The end of summer is state fair season across the Midwest. That means lots of fried food, carnival rides and livestock competitions. But at most fairs, there’s also a whole lot more.
If you missed the fair… fear not. Here are some of the sights and sounds of the Missouri State Fair.
"We live in Fredericktown now, but we grew up in the Bootheel. I square dance. Done barn dances when I was younger. We retired and had to have something to do so we started square dancing. It's good exercise and just all around good fun. We've been all over the United States doing it. It's just a blast doing it. You meet some nice people. Then you meet strange people, but that's all over." -Charlie Smith of Fredericktown, Mo.
"The state fair is great. We love coming out here since we're the only clogging group that gets invited to this particular day. It's awesome. I love the way everyone stands and watches and embraces what we do." -Felecia Dixon of Rolla, Mo.
"I wanted to see the hogs because the last time I was here I saw the biggest hog I had ever seen in my entire life. It was twice as big as these." -Belinda Luke of Columbia, Mo.
"We just entered here so as far as I've gotten in the llama barn. They're very soft and their noses are so cute. I didn't want one to spit at me, though." -Alexandra Gross of Sherman Oaks, Calif.
“This is the ‘Full Tilt.’ I kill people with it. I’m totally kidding. The ship right here goes all the way up in the air. I can stop them at the top and tilt the whole ship.
“I’m the break person so I had just got done giving my brother Danny a break – who runs this ride. Well, a guy got off of the ride. He comes to me and is like ‘do you have any paper towels?’ I look up from my phone and he’s got puke from head to toe all over him. And it wasn’t his puke.” – ride operator Alex Burger
“We went and looked at the calves in the coliseum. Some of them were getting their picture taken. We saw them getting ready and huddling inside. And the Clydesdales. Six-foot tall? Hello! 2,000 pounds? My goodness. Well worth the trip just for them.” -Tim Dollens of Columbia, Mo.
"I thought they were really good. The young lady has a sweet voice. Daniel has a nice voice that carries through everything. I love the mother's tin whistle. I hadn't heard that before. That was really cool." -Susie Griswold of Douglas County, Mo., on the Farnum Family band.