The Story of the Time Otto the Talking Car Almost Rehomed Me

Well guys, the Fair is here! And of course, there's a ton to see. Some of it is being checked out for the first time, some are being revisited as "every year" classics.

I grew up here in Sedalia. When we were kids, every year we looked forward to the Missouri State Fair. Part of what we looked forward to were the Firetrucks and, well, of course, Otto. If you don't know who Otto is, or if you haven't met Otto at least once in your childhood, then I apologize to you for the sad and horribly deprived life you led.

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Otto is one of the best things for a kid at the Fair. Otto is, well, a talking car.

He talks to the kids about safety and responsibility. He's right next to where the Highway Patrol are camped out, and you can usually see a few Firetrucks nearby, so it's great for the little ones. Well, when I was a little one, I was just beside myself with the idea that not only was there a talking car, but he would, in fact, have a conversation with me.

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Story time! One year my parents took me and my sister to the Fair. I don't remember exactly when it was, but my age at the time makes me guess it was somewhere around the area of 1986 or 1987. So off we went to the Fair, trying to ride all the rides, while my parents were trying to get us to actually eat something and learn something for a change. Finally, it was time to talk to Otto!

Otto: Hello, little girl, how are you?
Me: I'm great! Hi, Otto!
Otto: Hi! Where are you from?
Me: Independence!

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As I may have mentioned a time or two before, I was born in Sedalia. Raised in Sedalia. This answer befuddled my parents, but they went with it. When they sat me down outside of the Conservation Building a few moments later, apparently it came out that I had been told recently I was very Independent Minded. Maybe I took that as "you were born independent" as "you were born in Independence" but.... I'm sorry, Otto. I confused you. You deserved better.

Definitely make your way over to that side of the Fairgrounds. Yes, the rides and the corn dogs are important, but this kind of moment will build a memory your kid will always keep. I know I did.

Otto's Biggest Fan,
Behka