As of June the 27th, the tropical storm named Alex is still getting its act together down in the Gulf of Mexico where it is expected to strengthen considerably over the next few days over warm Gulf waters. Then, after it makes landfall sometime around Thursday, it might just make a sweep through the southwest portion of Missouri toward the coming weekend as the probability map here suggests. So, another chance for heavy rain could be in the cards for next week sometime.
One would think, after shooting hours of video, that I would be able to come up with some sort of story line to visually show what was a most excellent five day event. Trouble was, a County Fair by its very nature, is a chaotic mix of many elements. There are crafts, music, food vendors, rides and politicians all competing for your attention.. Throw in some animals running amok and automobiles bent on complete destruction and what you get is a visceral and informational miasma that pleasantly assaults the senses from every direction. (Sort of like Congress on a good day).
So, putting something together for my You Tube Channel video was rather a challenge. Not wanting to subject my audience to the raucous sounds of machinery gone wild! I attempted to match a background musical track that had some semblance of relationship to the topic at hand. In the end, I came to realize that a Fair is really more about the people that attend it and how well they enjoy the experience, Thanks DanO!
Saturday, June the 26th is a date to mark on your calendar. The Gift of Hope, a local charitable organization will be hosting a fundraiser at Shadowrock Park in Forsyth, Missouri from 6 to 9PM. Starting at 7PM will be entertainment by Big Smith. There will be fun and games for the kids with a raffle for adults that includes items like a flat screen TV and round trip tickets from the Branson Airport. There will also be an awesome fireworks display as soon as it gets dark or shortly after 9PM(note: the Fireworks display is free). Advance $10 tickets can be purchased at the Country Mart grocery in town as well as at other locations. Cost at the gate will be $12. For additional information you may call 417 546-8062 or checkout their web page at www.giftofhopeinc.org.
Friday afternoon at the Taney County Fair was a great time in spite of the heat. With temperatures hovering in the nineties, it was great to feel a nice breeze kick up in the late afternoon. This week marks the longest days of the year with the sun still shining brightly at 7:30 PM. I was able to walk around and talk to many of the candidates for public office, both incumbents and those running for the first time. Everyone including Chuck Pennel (presiding Commissioner), Scott Starrett, Ron Houseman, Donna Neeley and all the others were very cordial and open to questions.
That evening, starting at 7PM, the arena was the central point of attention as the Garden Tractor pull got off with a roar. I was amazed at how many different types of tractors there were and by how powerful they appeared to be, They were also pretty loud as each contestant attempted to pull a special sled that was rigged to be more difficult to pull the further the tractor pulls it.
Tonight, Saturday, the 19th is the main event in my opinion as the Demolition Derby will begin at 7PM. Watching a bunch of cars get destroyed is always a good crowd pleaser and this year should see a good attendance. It’s cheap entertainment at only $5 at the gate. So, come on down and I’ll see you there!
The Fair, now in its third day of a five day run, has proven to be worth every penny of the $5 daily admission price. Spread out over much of ShadowRockPark in Forsyth Missouri the Taney County Fair provides a lot of fun for all ages. There are more rides than I’ve seen in recent years and food is available for almost any taste. On my last visit I had a slice of pizza that was out of this world. There are also corn dogs, hamburgers and even cotton candy for sale by the various vendors.
The Fair is also a good opportunity to have a chance to get up close and personnel with some of the politicians that are running for office this fall. They have booths set up and are more than happy to discuss the issues of the day. Some of these politicians will be speaking publicly on the stage at around 7PM on Friday evening.
Tonight (Thurs, June the 17th) at 6:30PM the very popular Little Miss Taney Beauty Contest will be held on the stage. Then at 7PM get ready for some hilarious action as the kids get a chance at Mutton Bustin. This will be followed by a good old fashioned Steer and Calf riding contest.
So grab your family and friends and come out to make an evening of it.
