Participation appeared to be lower in some of the events of the 145th Moniteau County Fair, which ended Saturday night, probably due to the heat and humidity. Tuesday, Aug. 2, was especially notable since the 108 degrees was one for the record books.
While still hot, the last few days of the fair were much cooler by comparison and thus more tolerable by fairgoers and event participants.
Fortunately, the strong wind, rain and hail storm which whipped through the area waited for the most part until the fair was over before coming through. On Sunday, more stormy weather blew down tree limbs, dumped more than two three inches of rain and knocked power out in several areas of the city and county.
The many smaller fair events, such as the halter calf show, washer board competition, horseshoe pitching and hay hauling, draw their own audiences and participants. But the bigger events brought more people willing to pay the gate fee.
Monday's MMTTPA Tractor Pull and Saturday's Mid-America Tractor Pullers Association event drew many competitors and fans of tractor pulling events as did Wednesday's Rodeo;
Thursday's Demolition Derby and Compact Derby; Friday's Compact Figure 8 Scramble and Tuff Truck Challenge; and Saturday's MATPA tractor pull.
Saturday events also included the Baby Show in the Main Arena, the Junior Ham Auction in the cattle barn and the Martins Bluegrass Music in Sappington Arena.
Tuesday, a free night, featured the Miss Moniteau County Queen Contest and Little Mr. and Miss Moniteau Contest.
Overall, fairgoers seemed to move slower this year and appeared to consume large amounts of cold drinks and treats in addition to the usual funnel cakes, burgers and other food items.