Missouri State Fair Reports Ups and Downs With an Eye on 2008

(SEDALIA, Mo.) – Final attendance figures are in for the 2007 Missouri State Fair and as preliminary estimates indicated the fair experienced a decrease of 18 percent from 2006, said Fair Director Marion Lucas.

“The extreme temperatures during the 11-day event affected fair attendance in several ways,” Lucas said. “First, the total number of fairgoers coming through the entrances was 280,014 this year, which was down about 60,000 from last year.”

Secondly,” he continued, “survey results indicated that the crowd was younger this year versus last year leading one to surmise that the heat discouraged our aging population. The weather coupled with some weak concerts in the grandstand likely impacted the decision of some to stay away.”

Lucas did report that there was an increase in livestock events as well as some record-setting bids at the sale of champions’ auction making the 2007 Fair yet another successful year for the youth of the state and the future for Missouri agriculture. The sale of champions raised $137,700, money that will be used by the fair’s youth-in-agriculture committee to help fund scholarships and other programs for Missouri youth.

Fairgoers expressed satisfaction with the overall fair experience including exhibits and entertainment; air conditioned buildings, along with the new water sprinklers and increased park benches located throughout the fairgrounds were also noted by the public as welcomed additions.

Lucas said, “Fifty new benches were added to the facility this year making it easier to find a rest stop while enjoying the beautiful park-like grounds. Water misters were also added in 5 locations that helped to provide relief from the triple-digit temperatures experienced during the fair.”

Work has already begun for 2008 with fair dates set for August 7 to 17. Lucas said his goal is to improve the Fair experience for everyone. He recognizes that in addition to a thriving agricultural-based population, the Missouri State Fair is attracting other fairgoers especially families for entertainment, education and other valuable experiences.

The director plans to provide more free entertainment and better events for the fairgoing public next year. He will also take a hard look at the grandstand concerts for 2008 hoping to get the right mix of entertainment, meaning shows that people want to see at a price they are willing to pay.

Lucas returned to Missouri in April of this year after coming out of retirement. He has had a long-standing career in the industry most recently leading the Iowa State Fair through several successful seasons.