Last Day of Ozark Empire Fair Starts Out Baking Fairgoers, Ends Up Soaking Them

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Fairgoers for this year's Ozark Empire Fair have braved record temperatures and now pouring rain. 

Despite the high temperatures, fairgoers have still been out enjoying the food, rides and games all week.

Relief from the heat could be found at the E-Plex where various vendors sold fresh produce, crafts, jewlery and art. Animal showcases, concerts and a tractor pull also provided some escape from the heat.

Vendor Mike Eytecheson said this years fair has been blast.

"The people from around Missouri. I'm from Iowa and these people are great. I mean, all the customers weve had through the week, they've been considerate. You know, they know it's hot but we try to take care of them the best we can."

Late in the day on this last day of the fair, attendees were asked to leave the Midway as storms with high winds and heavy rain rolled through the Ozarks. Many of them took shelter in the large, air conditioned E-Plex.

This was the 76th year of the Ozark Empire Fair.