Staff makes note of fair experiences

Larry Burch, of Butler, had an unpleasant experience at the Missouri State Fair two years ago, but he still has a soft place in his heart for Sedalia. On opening day, Aug. 10, 2006, Burch’s 2-year-old border collie named Rob bolted because he was afraid of fireworks.

Burch launched an extensive search for the prized pup, and received some 250 phone calls from concerned people after Democrat writer Sarah Nail reported the story.

A Sedalia woman read the story, and knew that Rob was the dog that her car had struck on Winchester near 16th Street. She called Burch, who found Rob dead in a field less than a half mile from where he went missing. Such a dog is worth $5,000 to $10,000, and Rob’s death deeply saddened Burch.

But Burch hasn’t given up on the Missouri State Fair or border collies. He plans to give a herding demonstration using Rob’s brother for free in the Mathewson Exhibition Center at 5:30 p.m. Friday. He called the Democrat to let folks know, because it won’t be on the fair schedule. The venue is air-conditioned.
 — Kaye Fair

I finally got around to trying the fried Oreos, and it was almost worth the years it took off of my life.
—  Travis McMullen
 
A man watching the pig races asked loudly if he could have one of the Oreos that the pigs race for. The announcer told him that he could “fight the pigs for it.” When the end of the first race came, he stood outside the track, but ultimately decided not to go through with it.
— Travis McMullen
 
Someone thought that the Foreigner concert on Tuesday would be the perfect opportunity to hold up an Obama campaign sign. She even got it on the big screen for a split second.
— Travis McMullen

I make a leisurely stroll through the Fine Arts Building part of my State Fair itinerary. Again this year, I am struck by the breadth and depth of artistic talent in Sedalia and nearby communities. You can see a fine representation of that this year. And don’t forget to go upstairs to see the MO 50 exhibit. The junior MO 50 show downstairs is impressive. I usually spend more time with the photographs than anything else. Democrat photographer Sydney Brink has an exquisite still life on display. To my eye, it’s the best of the lot.
— Oliver Wiest

I obviously didn’t get the memo on proper attire for the Foreigner concert. I was surrounded by women, many 10 to 20 years my senior, wearing halter tops with no bras. I found myself cracking up as I watched an old-time Foreigner fan trying to get the band’s attention, while her two teenage daughters looked down at the ground in disbelief. I’d rather rock on with a supportive bra, than worry something might fly out of my top. It was awesome to see Foreigner rock the crowd with some great classics.
— Latisha Koetting

The Missouri Waltz Competition in the Mathewson Exhibition Center Wednesday proved to me that the senior citizens participating don’t lack spunk. One man on the dance floor, who looked to be in his late 70s, literally jumped off the stage and started shakin’ it for a very excited group of older ladies in the front row as they clapped and cheered him on. So much for thinking the polka was boring.
— Lora Powell