Organizers gear up for 71st Ozark Empire Fair

And this year’s fair, set to run July 27–Aug. 5, is right around the corner.

Lloyd said he expects between 225,000 and 230,000 people to attend the fair, which this year has the theme It’s Your Turn!

In its earliest days, the Ozark Empire Fair was a traveling display of local crafts and handiwork. It has grown to generate more than $4 million in direct spending from visitors each year.

The number of visitors varies depending on weather, Lloyd said. Mild temperatures in 2004 help set an attendance record of almost 239,000, but attendance dropped to 219,000 last year when temperatures hit 100 degrees.

Of the fair’s visitors, Lloyd said 39 percent travel more than 25 miles to attend, and 5 percent will come from out-of-state.

“We’ve got people that will bring their livestock exhibits to the fair from all over the country,” he said. “It’s not unusual to drive through the parking lot and see livestock trailers with license tags reflecting points of origin from California to Maine, and that certainly contributes to the economic impact of the fair.”

Fair for the Future

The Missouri Entertainment and Event Center – formerly the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and home to the fair since 1936 – holds about 80 events a year, including the fair. All told, the center brings in about $24.3 million and more than 500,000 visitors each year, according to a report released earlier this year.

In November, officials initiated the Fair for the Future project, soliciting more than 90 individuals from southwest Missouri to make recommendations on how to improve the fair and bring in more visitors.

The effort was lead primarily by Board President Larry Ellison and several changes have been made as a result, including a more diverse lineup of grandstand entertainment. Lloyd said that country-western, contemporary Christian, classic and contemporary rock music will still be mainstays, but other types such as reggae will be considered.

Among the grandstand entertainment this year will be the first Hardee’s Blues Bash, to be held July 28. It will open with local band Nick, Ruell & Ned the Band, followed by Tripwire, featuring Delbert McClinton.

“We felt like this would be a great lineup for the Springfield crowd, and if we got the (Blues Society of the Ozarks) involved with this, we would be able to have a great relationship with them and then go from there,” said Geoff Doran, marketing director for Hardee’s in Springfield.

“I always love the free concerts,” Doran said. “It’s kind of a tradition to go out there, and I get the root beer and a jug and just have a blast.”

Blitz build

Also included in fair festivities is a blitz build for the 100th family served by Habitat for Humanity’s Springfield Chapter. On July 27, Habitat will begin construction of the home, the first to be built on the fairgrounds.

The project is sponsored by Congressman Roy Blunt through a national Habitat program called Congress Builds America. Blunt will be at the fair for the wall-raising at 9 a.m. on July 28. Following an open house and dedication on Aug. 4, the two-bedroom home will be moved to its permanent location.

Other changes include several new rest areas, and smoking will be restricted to designated areas.

New ticket options also have been added, and fair shuttles will be reintroduced.

It’s Your Turn!

71st Annual Ozark Empire Fair

When: July 27–Aug. 5

Where: Missouri Entertainment and Event Center

Admission at the gate: $8 for adults, $2 for children ages 6–12 and free for children 5 and younger.

Advance tickets: Beginning July 1, advance tickets are available at all southwest Missouri Hardee’s locations and O’Reilly Automotive locations in Missouri, northwest Arkansas, northeast Oklahoma and southeast Kansas. Advance tickets also may be purchased at all Cody’s Convenience Stores in southwest Missouri. Advance tickets are $5 for adults and $1 for children ages 6–12.

Parking: $4

Ticket packages: Special deals are available through www.missouristatetix.com, including a season pass of $40 that includes free parking. Fun passes, which cost $19.50, include admission, free parking and unlimited carnival rides.

Source: www.ozarkempirefair.com