After 5: 2006 Ozark Empire Fair

As they have in years past, local businesses have stepped up to support the fair. Empire Bank, a longtime supporter that is celebrating its 50th anniversary, is presenting a free concert by the Lennon Brothers and Gail Lennon Aug. 1.

The demographics of the fair might be different than you think.

According to a visitors’ survey done two years ago, General Manager Pat Lloyd knows that the average family income of fairgoers “is well in excess of $50,000,” and that many attendees have college degrees.

“You would be surprised at the demographics we reach,” he said. “Our appeal is very broad.”

Fair officials are working with Missouri State University on an economic impact survey that began last fall and will wrap up with the 2006 fair. Results are to be released in the fall.

“We know that our off-season events and the fair have a significant impact on our area economy, and we want to quantify that,” Lloyd said.

About 225,000 people attend the fair each year.

New features:

• alternative fuel/biodiesel exhibit in Center Hall

• Indian tacos, added to the offerings of 45 food vendors

Old favorites:

• the Midway, featuring more than 40 carnival rides including Speed, which made its fair debut in 2005

• Kid Zone, an area south of the arena that’s targeted to preteens

• livestock exhibits

• free entertainment, including karaoke, on various stages

• street performers, including a juggler, a magician and a troupe of swine in – what else? – the Pork Chop Revue.

2006 Ozark Empire Fair

Dates: July 28–Aug. 6

Times: Gates open at 11 a.m.; the grounds close at midnight. The E*Plex is open 11 a.m.–10 p.m. throughout the fair. Livestock shows begin daily at 9 a.m., and the Midway opens daily at 11 a.m., except on Sundays, when it opens at noon.

Admission: $8 for adults, $2 for children ages 6–12

Parking: $4

More information is at www.ozarkempirefair.com.

Grandstand lineup:

July 31 – Hawthorn Heights, 8 p.m.

Aug. 1 – Miranda Lambert, 8 p.m.

Aug. 2 – Blake Shelton, 8 p.m.

Aug. 3 – Audio Adrenaline, 8 p.m.

Aug. 4 – Three Dog Night, 8 p.m.

Aug. 5 ¬– Outlaw Truck & Tractor Pull, 7 p.m.

Aug. 6 – Antique Tractor Pull & Xtreme Mower Races, 1 p.m.

Reserved concert tickets are $12 and $10, in addition to regular fair admission. The KY3 Grandstand opens one hour prior to show time. Motor sport tickets are $5 and $3. Tickets are available at the fair box office, (417) 833-2660.

2006 Fair Sponsors

KY3, Dodge, KTTS 94.7 FM, Hardee’s, Empire Bank, KTXR 101.3 FM, Midwest Family Broadcasting, KOLR-10, Jock 98.7 FM, 99 Hit FM, Springfield News-Leader, Greene Haven Skilled Nursing Care Facility, KGBX 105.9 FM, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Complete Pest Control, Drury Inn & Suites, Edge Supply Co., Fabick Cat, Golden Corral, Harry Cooper Supply, Hawthorn Park Hotel, Krystal Aire Inn & Suites, F. Lower Greenhouse, McDonald’s, Meeks – The Builders Choice, Overhead Door, Wickman’s Garden Village, Best Western Coach House Inn, Bull’s Trophy House, Central State Core Supply, Chase Erectors, Citizens National Bank, Commerce Bank, EconoLodge West, Dairy Farmers of America, Doctors Hospital of Springfield, Ferrier’s Embroidery, Lamplighter Inn, Main Street Feeds, Ozarks Antique Auto Club, Ozark Power Center, Pendergrass Roofing, Quality Trim & Sign, Ramada Limited, Redneck Trailer Supplies, Seal Safe, The Signature Bank, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, Rite-Way Concrete, Waste Corporation of Missouri, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Worthey Truck Sales, Steak n Shake, Wheeler Metals

Source: www.ozarkempirefair.com