Missouri State Fair Launches More Fun in Science

(SEDALIA, Mo.) – Missourians can take part in a world record Mentos Soda Launch happening at this summer’s Missouri State Fair in August, just one event planned in a new three-day-focus on science. The launch announcement came on the heels of the passage of the SCR 2 bill celebrating October 3rd as Science Day in the state.

A proponent of the bill, Hooked on Science television show host and science educator Jason Lindsey, will facilitate the launching of more than 2,000 Mentos and Pepsi fountains on Saturday, August 22, at 2 p.m. in the grandstand in-field of the Fairgrounds.

Lindsey was responsible for a Missouri record set in 2007 that has since been broken by a launch of over 1,000 fountains in the Netherlands.

“I am excited at the prospect of helping Missouri bring back the title,” Lindsey said. “The exposure of the launch in a fun environment, such as the State Fair, will help increase the understanding of science as it applies in everyone’s daily life.”

Fair admission will allow admittance into the record-setting event, according to Fair Director Mark Wolfe. The grandstand in-field gate will open at 1 p.m. for both participants and spectators.

“Product will be supplied from Sedalia Pepsi distributer and local Bing’s grocery store for approximately 2,500 fountains,“ Wolfe said. “Product will be distributed to participants on a first-come basis.”

Wolfe said that Missouri 4-H will help coordinate the activity along with event sponsor Science and Citizens Organized for Purpose and Exploration (SCOPE). Both organizations are also involved in other activities during the three-day-focus on science August 20 to 22, one of which is a new Show-Me Robots exhibit sponsored by Monsanto.

This exhibit will be on Thursday, August 20, from noon to 6 p.m. in the Lowell Mohler Assembly Hall, located on the Fairgrounds, in an effort to broaden interest in the Fair especially among more urban 4-H members. Included among the exhibits will be demonstrations and hands-on robot activities.

Wolfe said that more information on the launch and robotics will be available on the Fair’s Web site, www.mostatefair.com. Dates for the annual Missouri State Fair are August 13 to 23 in Sedalia.