The 2012 Missouri State Fair is underway in Sedalia.
Attendees this year will have access to a new warning system in the event of severe weather. Fair officials and the State Highway Patrol are offering the service, which will provide text messages to fairgoers if there’s a severe weather warning or other emergency situation. Marketing Director Tammie Nichols says it’s being provided, in part, because of last year’s severe storm that knocked out power and forced the fair to shut down for several hours.
“So we wanted to do everything that we could to alert our fair guests and the public that are planning on coming to the fair about any situation that could cause a delay in opening regarding the weather," Nichols said.
While the extreme heat of the past few months has subsided, temperatures are still expected to be in the low to mid 90’s throughout most of the fair’s run.
“Most of our buildings are air conditioned, (and) we do have a lot of shaded areas and trees," Nichols said. "We’ve got emergency response teams here 24 hours a day, and they’re ready to help anyone that feels like they may have had too much heat.”
There are also misting stations on the fairgrounds, and Nichols says people can bring coolers with non-alcoholic beverages. Those wanting to to sign up for severe weather text messages can find more information at mostatefair.com.
The Missouri State Fair runs through August 19th.
