Missouri Life September 2023

A FRESH TAKE Roadside stands enjoy a revival, thanks to bold young entrepreneurs.

50 Years Ago at the Fair In our July/August 1973 issue, writer Walter Kaufmann recalled his first visit to the fair. He talks about the pens full of cows and pigs, the persuasive vegetable peeler salesman, the thrilling carnival rides, and foot-long hot dogs washed down with ice-cold root beer. So much about our world has changed since then, but we are still entertained by the simple, wholesome traditions of the fair. Walter’s story is one that could have been written today. Read his 1973 essay at MissouriLife.com .

The design may have changed a little since our first story about fairs was published 50 years ago, but the Ferris wheel still sends a message to all who see it that it’s time for the fair.

LAURA EVANS

30 / MISSOURILIFE.COM