Jake puts on the dog

One of the events I quickly learned not to miss when we came here in 1992 was the Delta Center Field Day held in Portageville. Jake Fisher, head honcho at the Delta Center, and his crew know how to put on the dog and Field Day is run smoothly from the breakfast to the field tours.

I also learned Field Day is about much more than plants, weeds, growing techniques and insecticides, although there is plenty of that as well.

Field Day is about politics and during an election year there are almost as many politicians hanging around the tractor shed (more on that later) than there are varieties of weeds to be discussed. Politicians and weeds? Probably a country song in there somewhere.

Heading the list of lawmakers and would-be lawmakers at this year's event were Secretary of State Matt Blunt and State Auditor Claire McCaskill. They want to be the next governor of the Show Me State, having secured the Republican and Democratic nominations, respectively, last month. Both addressed the crowd with brief remarks.

McCaskill noted than when Tom Payne, who also serves as emcee of the event, opened the program he suggested speakers keep their remarks brief. "Did you notice that when Tom said to keep the remarks brief he looked right at me and Matt?" she asked. Yes, most of us did and the politicians adhered to the advice offered.

Other politicians on hand included state senator Peter Kinder, who is running for lieutenant governor of the state. Former state senator Morris Westfall also made an appearance. State representatives schmoozing for votes--if not in this election then certainly at some point in time-- included our own Ott Bean and Terry Swinger from the 163rd and 162nd districts, respectively. Rob Mayer, currently representing the 159th District and seeking the state senate seat in the 25th Senatorial District, was there. Jason Crowell and Rod Jetton, both Republicans in the House although Crowell is seeking the 27th District Senate seat. Jetton may very well be the next Speaker in the state House.

Candidates opposing the politicians running for office included Patt Sharp for the 25th Senate District, Jeff McCormick in the 163rd House and Shirley Johnson in the 162nd were also looking for votes Thursday morning. Come to think of it, there were probably almost as many politicians in the crowd as there were media types.

Noticeably absent this year was Rep. Joann Emerson. A regular, this is the first time she's been unable to attend Field Day in a long while. Tom Schulte, Sen. Bond's main guy, was there working the crowd for his candidate. If there was anyone attending from Nancy Farmer's campaign I didn't see them.

Field Day is also about renewing acquaintances. There are some folks that only see each other once a year and that's at Jake confab.

Tom Payne gets the keeps the program moving along. The vice chancellor of the university, always likes to point out differences between Jake's tractor shed and what everyone else thinks a tractor shed looks like. Jake undoubtedly has the best looking tractor shed in the state from the tiled floor to the paneled offices. When talking about what is officially known as the "Son" Rone Exhibition Hall, Dean Payne said there was discussion about a second tractor shed.

"When these Bootheel boys start talking about doing something they just kind of say, 'Aw, shucks,' and kick the dirt. You'd better get out of their way," Payne said.

Missouri president Elson Floyd was back for his second appearance at Field Day. I don't think he got to southeast Missouri in time for the dove hunt. Maybe he can squeeze that into next year.

Board of Curators president Mary James was in attendance for what I think was her first time. Mary has a little ink in her blood as well, so she may have just been along for the eats. Mary and husband, Bill, were publishers of the Harrisonville, Mo., newspaper for several years.

Field Day is also about food. Jake kicks off the day with a big breakfast. So big that many of us probably don't even need to worry about lunch, but that meal is also too good to pass up.

Bond Rouse, his son, Ted, and grandson, Jarrod Cude, were all loaded up on a wagon used to take farmers out for one of the field tours. It was suggested that the wagon they were on was going to the levee and not to the field.

"As long as it gets us to the food," Bond said, having already decided that after breakfast the second most important thing on the agenda for the day was going to be lunch.

Most of us took note of the mild temperatures and dry weather conditions this year as opposed to last when we waded through water and mud. Jake wasn't taking any credit for the weather, "That's all in the hands of the Man upstairs," he said.

Jake also wanted it noted that he was not wearing a tie for Field Day. I know, it's surprising to me too, that the guy in southeast Missouri most noted for his neckwear showed up with an open collar shirt.

The boss is quick to tell everyone that the reason things go so well at Field Day is because of his staff, and undoubtedly that's true. The center's staff is always very professional and courteous which adds to the fun of Field Day. However, Jake will occasionally bring in some high priced help to make sure everything goes well on the big day. There was one lady who was pretty busy the entire morning. I don't think she even sat down to eat breakfast.

I don't know what kind of arrangement Jake worked out with his wife, Shelly, but when she presents him with the bill for her work he should just pay it and be glad he got off so cheap.

Bud Hunt is publisher of the Daily Dunklin Democrat.