Jaycees Fair begins on Monday; organizers are prepared for potential poor weather

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

On Sunday, organizers and vendors for the Jaycees Fair in Cole County spent the day setting up for the upcoming week.

While the fair officially starts on Monday, festivities for 4-H and FFA members kicked off on Sunday. Last year's fair faced significant challenges due to adverse weather, which led to a decrease in attendance.

Reflecting on last year's weather troubles, Livestock Cole County Fair President, Nathan Strobel made sure to plan for contingencies this time around.

"Last year we were in our cell on Wednesday and we got probably two thirds of the way through it," Strobel said. "Lightning storms or high winds will have the exhibitors put their animals up, secure them, and then just go to the exhibit building or something like that."

All shows Sunday will be held under shelter, and in the event of severe weather, the Cole County Sheriff's Department and the Jefferson City Police Department will provide further instructions and safety.

"The first call would be to get the sheriff's department. They're usually back and to the left up here, the exhibit building," Strobel said. "Usually there's a deputy rarely closed...sometimes it's people volunteer, like the JCPD or somebody would be here volunteering."

Sunday's events featured two shows: the Market Show at 3 p.m., followed by the Pee-Wee Small Animal Show at 4 p.m., and ended with the Breeding Show.

"We have little, little bitty kids that are going to be coming in, showing pigs and goats and some calves, and it's really adorable to see those kids starting out young," said Agricultural Advisor Rachel Longan.

Over 1,200 exhibitors, comprising 4-H and FFA members from across Cole County, have registered for the fair.

For many, this will be their first time exhibiting. Savannah Williams, a recent graduate from Jefferson City High School, shared her excitement.

"I am excited because I've never done it before. It's the first time for me and my friend, so we're going to see how it goes," Williams said.

Sunday, Cole County experienced several rain showers.

Strobel said protecting the technical equipment, such as speaker systems, cables, and TVs, during quick downpours is crucial.

"The technical equipment like we got to make sure we chech on our speakers systems and things like that, cables for TV and things like that," Strobel said. "But for the most part, if it's going to storm real bad, we have people just kind of take shelter underneath the building."

The 4-H and FFA events will conclude on Friday morning with the famous Ham and Bacon Auction.

Admission Fees for the Jaycee Fair:

• Monday: $2
• Tuesday- Wednesday: $15
• Friday & Saturday: $20

Larger bags, such as backpacks or purses will not be allowed on the fair grounds. Clear bags and smaller purses are permitted.