9/12/11 Capitol Report

We are halfway through September and the official start to fall is just around the corner. The leaves will begin transforming into an array of bright oranges, yellows and other beautiful colors. It is the time of year that people work out in the yard as cooler weather returns and the leaves begin falling off the rich variety of trees we have in the area. Soon, the smell of burning leaves will fill the crisp, fall air.

This is a good time of year to enjoy outdoor activities with your children or grandchildren. Whether you take them to the park or to a football game at your local high school, enjoying time with your family will strengthen your family's bond.

One of our state parks or conservation areas right here in Southeast Missouri would be a good place to start. The Morris State Park near Campbell is a nice place to take a nature walk or enjoy a Saturday picnic. During this time of year, the changing colors on the trees in the park will be gorgeous.

The next three weeks also offer numerous fall festivals or fairs that your family can attend. The SEMO District Fair is ongoing in Cape Girardeau. This fair offers something for the entire family. It offers top notch entertainment like George Jones and Kennett native David Nail for adults, a demolition derby and two tractor pulls that all can enjoy and carnival rides for kids and the young at heart.

The Stoddard County Fair begins next week and is a little closer to home. The fair kicks off on Monday the 19th with the judging of all exhibits except livestock. Livestock are judged throughout the week. There is a big parade in Dexter on Tuesday, and the night culminates with the crowning of the queen at the fairgrounds.

On Saturday, the 4H and FFA will hold a livestock auction and a public speaking contest. Sandwiched between those two events will be the Stoddard County youth pageant. There will be an antique tractor pull at 4 p.m. which promises to be a lot of fun. The week concludes with a fireworks show at 9 p.m.

The largest fair in the 163rd District, the Delta Fair, starts on the 27th with one of the largest parades in the state of Missouri. The parade always has numerous entries and lots of candy for the kids. The fair features numerous rides for the kids, and competitions for the cutest kid, best artwork and best crafts. There is a demolition derby and tractor pull for adults and youngsters alike.

This fair represents the heart of my district, agriculture. Most of the events center on our rural way of life and its influence in the district. For example, students in grades 9-12 entering the public speaking contest must focus their speech on fairs or agriculture. This teaches our children about the importance of agriculture to our everyday lives. Hopefully, they will use that knowledge right here in the 163rd District.

As you can see, there are plenty of activities for your family to enjoy here in Southeast Missouri as we move into fall. I encourage you to enjoy your family and the cooler weather.

In closing, I would like to welcome Shana Alexander, my new legislative assistant in Jefferson City. Shana would be happy to assist you with any issue you may have. Welcome aboard Shana.

As always, it is an honor to serve you in the Missouri House. Our Malden district office will be closed this week due to the veto session. If you would like to discuss any issue, please call our Jefferson City office at 573-751-3629. You can also email me at Kent.Hampton@house.mo.gov. I look forward to hearing from you.