By DAVID A. WILSON
Democrat Staff
Attendance was good at the 147th Moniteau County Fair. Unlike last year, rain was an issue rather than extreme heat.
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. The bigger events bring in more people to pay the gate fee.
Many of the usual events were affected by the mud and preparing the arenas for the events took some extra work for Monday's MMTTPA Tractor Pull, Wednesday's Motor Cross event, Thursday's full-size and compact Demolition Derbies and Friday's Compact Figure 8 Scramble and Tuff Truck Challenge and Saturday's Mid-America Tractor Pullers Association event, the Antique Tractor Pull and the later Brush Pull for trucks and tractors.
The draft horse pull required removal of a lot of mud from Sappington Arena before the teams could do their best.
The Kiddie Tractor Pull on Monday was held on concrete, so only the family and friends in the bleachers found it necessary to brave the mud.
The milder temperatures on Saturday made it more comfortable for participants and audience alike for the Baby Show and the Main Arena, the Junior Ham Auction in the cattle barn, and the Martin's Bluegrass Music and Rural Roots in Sappington Arena.
There was the Magic Show by Eric Vaughn, rides for the brave and for the more fainthearted, numerous carnival games and vendor booths.
Tuesday, a free night, featured the Miss Moniteau County Queen Contest and Little Mr. and Miss Moniteau Contest.
As far as food, the traditional funnel cakes were available as well as hot dogs, burgers, tacos and a good variety to satisfy almost any tastes. There were available as well beverages such as cold pop, lemon and limeade and cool treats. Cattlemen's Steaks were available following the parade on Saturday, Aug. 3. The Kiwanis Ham Breakfast was on the last Saturday, Aug. 10.
With the 2013 fair at an end, planning can begin to make the 148th fair of 2014 another one to remember.