Nearly 20,000 people attended the 76th annual Jefferson County Fair last weekend, despite temperatures that reached 100 degrees or more, organizers reported.
Fair chairman Randy Starkey speculated that if the weather had been cooler, even larger crowds would have turned out for the Fair, held July 21 to 24 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Hillsboro.
“We had a really good turnout considering the heat,” Starkey said. “We were hoping for a little bit more. But, people would come out after the sun went down.”
Country music star Sara Evans, the Fair’s musical headliner, proved to be a trouper, performing July 22.
“(Evans’ performance) went really well,” Starkey said. “We sold out all the VIP tickets early on. We pretty much had a full house for her.”
In addition to live music, the Fair included carnival rides, motorsports competitions, fireworks and a variety of other family-friendly activities, such as a Tyke Town for children with a petting zoo and pony rides. An animal exhibit featuring lemurs, birds, snakes and alligators was held each day of the Fair.
Starkey said people seemed to enjoy the activities.
“I think we are just really consistent,” he said of the entertainment offered.
Starkey said he was not aware of any major problems at the Fair.
“We only had a couple people with heat issues,” he said.
In addition to the carnival activities, the Fair featured a “Show Me Your Best” contest, with exhibits in more than 100 categories, like baking, photography, arts, crafts, clothing and plants. The contest was sponsored by the University of Missouri Extension, Jefferson County 4-H, Jefferson County Extension Council and the Hillsboro Community Civic Club.
Starkey said the Hillsboro Community Civic Club, which sponsors the Fair, uses proceeds from the event to fund a variety of community events and causes.
“We support the Boy Scouts who meet at our facility,” he said. “We also do scholarships.”