Missouri State Fair begins Thursday with safety protocols in place

SEDALIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri State Fair kicked off Thursday morning with a gloomy start, but the light showers didn't keep the crowds away.

Fair director Jason Moore said the fair is expecting over 30,000 people a day and with the large crowds comes a large demand for safety and security.

"Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers will keep about 75 on the grounds throughout the 11-day event. They're here 24 hours a day," Moore said. "We do have state fair security that operates in a more of a private manner around the grounds. We have implemented wanding and scanning at our grandstand."

This is the state fair's second year using their "open gate system" by wanding and scanning people as they enter the grandstand.

Moore said they also have protocols and agencies in place to deal with any weather-related issues that may arise.

"The National Weather Service is on-site throughout the 11-day event. So even like this morning when we have just a rain event, we're able to make that call, get that timeline to see, you know, when it's going to start, when it's going to end," Moore said.

The fair's midway will hold 31 rides provided by Mark Cox Concession and Wade Shows. All rides passed inspection by the State Fire Marshal's Office.

Moore said fire marshals will also inspect the rides periodically over the next 11 days. According to Moore, Wade Shows has also sent its own service techs to ensure the rides meet safety protocols.

"They're monitoring it and if it's in a manner that we can't operate safely, then we'll certainly shut it down, make the proper repairs, work with them until we get it back up and going," Moore said.

The Missouri State Fair offers an email and text messaging service through GovDelivery. This service sends alerts to help keep fairgoers informed about public safety, like possible updates on inclement weather.

To sign up for the text alerts scan the QR code below or click here.