Missouri State Fair midway rides inspected last month, first responders discuss crowd control
SEDALIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Missouri State Fair kicks off Thursday in Sedalia with organizers hoping they can top the 340,000-plus visits people made to the event last year.
The 11-day event ends Aug. 20.
The state Department of Public Safety inspected rides operated by fair vendor Wade Shows on July 28. The inspection turned up some minor issues with some rides, which were immediately fixed, according to the report.
The fair is Missouri's largest agricultural expo, attracting animal lovers and farmers to pet and showcase livestock. This year's fair will include multiple attractions like the MRCA Show-Me State rodeo, cowboy mounted shooting, motorsport events, truck and tractor pulls, petting zoos, pig races, a water circus and bull riding.
Along with the various attractions at the fair, first responders from across the state are also there to help with crowd control.
"We get people from all over the state to come in and volunteer their time to serve the state fair and the citizens of the great state of Missouri," said State Fire Fire Department Chief Robert Brown. "That's the only reason we're here to make sure that they enjoy themselves and if they need us, we're here to assist them."
The fairgrounds cover 396 acres of land, which is a lot of ground for Missouri State Troopers like Cpl. Logan Bolton to keep safe.
"We patrol everything from the fairgrounds to the grandstands. We're at all the gates," Bolton said.
Troopers told ABC 17 News that some of the most-common issues that happen at the fair are alcohol-related fights, people passing out from dehydration, falling and people having stolen or misplaced items.
According to the state fair's website, in 2022 the fair had more than 340,000 attendees. The number of crime related incidents that required responses at last years fair is unknown.
There will also be livestock shows for sheep, swine, cattle, mules, rabbits and more. The auctions of the winners from each show will take place Aug. 19.
Gate admission tickets for a single adult cost $15.
