Ozark Empire Fair starts this week, give it a peep wouldya

This week the Ozark Empire Fair returns for its 87th annual installment. This year's run will take on a different complexion thanks to the construction of the new arena. The progress displaces the livestock shows to other barns and arenas on the property which all appear suited for the task. The draft horse performance will be moved to the grandstand, which seems like a perfectly appropriate venue given its spectacle. I'm curious if it might have been better there all along, as the former Pinegar Arena was too small for such a competition.
I plan on attending at least one livestock show, and at least one corn dog stand, not necessarily in that order, and I'd recommend everyone does the same. For good measure, I'll be there in the a.m. though, avoiding the heat—and the crowds.
The stock shows are not just about the development of the animals but also the showmen, who are often youth. While the youngsters of course benefit from participating, I think other kids would also benefit from simply viewing the effort. Shout out to the FFA'ers and 4-H'ers who dedicate so much time to the cause. I was in both organizations growing up, and it's a great foundation for discipline and community.
By this time next year, it's expected that the main arena will be done, which will really put the shows in high cotton, be it livestock or otherwise. Per the fair website, the 100,000 square foot arena will cost some $12 million and will seat 6,800 patrons. Talk about an upgrade. I attended a livestock show last year in the old arena, which, outside of some big ceiling fans, hadn't changed much since I first saw it as a kid some 40 years ago. Sorry to those who don't like change, but good riddance to that dusty artifact. It may have had more character than any other building on the property but it also had more mileage.
Here's to this year's fair and the people who support it. Thanks for making it happen.
Visit ozarkempirefair.com for more information on events and tickets.