The 2013 Jefferson County Fair kicked off Thursday night (July 18) and appeared to draw a larger crowd than last year’s opening night, says Chris Thebeau, fair chairman.
“We don’t track (the amount of people) at all on Thursday night because it’s free (admission) with the canned goods donations,” he said. “But I’d say it was probably a little better than our first night last year.”
He said the parking lot looked fuller than last year.
Thebeau also said there was another general consensus about Thursday night: no complaints.
“We always have the little things – the kinks to work out – like not having enough ice for a certain vendor, but Thursday is always our dry-run night,” Thebeau said. “That’s why we don’t charge for it. Everything went well.”
Fairgoer Kurt Kleinschmidt of Festus, who showed up at 5 p.m. to take photographs at the Hillsboro Horse Show, had just one complaint – the heat. But relief was beyond anyone’s control. The day’s temperature peaked at 96 degrees at 5:05 p.m. and didn’t drop below 90 degrees until 8 p.m., staying above 80 degrees for the duration of the fair.
“It (the horse show) was hot,” but worth the perspiration, Kleinschmidt said.
“The horses were fixed up really nice, and it always looks cool to me when someone has their horse running at full gallop.”
The event drew a nice crowd and ran through 10:30 p.m., Thebeau said.
“It was really well received,” he said.
Both men believe tonight (July 19) will have a larger crowd. The main music act Love and Theft performs tonight at 9 on the main stage, following performances by local country band Higher Ground and up-and-coming singers/songwriters Megan Redmond and Madison McKenzie. Tonight also holds five classes of barrel racing, starting at 7 p.m.
Saturday brings the Mid-Missouri Truck and Tractor Pull at 7 p.m. followed by St. Louis country band Hillbilly Authority at 9 p.m. in the RWZ Law Firm Pavilion.
“Saturday should be our biggest night – it usually is,” Thebeau said. “I guess it’s because it’s easier for people to come on Saturdays because of work. But hopefully tonight’s concert draws more people.”
Sunday will feature activities for children, from 2-5 p.m., and a Demo Derby. Each day of the fair includes carnival attractions, concessions, a petting zoo, pony rides and home economics displays.
Admission for the remaining three nights is $8 apiece. Admission is free for children under 6 and for active military.