Attendance was good at the 149th Moniteau County Fair. It's time to look forward to the 150th.
At the fair just ended, the weather was variable - sometimes warm and muggy, sometimes hot, and there was one heavy rainstorm. A few of the events were cancelled because the arenas were too wet. Of course, there was about an inch and half of rain Tuesday night as a storm blew through after the Queen Contest drew to a close.
The many smaller fair events, such as the halter calf show, washer board competition, horseshoe pitching, kiddie tractor pull and art hall draw their own audiences and participants. The bigger events and the carnival bring in more people to pay the gate fee.
The wet conditions and rain were factors in canceling the Draft Horse pull and Horseback Team Penning. Horseshoe pitching was called off for one night for the same reason. Entries were slim at the sheep, goat and cattle shows planned for the morning after the rainstorm.
The rodeo went on as planned, although the mud made it a different experience for many of the participants and the audience.
The crews worked hard to preparing the Main Arena for the events, such as Monday's Truck and Tractor Pull, Tuesday's Queen and Little Miss and Mr. contests, Wednesday's rodeo, Thursday's Tuff Truck Challenge and ATV Showdown, Friday's Compact Figure 8 Scramble and Saturday's Demolition Derby and baby show. The milder temperatures on Saturday made it more comfortable for participants and the audience alike for the Baby Show.
Magician Keith Leff performed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at the Moniteau County Fair. He performed across from the carnival near the west entrance to the fairgrounds, making "events magically memorable." He also entertained at the Senior Adult Day held Thursday in Centennial Hall. Well over 100 senior adults attended the event which featured bingo.
The work crews also prepared Sappington Arena for Monday's Kiddie Tractor Pull and Tuesday's Hot Rod Garden Tractor Pull.
There were carnival rides for the brave and for the more fainthearted, a myriad of carnival games and a number of vendor booths. Tuesday was a free night, featuring the Miss Moniteau County Queen Contest and Little Mr. and Miss Moniteau Contest. Food items available included a variety to satisfy almost any tastes, including the traditional funnel cakes, corn dogs, hot dogs and burgers. They were available, as well as, beverages such as cold pop, lemon and limeade and cool treats.
The Kiwanis Ham Breakfast started off Saturday, Aug. 3, before the fair and Cattlemen's Steaks were available following the parade.
Once again, its time for a reminder to begin planning for the 150th fair in 2016, since the 2015 fair at an end. Begin now to make the 150th in 2016 a major event.