Sharon Kirchoff drives the "happy cart" far beyond the boundaries of the Missouri State Fair - in a less than literal sense.
As a 15-year volunteer cart driver at the Missouri State Fair, Kirchoff regales her passengers and provides positivity in both her courtesy transportation and in her everyday endeavors.
Kirchoff volunteers with a variety of organizations, including the Missouri State Fair Commission and Missouri State Fair Foundation, for-profit and non-profit organizations, respectfully, that provide volunteer and financial support for the 10-day event, she said.
Kirchoff travels annually to the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia with her husband, Bill, and camps nearby, enduring several tough days of work, which includes driving the courtesy cart, she said.
Characterizing the fair as "a family affair," Kirchoff's many years of attendance at the Missouri State Fair, in both childhood and adulthood, have engrained her extensive knowledge of the layout of the fairgrounds, a crucial quality for a cart driver, she said.
In addition to fair attendees that encounter difficulty walking long distances, Kirchoff also transports performers and politicians in her golf cart, which fair coordinators have christened the "happy cart" because of Kirchoff's irrepressible optimism, she said.
"I'm so blessed with the people I get to work with. I'm happy because I know they had fun. Everyone seems to be happy," she said.
In addition to driving the courtesy cart, Kirchoff assists fair coordinators in a variety of ways including setup for the Missouri State Fair Foundation dinner and live auction that precedes - and funds - the fair, she said.
"People come with an open mind and a giving heart," Kirchoff said of the fundraising event.
Kirchoff also helps with the complete setup of all the fair booths and tents the day preceding the fair, which often takes place into the middle of the night, she said.
"You're thinking: There's no way it's going to fall together. People just walk in the gates and enjoy it. They don't know how many hours go into it," she said.
Kirchoff also began making coffee and juice for volunteer who worked near her camper in the morning, she said.
"I became a campground hostess even though there wasn't one," she said.
Handling several different duties under a variety of
coordinators, Kirchoff never refuses a task at hand, she said.
"They (coordinators) know I'm dependable and loyal. If I tell them I'm going to do something, then I'm going to do it. I will get it done," Kirchoff said.
Beyond her Missouri State Fair endeavors, Kirchoff offers her dependability and positivity to a variety of other causes and organizations.
Kirchoff helped found Dreams to Reality and currently serves on its board of directors.
She also volunteers at the YMCA for the Silver Sneakers program, and she serves on the board of directors at the Cole County Senior Nutrition Program, she said.
As a member of Concord Baptist Church, Kirchoff sings in the church choir and coordinates senior adult events.
Kirchoff believes she is divinely prompted toward all of her volunteering endeavors, she said.
"The good Lord is in charge of my life. He will lead you and put you in what you need to be involved in. It's amazing how God can just make things work out for his glory," she said.
Kirchoff juggles several ministries that reflect her strong Christian beliefs, including Kingdom Klowns for Jesus.
Kingdom Klowns for Jesus trains aspiring clowns in trades such as balloon sculpting and face painting, she said. The clowns then "spread the love of Jesus Christ," according to Kirchoff, at various community events.
Kirchoff uses her '72 Volkswagon as a part of her clown routine and is often recognized in the community, despite her clown makeup, she said.
Many people in the community approach Kirchoff and offer gratitude for some way in which she has helped them - though, sometimes Kirchoff is unaware she has made a difference in any way.
"You have no idea what difference you can make even with just a smile. We don't know what people are carrying in their hearts," she said.
As for her volunteering, Kirchoff does not see that as anything she will relinquish any time soon, she aid.
"It's like driving a hot rod or a go-kart or hunting or anything else. Once it gets in your skin, you can't get it out. What you give just comes back around to you," she said.