SEDALIA, Missouri (KMIZ)

The Missouri State Fair began with overcast weather on Thursday morning, but light showers did not keep the crowds away.

According to trade show director Jason Moore, more than 30,000 visitors are expected daily, and with the large crowds come great demands on security.

“The Missouri State Highway Patrol will have about 75 troopers on site for the 11-day event. They’ll be here 24 hours a day,” Moore said. “We have a State Fair security force that operates more privately on site. We’ve implemented a surveillance and scanning capability in our grandstand.”

This is the second year that the State Fair has used the “Open Gate System,” in which people are scanned by hand as they enter the stands.

Moore said there are also protocols and agencies in place to deal with any weather-related issues that may arise.

“The National Weather Service is on the ground for the entire 11 days of rain. Even this morning, when it was just raining, we were able to make forecasts and get the schedule to see when it starts and when it stops,” Moore said.

The fairgrounds will feature 31 rides from Mark Cox Concession and Wade Shows. All rides have passed inspection by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Moore said fire safety officials will be inspecting the rides regularly over the next 11 days. Moore said Wade Shows has also sent its own service technicians to make sure the rides are following safety protocols.

“They’re monitoring it and if it looks like we can’t operate it safely, then we’ll certainly shut it down, make the necessary repairs and work with them until we get it back up and running,” Moore said.

The Missouri State Fair offers an email and text message service through GovDelivery. This service sends alerts to inform fairgoers about public safety, such as possible inclement weather updates.

To sign up for SMS alerts, scan the QR code below or click here.