The Missouri State Fair, hosted at the Missouri State Fair Grounds in Sedalia, ended on August 19, 2024. It was ten days of live music, greasy food and carnival entertainment.
For Martin T. Roberson, a secondary education junior, this year’s State Fair was his first. “The drive getting up there was pretty long but enjoyable,” he said, “The part could have been the ample free parking.”
The State Fair began on August 8 and closed on August 18. Folks that went were greeted with free parking, exceptional assistance from Missouri State Troopers and Fair employees in finding a parking spot. Tickets were for sale online or at the gate.
Roberson was looking forward to seeing all the award-winning animals but his hay fever precluded him from seeing them. “Because of this, and the heat of the day, some of my favorite experiences were indoors.” Roberson enjoyed the wide variety of pies, puzzles, and arts and crafts inside the Home Economics Building. The Home Economics Building was adjacent to the Conservation Hut. Roberson said that the Conservation Hut “made me realize that there are way more fish in Missouri than I thought.”
The food was a classic mix of corndogs, deep-fried Oreos, and BBQ. It was up to the visitor to decide if they wanted a delicious, greasy turkey leg or crunchy, deep-fried carnival treat. “I personally am partial to the classic corndog and a lemonade, but my girlfriend was far more adventurous,” said Roberson.
Finding a drink was never an issue, either a cold beer, crisp soda, or refreshing water. Water was offered for $1.50 at Fair sponsored booths along most intersections on the fair ground, providing a cheap, healthy and responsible option for fairgoers.
Everyday had a unique entertainment offerings. From rodeos and bull riding to live agricultural and floricultural demonstrations to contests and attractions. Several prominent bands performed, from Foreigner on August 8, the Goo Goo Dolls on August 10, and Alabama on August 17.
Roberson was at the Alabama concert. “The music was great, but the lead singer kind of reminded me of Joe Biden,” joked Roberson, “he has some sort of hypnotic power to make the crowd move as he demanded. I have a working theory that he is a wizard.” Alabama has been around since 1969 and the lead singer, Randy Owens, is 74-years-old.
