State Fair Time

August 03, 2012

It’s August, and while many people feel summer begins to wind down, summer really is still in full swing. Yes, school will be starting soon, too soon actually. College students begin heading back to class, but in Missouri, there is still one more big summer event, The Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. This year the fair runs from Aug. 9th – 19th. This is 110th year for the fair, so it definitely one of Missouri’s longest running events.

Now, I may sound "corny," but every year I look forward to going to the State Fair. I think one reason for me is that it’s kind of like a step back in time. I have been making the annual trip to Sedalia every year for most of my life. Yes, a lot of the exhibits seem the same year after year, but really there are differences, some subtle, others more obvious. Also, as a city kid, I enjoy seeing what’s going on in the rural areas of our state. You can honestly say that the city and the country come together at the fair. I definitely feel I have "got away for the day"  after my time at the fair.
 
If you have fond memories of your trips to the State Fair, or still enjoy going, I would like to suggest two books for you to look at: Once Upon a Time-- at the Missouri State Fair<!-- title --> by Dianne Peck and Show Me the Fair:  A History of the Missouri State Fair by Rhonda Chalfant. Many MCPL branches have both of these books in their collection.  
 
Todd H.
Raytown Branch