Usually the city of Eldon is a typical quiet farm town, but on July 7th the city was bustling with activity as a parade kicked off the Miller County Fair.

A long-standing tradition of showcasing rural living at its best gets underway this week.

"It's nice to have parade and events for the Miller County residents. People gather and have good time. I am busy with coordinating for the parade so will not able watch it but I used to watch it with my parents when I was young. It was so fun," said Wendy Comber, coordinator for the parade.

A couple thousand attendants from both Eldon and elsewhere in Missouri are celebrating an annual tradition that has gone back more than 50 years.

"Parade was really nice. I come to this parade every year. This year parade was especially special to me because my great grand daughter was marching at the parade so it was very exciting," said Eldon resident Irene Morris

Adults are not the only ones who enjoy the parade.

"I love it. I got a lots of candy. Parade was fun and exciting. So hopefully everyone will join up together," said seven-year-old Mason Cavin.

All of the excitement generated from the county fair will help the town keep their mind off the recent local economic struggles.

In the past three months, more than a dozen businesses have already closed with several more on their way out of Eldon.

"There are probably 300-400 people laid off from FASCO industry here in Eldon," said Rhonda Buechter who was laid off a few weeks ago.

"Some people have to leave their home and go somewhere else for the jobs. Many people go for the different job because there is manufacture jobs," said Lillien Watler.

The city of Eldon eagerly looks forward to their county fair despite the recent local economic hardship.

"I think all week long county fair events give people relief from their worries like money problems. Some of them are loosing their homes and jobs. Hopefully this event will give them a little enjoyment," said Watler.

The Fair is geared towards festivities celebrating farm life with events from livestock and produce contests to beauty pageants. There is a whole range of activities suitable for adults and especially to the youth.

If you would like to see the Miller County's event schedule, click on the link on the left side of the page.