Frequently Asked Questions about the Putnam County Fair

        There are several questions that get asked on a regular basis about our fair. We have tried to answer them below. however, do not hesitate to ask us if you have others. Contact the Putnam County Extension Office at putnamco@missouri.edu if you have other questions.


Entertainment

What does the Season/Daily Ticket price get you?

    A season ticket gets you everything at our fair except for the carnival rides, concessions, and games. That includes the entertainment!! Daily tickets are the same way. So come as early as you'd like and stay all day and night for one, low price!

How do I get seating for the Entertainment?   

    Our fair has a few chairs but your best bet for seats is to bring your own lawn chairs! We have a "natural bowl" and no reserved seating so you can get as close to the stage as you can set your chair. The afternoon show is normally much less packed than the evening so you may want to consider that as an option. The hill does fill up fairly quickly at night so plan to be there early if you want a close seat!!   

How close can I really get to the Entertainers?   

    Our fair has a natural bowl and no reserved seating so you can get as close to the stage as you can set your chair. You can also sit and listen to the soundcheck before the show. After the show the entertainers will sign autographs (unless they have to leave). Remember to bring you own lawn chairs for the show also!


Tickets and Ticket Prices

Does everyone at the fair have to pay to get in?   

    Everyone (commercial building exhibitors, workers, tractor pullers, even  fair board members) pay the same ticket price ot get into the fair. The only exception is for the 4-H and FFA exhibitors who bring exhibits and all children who are under 12 years old. That's the main reason we can keep our prices as low as they are.

How do I order tickets for the Putnam County fair?   

    We take orders for tickets by mail, credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or from local businesses. Tickets are normally available by July 15th. The only exception is for the 4-H and FFA exhibitors who get their tickets after they bring their exhibits! All of this information is also available by going to tickets. 

Should I order a season ticket or daily for the fair?   

    If you think you'll want to come to the fair for more than 1 day, you probably can save money by buying a ticket ahead of time. Remember, season tickets are $5 higher at the fair than they are beforehand. Because of the entertainment and events going on, tickets on Friday and Saturday for the day are $12 apiece each day. Daily tickets on the 1st 3 days of the fair (Tuesday through Thursday) are $10 apiece per day. Remember daily tickets can only be purchased at the fair!!


Parking

Is there plenty of parking at the Putnam County fair?   

    There is plenty of parking at the fair. The fair has a 8 acre parking area at the north edge of the fairgrounds (enter at the north gate) as well as parking on city streets adjacent to the grounds. These are within walking distance of the grounds. There is shuttle service from the 8 acre parking area into the fairtgrounds. There is no charge for any of this parking!

Is there handicapped parking at the fair?   

    There are special provisions for handicapped parking at the fair. If you cannot get out of your car and wish to see the entertainment, we will accomodate you. Please contact Paul Rouse at (660) 947-3900. You must have a special sign for your car to be able to park in this special area. Please limit this to those of you who cannot get out of your car! As stated above, there are 2 shuttles that are handicapped accessible that run from the parking area north of the fairgrounds.

Where do I park when I'm bringing in livestock or other exhibits to the fair?   

    The livestock barns are marked off for livestock persons only so that is not a problem! On Tuesday (entry day) we allow vehicles to park near the entry buildings only for the time you are entering exhibits. After that you must move it someplace else. There is a special parking area for the exhibitors in the commercial building (right north of the building) and this allows you   one (1) vehicle per exhibitor. Livestock and commercial exhibitors require a special sign as well.


Vendors (food, games, business exhibitors)

How do I get my business into the commercial building at the fair?   

    The Putnam County Fair has space in the commercial building, a tent, and outside of the building for businesses to exhibit. Our policy is to allow those businesses that have been there in past years to have the first opportunity for this current year to exhibit. We normally have some exhibitors that don't come back the next year. Businesses wanting in for the current year are put on a "first come, first served" basis. Contact MaShelle Trimble at (660) 947-3621 for information on commercial exhibits as she is in charge of that. There are normally several businesses that want in so these spots fill up very fast!

I have a food product. Can I get it into your fair?   

    The Putnam County Fair runs our own food stand and our carnival has specific food items also and thus normally we do not allow other products in. If you have a product that is something out of the ordinary, you can contact us ahead of the fair and ask. Specific rules on food vendors can be accessed by clicking here.

What about games or other types of displays?   

    The Putnam County Fair has a contract with our carnival with relation to games at the fair. Those types of vendors would normally need to check with and be approved by them. Other businesses or displays are welcomed but must be pre-approved by the fair board.


Camping

How many camping spaces (hookups) are available at the fair?   

    There are approximately 100 camper hookups at the Putnam County Fairgrounds. These are filled on a "first come, first serve" basis and many people bring their campers in 2 weeks before the fair. There are some other campgrounds within 30 miles of the fair but if you want to be sure to have a spot, you may want to get there at least a few days before the fair. More information on cost and alike is available by clicking here.

If I'm camping at the fairgrounds, do I still need a fair ticket?   

    YES! The campgrounds and the associated costs only get you a spot there and does not get you into the fair!!

We have tried to answer the questions we receive quite often here. We do want you to come to the Putnam County Fair if at all possible. Don't hesitate to get a hold of us on any question you may have!!