The Missouri State Fair is ten days of exhibits, games, concerts, carnival rides, shows and delicious fair food! As we get ready for another year of the Missouri State Fair, here are a few things you'll want to keep in mind before you get on the fairgrounds.

Dress appropriately.

The Missouri State Fair is not typically the best time to wear dark-colored clothing and heavy fabrics. It's almost always hot, and even when it's not hot, it's typically warm enough for shorts and t-shirts. Don't forget hats and sunscreen. Another good thing to take with you is a pocket-sized poncho, just in case a shower (or a torrential downpour) develops. Wear comfortable shoes.

Have some cash on you.

Yes, there are ATMs on the fairgrounds. Yes, more and more vendors are able to take your debit card with products like Square. But save yourself some hassle and make sure you have at least a little cash on you. That one time you absolutely have to have it will be when you're as far away as possible from the nearest ATM, and the sun is beating down, and your feet already hurt.

Find out where the nearest air conditioning is.

There are actually quite a few places on the fairgrounds that have air conditioning. Some of the enclosed restaurants are air conditioned. So is the fine arts building, the Matthewson Exhibition Center, and several other sites. It's a good idea to know where you can go inside to cool down on those really hot days at the fair.

Find out all the options before you order fair food.

This has happened to all of us. You get to the fair. You can't wait for a certain fair food. So you run up to the nearest booth and place your order. After you've finished, you then walk by two or three other booths serving things you would have rather had. Take a walk around the fairgrounds and scope out the food scene before making any important decisions, like what foods to order.

Get your concert tickets early.

The Pepsi Grandstand is huge. It can hold thousands of concertgoers. And shows still sell out. If there's a concert you absolutely must see during the Missouri State Fair, order tickets early. All Pepsi Grandstand Concert/Event tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster, or by phone at 800-796-6776/800-745-3000. The Missouri State Fair box office is open June 26 – August 3 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (M-F), August 6-8, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and August 9-19, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Plan your escape route.

Let's face it, traffic in Sedalia can be pretty heavy at fair time. Sometimes you won't be able to make a left turn when you leave the fairgrounds. It doesn't hurt to plan a route ahead of time for getting out of the fair. If you know how you're going to get home in advance, you'll avoid frustration.

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