After covering the Cannonball run, I almost didn’t go to the fair Tuesday night. Then I looked at the 80% chance of rain Wednesday night. I have been to some rainy SEMO District Fairs, and I didn’t want to punch that ticket (literally) again.
While I was waiting to turn toward Arena Park, a number of fair announcements flashed up on the sign. One, I thought, said something about tickets being $40. “There better be a place to turn around, ’cause no fair is worth forty bucks,” I thought.
I got waved over to a parking place without having to reach for my wallet. That’s a good thing. I walked toward where all the action was and saw a sign that said $5. That’s more my speed. I got my five bucks worth before the evening was over.
I concentrated on people
There are some things I should mention: I feel guilty that I didn’t see the things off the midway that really make up a fair: the livestock, cooking contests, quilts and crafts …
Since I had a limited amount of time to spend, and because it was so late, I concentrated on the flash and trash of the midway food, rides and games of chance. I also spent more time taking photos of people than things.
I don’t do heartwarming much, but I really enjoyed what I presumed to be fathers and grandfathers enjoying their kids.
Older stories about fairs
- 1964 SEMO Fair
- 1967 casting contest
- Fair trophies and cow milking
- A fair in color
- Athens County Fair (not MO, but I really like the pictures)
- Mother covers 2011 Fair for me
Photo gallery of 2014 Fair
Sometimes you just have to get out of the way and let the photos tell the story. I’ve tried to group the gallery somewhat according to subject. That’s why you’ll find the potato booth together, rides together and games of chance together. Click on any photo to make it larger, then use your arrow keys to move through the gallery.
Ken, I LOVE these photos!! It makes me want to actually go to the fair, and I haven’t been in years–but, too late–the annual rain has started!!! How many years have we spent, wading mud and straw at that fair????
Malone’s Taffy. Need it, want it, gotta have it. My dad has my request; if they are there, pick some up for me since I will not be able to be there this year. Great photos elicit good memories. My grandmother Robinson, Uncle Gerald and Aunt Carolyn were always willing to take the grandkids, nieces and nephews to the fair.
Maybe one of my kind readers will buy you a batch and ship it to you.
I agree about the cables half covered in mud and water. They seemed to always be saying, “Danger Will Rogers,danger!”
I was telling Curator Jessica the other night about the huge generators that supplied power. They would be scattered around the midway purring away gently until some ride fired up, causing the generators to roar to life to meet the load. They were awesome in their own right. And, you are correct about always wondering about those cables running through puddles.
I was there Tuesday evening and that was not a Fair but a Zoo!!
These pictures really make me homesick. I haven’t made it to Cape for the fair since sometime late last century. One of these Septembers….
You did it again, really captured the moment and flavor of the SEMO Fair. I felt like I was right there as I looked at the pictures you shot. Great job, thanks.
I am commenting on picture #11. I know the people that own the concession stand. The one bending over wearing the glasses is Patrick and the lady with her hair in a ponytail is his mother, Sue. Sue’s father started his concession stand over 40 years ago. I worked for him back in the late 1970’s. These people are like family to me. I look forward to them coming here every year! My only reason to go to the fair anymore.
THE SEMO FAIR MIGHT BE WORTH SOMETHING IF THEY WOULD GET RID OF ALL THE STUPID STUFFED ANIMALS AND CRAP AND BRING BACK POSTERS AND THE PICTURE FRAMES LIKE THEY USE TO HAVE. THIS FAIR IS GETTING WORSE AND WORSE EVERY YEAR!!!! THE PRICES OF THE FOOD IS SO OUTRAGEOUS DAMNED I’LL PAY $10 FOR A TURKEY LEG TALK ABOUT MENTAL THAT IS MENTAL FOR THOSE KIND OF PRICES.