Jaycees put Cole County back in fair's title

Last year, the annual fair at the Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds dropped Cole County from the title. But this year, it's back in.

Erin Wiseman, Jaycees spokeswoman, said there was never any malicious intent when the county's name was removed from the title.

"The only reason it was done was for advertising purposes," she said. "We already have a lot in the title, so they decided to try it without the county in there. This year, it's back, and it's as simple as that."

After the name was dropped last year, the County Commission had discussed reducing the services the county provides during the fair. In particular, the county's public works department prepares the midway and grades the track for the truck-and-tractor pulls.

Although many Mid-Missourians may think of the annual event as the "Cole County Fair ," the Jaycees - a private organization - has planned and staged the fair for more than six decades.

Last year, the event was billed as the Jefferson City Jaycees Fair, and Jaycees officials said the change was made to try to bring recognition to the organization since it funds and runs the fair.

"We appreciate everything the county does," Wiseman said. "We hope that the fair brings in business and visitors to the county."

Said Presiding Commissioner Marc Ellinger: "They are a good bunch of people, and we're happy to work with them on the fair."

This year, the fair will run from 5 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Monday through Aug. 2. Prices for the fair will be $1 per ticket and one ticket per ride on Monday and $12 armbands will be for sale from Tuesday through Thursday.