Cape Girardeau Public Library brings back fall fair after drawing more than 500 last year

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — A petting zoo, an inflatable obstacle course and a free book giveaway are part of the Cape Girardeau Public Library’s second annual Fall Fair on Saturday, Nov. 14.

The fair runs from noon to 3 p.m. on the library’s back lawn. It’s open to all ages, and no registration is required. Most activities are free.

Alli Boyer, the library’s youth services coordinator, said the library held its first fair last year to thank the community after voters backed a property tax measure.

“And this year, we decided to bring it back because we had over 500 participants,” Boyer said. “So clearly it was well received and many asked us to bring it back.”

This year’s fair will also feature crafts, face painting and games with a chance to win prizes. Marcus Cape West Cinema will hand out free popcorn, and two food trucks, Happy Camper Hotcakes and BBQ 2 the Rescue, will be on site. The first 50 families will receive one free food voucher each to use that day.

Boyer said many of the library’s regular programs focus on learning. She described the fair as “a celebration of the community” and said she hopes the outdoor activities give families a reason to step inside, too.

“Hopefully they’ll see all of the other things we have to offer and come to more programs,” she said.

For Boyer, the fair is also a chance to tell families what they mean to the library.

“I just hope that they see that we acknowledge their presence in the community, and we appreciate them,” she said.

Find more Fall Fair details from the Cape Girardeau Public Library.