No lack of things to do in our area this weekend

The weekend is jam packed with all kinds of things in our area for the whole family to enjoy. The weather will remain summer-like through next week so keep those jackets and sweatshirts in storage for now. Make a point to get out and about in the ample sunshine. There are plenty of activities and goings-on in Southeast Missouri to keep you occupied.

• The annual Butler County Fair opens at 5 p.m. today at Ray Clinton Park in downtown Poplar Bluff and will close at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday. There will be commercial vendors, designated parking, entertainment for all ages, food, beauty pageants and a new carnival this year. The entire family will have fun at this two-day event. For more information, see the schedule online at www.darnews.com in the Tuesday edition of the DAR, call fair organizers 573-718-0588.

• The 10th annual Iron Horse Festival is set for Saturday in downtown Poplar Bluff, with live entertainment all day, free kids zone, 5 and 10K races, dog show, car show, river races, flag ceremony, food vendors, craft vendors, tons of demonstrations, and so much more scheduled. This year, Iron Horse Festival is partnering with the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, as well as offering exhibits at the Black River Coliseum. For more information, see the schedule on page 2 of today’s edition or visit organizers online at www.downtownpoplarbluff.org

• Bollinger Mill State Historic Site is hosting its first annual Fall Festival from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday in Burfordville, Missouri. All four floors of the mill will be open for free, self-guided tours. At 10 a.m., there will be a free scarecrow building program in the day-use area. Straw and twine will be provided, participants will need to bring old clothing, such as overalls and shirts, for the scarecrow. Pre-registration is required for this activity.

Members of the Egypt Mills Antique Tractor Club will display their vintage equipment in the day-use area. The Whitewater Bluegrass Band is scheduled to perform a free concert at 2 p.m. in the day-use area. Please bring lawn chairs for seating. Food vendors will be on hand offering such fare as barbecue, kettle corn, fudge, roasted nuts, beverages and more.

Bollinger Mill State Historic Site is located at 113 Bollinger Mill Road in Burfordville. Take Highway 34 to Highway OO to Highway HH in Cape Girardeau County. For more information about the event, or to register for the scarecrow building program, contact the historic site at 573-243-4591.

Next week’s preview event:

• Dust off your boots, grab your hat and head over for the three day Three Rivers Championship College Rodeo, being held at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo arena next Thursday, Oct. 3 (5:30-10 p.m.), Friday, Oct. 4 (9 a.m.- 9 p.m.) and Saturday, Oct. 5 (4-9 p.m.). The event is National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association-sanctioned and will feature top competitors from 15 college rodeo teams in the Ozark region. The rodeo will feature all the event favorites like bull riding, bareback bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling and various roping competitions. Tickets are available at the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce, Three Rivers College Office of Student Accounts in Poplar Bluff and the Sikeston Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Whatever you choose, have some fun checking off your own to-do list this weekend.

Email suggestions for the to-do list to news@darnews.com or write to me at Daily American Republic, c/o To-Do List, PO Box 7, Poplar Bluff MO 63902.