This year, 2011, will be the 75th Anniversary of the Ozark Empire Fair. The fair takes place in Springfield at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds starting July 29 – August 7. Branson is just about 43 miles from Springfield, so if you’re planning a trip to Branson it would be a short (and not to mention worthy) drive to come experience the fair. Just grab some convenient lodging in Branson, check out the many remarkable shows and exciting attractions there, and then head to Springfield for the Ozark Empire Fair!

If you’re a food fanatic, you can’t miss the fair. Classics like funnel cakes, BBQ chicken, corn on a stick, and fried taters will be yours to enjoy. But not only are the traditional fair foods featured, there’s also sushi, fried green tomatoes, and deep-fried snickers, twinkies, and oreos! Wash it all down with a delicious drink such as blackberry tea, smoothies, or hand-dipped shakes. The fair is a paradise for lovers of savory treats.

Fun-seekers will have a blast will all the carnival attractions. The White Water Log Flume is a rare carnival ride (only four in the nation) that puts you in a boat and drops you down slopes that could you get you soaking wet! The largest portable slide ever made, the Mega Slide, spans 190’ so you’ll speed down the track with the wind in your hair. Reaching 120’ up in the air, the Giant Gondola Wheel is the classic Ferris wheel that will give you a bird’s-eye-view. Those are just a few of the rides coming to the fair, and the young and old will find attractions suitable for them.

There’s also going to be a lot of music happening. Disney’s Imagination Movers will be performing July 29th and the next night will be Smash Mouth. Dwight Yoakam, Ernie Haase, and Three Dog Night will all be showing up for a set. The Happy Together Tour will be coming August 3rd and the days after that will include bull blasts, truck and tractor pulls, and a demolition derby. You won’t want to miss any of this!

There is nothing like the fair for hot summer fun and entertainment. The Ozark Empire Fair brings all of that excitement to Springfield, MO each year,  and it’s almost time for the fair to come back to town. July 30th to August 8th, the fair will be up and running at the Ozarks Empire Fairgrounds. Wonderful concerts, great rides, competitions, and delicious food are just a few of things you can expect to enjoy at the fair.

This year’s fair performers will be better than ever with thrilling artists like Kellie Pickler, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Finger Eleven scheduled to perform. You will have to plan ahead in order to make sure that you don’t miss your favorite performer’s show. Tickets are sold seperately from general admission to the fair.

Of course, people don’t just go to the fair for the fantastic concerts, they also go because of the great rides and food at the fair. This year, fried twinkies, barbecue, shakes, fried green tomatoes, chicken teriyaki, and other delectable treats will be spread throughout the fair for you to sample. It might be best to get your food after the rides though with rides like the Zyklon Coaster, White Water Log Flume, and The Mega Slide set up for your enjoyment. 

Don’t forget that Branson is a just short trip away from Springfield with even more fun activities to enjoy. Choose to lodge in Branson, so you can enjoy some of their great shows and attractions when you aren’t enjoying the fair in Springfield.