Now Hiring: Corn Dog Enthusiasts and People Who Can Lift Things

Well folks, it's that time again! It's the calm before the storm that is the Missouri State Fair  And with it, comes a lot of fun, but also... a lot of work.  Yeah, it's time to apply.

Sure.  It doesn't sound like fun, but.... it's a job, so it's not 100% fun.  But as jobs go... there aren't too many out there that are as fun as this one.

When I was a kid, working at the Missouri State Fair was the dream. It was basically our small town version of a summer internship at Google.....except with more livestock and fewer stock options. It was a rite of passage. You got a decent wad of cash, which was a big deal during summer break. And if you were someone who didn’t want to work in retail (read: folding shirts while being silently judged by 14-year-olds), it was a solid way to earn money for Bible Camp.

Not that I spent it on Bible Camp.
I spent it on AP English.
Senior year.
Yes, I know. Living large.

via GIPHY

Back then, landing a fair job wasn’t about skills, it was about connections. You had to "know a guy," which usually meant putting a teacher’s name at the top of your application so they could vouch for you. Otherwise, your form went straight into the paper shredder— or worse, the “maybe” pile.

I never got the holy grail of fair jobs: driving the Courtesy Cart. That was the Cadillac of gigs. The VIP lounge on wheels. But I did score a pretty solid run in admissions. Not glamorous, but hey—I had a money apron and a purpose.  Thanks, Mr. Balke.

Now, of course, things are a lot different.  There's a lot more to it, and a lot more jobs are available then there were back in my day. They do let kids take on more important tasks.  And heck, a lot of the adults who worked there back in the day are still working there, because it's just fun.  Honestly, parents, if you're scared to have your kid working off somewhere.... the fair is the best job for them.  Why?  Because half the staff are Teachers, Highway Patrolmen, and Sedalia Police.  They're going to be led by some great people, some of whom they might already know. It's a great way to earn a little quick money, and everyone has a "we're in this together" attitude!

The Missouri State Fair is now accepting application for employment during the annual event in August. Starting pay is $15 per hour and benefits include valuable work experience, making new friends, and free Fair admission.

When I was young, that was half the reason you did it, to be real.   So what can you do?

Positions are available in:

Admissions
Backstage
Campgrounds
Carnival
Grandstand
Hospitality
Janitorial
Parking
Maintenance
Revenue
Trams
Youth Crew

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The Fair's personnel office is open now,  at noon in the Historic Administration Building, located across from the State Fair Grandstand. Office hours are Wednesday - Friday, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Starting Aug 1, office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. But you can also check out the Fair's website for that information, as well.

SO, GET TO WORK, PEOPLE!

Workingly yours,
Behka