Missouri State Fair Will Be More Sensory Friendly Thanks to CHS

Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe announced that the Fair is partnering with the Center For Human Services to help those who become overwhelmed with all of the activity going on at the Missouri State Fair.

”The State Fair prides itself on offering something for everyone, including agriculture experiences, thrilling carnival midway rides, live entertainment, music, and more,” said Wolfe in a press release. “We recognize that all of the activity on the grounds might be overwhelming for some and are proud to partner with the Center for Human Services to provide resources for those fairgoers.”

One thing the Center For Human Services is doing is sponsoring a sensory-friendly time on Wade Show's Carnival Midway during the fair on Thursday, August 17, from Noon to 2 PM CDT. During this sensory-friendly time, rides will operate without music, and lights and microphone speakers for games will be turned down.

This day is also Thrifty Thursday on the carnival midway with unlimited ride wristbands being offered for sale for $25.00. Individual ride tickets will also be sold for those who maybe only want to go on a couple of rides.

The Center For Human Services will staff two resource tents that will offer sensory and accessibility information throughout the Fair, and they'll also have maps outlining quiet/easy routes to navigate the Missouri State Fairgrounds.

One tent will be located just inside the Centennial entrance on Missouri State Fair Boulevard, and one at the corner of Elm and Missouri Streets west of the Highway Gardens.

CHS will also have a sensory and accessibility resource center at Elm and Missouri Streets west of the Highway Gardens. The center will offer a cool, quiet space with materials and sensory activities for people who may experience overstimulation or sensory overload while visiting the far.

The Center For Human Services tents and sensory and accessibility resource center will be open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for the duration of the Missouri State Fair.

David Kramer, CEO of the Center For Human Services is quoted in the release as saying the group is thankful to the fair's leadership for making the Missouri State Fair more accessible to all.

The 2023 Missouri State Fair runs from August 10 through August 20 this year.