Judges reserve the right to reject any entry.
4. Point value under miscellaneous classes in the Fair Book will be established by the judge and/or fair superintendent.
5. All youth exhibitors must show age on entry tag.
6. Point value will be left to the discretion of the judges and will be considered on age level and ability of exhibitor.
7. Open classes are open to the State of Missouri.
8. Fair Board will not be responsible for any damaged, lost or stolen items.
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR FOODS- (Open, FFA and FCCLA)
1. Standard colorless canning jars with standard lids. (No mayonnaise, peanut butter, etc. jars).
2. No artificial coloring.
3. All jars must be sealed and processed. The process method should be included on the jar.
4. Bands should be left on jars when using two (2) pieces.
5. Limit of 20 per person.
6. Baked goods should be wrapped in clear plastic bags and displayed on paper plates. Recipes must be attached.
(FOR ALL CLASSES) Sunday, September 15th – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
All entries, with the exception of Livestock, will be accepted for judging. This includes all open class, Home Economics, 4H and FFA entries (including baked goods,horticulture, field crops, Farm Mechanics, etc.)
Monday, September 16th Livestock Entries accepted
Large Animals (12:00 – 8:00PM)
Small Animals (4:00 Pm – 8:00 PM)
Check-in, Show, & Judging
Tuesday, September 17th Before Noon, Judging & Placement of exhibits.
6:00 PM Exhibits Open for Viewing
Wednesday, September 18th 6:00 PM Sheep, Goats, Judging
Thursday, September 19th 6:00 PM Cattle & Swine & Equine Judging
Saturday, September 21st 9:00 AM 4H & FFA Livestock Auction
Sunday, September 22nd 8:00 AM to1:00 PM Livestock Check Out
12:00 to 4:00 PM Check out of all exhibit entries.
(Not responsible for entries left after 4:00 PM)
All premium monies may be picked up at Exhibit Barn “A” on Sunday, September 22 between 12:00 and 4:00 PM. ALL PREMIUM MONIES NOT PICKED UP BY SUNDAY, 4:00 PM WILL REVERT BACK TO THE FAIRBOARD. ALL LIVESTOCK MUST REMAIN ON DISPLAY UNTIL SUNDAY MORNING OF THE CURRENT FAIR YEAR FOR EXHIBITS TO RECEIVE PREMIUM MONIES.
