Thursday, July 8, 2010

Make Your Own Great Memories at the Missouri State Fair

Ok, usually I try to eat pretty healthy, but every summer I look forward to attending the Missouri State Fair and sampling the foot-long corn dogs, kettle corn, fried Twinkies and other assorted fair food. Whether you visit the fair every summer, or have never been – this summer is a great time to come to the State Fair, and not just for the food!

“Growing Great Memories” is the theme for this year’s fair which runs Aug. 12-22. Besides the concerts, rides, shows and other exhibits, you can come visit MoDOT in our ever-popular shady Highway Gardens and air-conditioned Transportation Exposition Center.

The Expo Center will be fully loaded with interactive displays on the department’s programs and activities including games, contests and giveaways. Kids can participate in a transportation scavenger hunt, and play driving-related computer games. New displays will stress the importance of not texting and driving, a bridge display will feature pieces from an actual bridge, and a couple of other brand new things to see.

Our annual No MOre Trash! Day will be held on Friday, Aug. 13, with special activities including appearances by Buttons the Clown, trash can painting, games, snacks and a puppet show. MoDOT will stress the importance of litter prevention and keeping Missouri’s roadways clean of trash and debris. Adopt-A-Highway and Sponsor-A-Highway tables will be set-up for those interested in signing up to participate in these programs.

So, after you’ve grabbed your corndog and seen a pig race or two, head on over to our building and let us educate and entertain you for a bit. Don’t forget to pick up your FREE state road map.

Admission to the State Fair varies by day and time. Normal daily admission is $8. Visit mostatefair.com to find out more.

Missouri Miles

In part one of Missouri Miles for July, we show you how MoDOT is saving money by cleaning signs instead of replacing them. Then we take you inside a big rig for the Missouri Truck Driving Championship in Springfield, Missouri. In part two, learn everything you need to know about driving around a roundabout. We take you on a bike ride in Jefferson City as a fundraiser for the MoDOT Memorial Fund, as well as remind you that "The Heat is On" this summer!
All that and more in this month's edition of Misouri Miles.