Wolfe takes reins at Missouri State Fair

The 2009 Missouri State Fair will include many of the attractions that made it successful last year, with some added bonuses, said the new director.

Mark Wolfe, 46, of Marshall, took over from former fair director Marion Lucas Friday, after about a five-month transition.
“I think the fair is going to be another hit,” the new director said.

Wolfe said Monday he expected the 2009 fair will see the return of at least three popular free entertainment acts from last year — the Amazing Anastasini Circus, ShenaniGuns! Wild West Comedy and Vocal Trash. Officials learned from the 2008 fair that quality is key to providing free entertainment, Wolfe said.

Other free shows will likely follow, and the 2009 fair should include the launch of Rural Lifestyle Showcases, Wolfe said.
“It’s an opportunity for more urban dwellers, folks from around the city, who have an interest in learning about the more rural lifestyles,” he said.

Fair employees are still working on the details, but the showcases could be small displays and demonstrations throughout the fairgrounds featuring topics such as food canning, lawn care for small landowners, and sewing.

“We have a lot of work to do to get this done, but it’s going to be entertaining, educational and I think people are going to like it,” Wolfe said.

Officials are working on signs, maps and schedules to make sure people are able to navigate the fairgrounds easily.
The grandstand also has the potential to bring in popular acts.

“We’re working hard with the State Fair Commission to bring in big-name entertainment for the grandstand,” Wolfe said. “Obviously, it’s something everyone wants, but it costs a lot.”

The entertainment line-up will ultimately be determined by how much the fair receives from state allocations, Wolfe said.
Fair officials are aware people may be cutting their recreation budgets, but that may mean more travel closer to home than out-of-state vacations.

“We understand certainly it’s a tough economic time for everybody,” Wolfe said. “We’re holding the line on our prices.”
Entry fees are set to remain at $8 per adult, with special deals including $1 admission opening day and $5 after 5 p.m. Parking is free and families can see many attractions at no cost.

“I don’t know how many places you can go to for $8 and see what you can see on the 400 acres here,” Wolfe said.

Some might think Wolfe has big shoes to fill.
“I don’t know how you could learn from anyone better,” Wolfe said of Lucas.

The 2008 fair was among the most successful in recent years with about a 27 percent increase in attendance over 2007.

Lucas, who announced his retirement during the 2008 fair, plans to remain in Sedalia.
“I’ll be here to help him however I’m needed,” Lucas said Monday. “I have a lot of confidence in Mark.”

Wolfe has a good relationship with fair employees and allows them to do their jobs without micro-management, Lucas said.

Wolfe grew up on his family’s cattle farm in southern Missouri. He received a bachelor’s of science degree in agriculture business from Missouri Valley College in 1984. He worked in construction before starting his own business, Wolfe Construction, in the late 1980s.

Good benefits and a retirement plan attracted Wolfe to a position as the fair’s building manager in 2004, where he served until being tapped for the director’s job.

Wolfe, and his wife. Julie, live south of Marshall. They have two adult daughters. Wolfe said he plans to stay on his 40-acre farm until his wife retires from her job in Marshall, which could be a couple years.