Phelps County Fair — Local services in Rolla

Plan Your Visit Wisely - Come Later in the Day:

I'd recommend arriving later rather than early at this county fair. The early hours are mainly vendors selling merchandise and basic food and drink stands - the rides don't open until later, which is really what most people come for.

Admission was $20 per adult on the day I visited, with kids under 5 getting in free. However, be prepared to pay more once you're inside - rides, food, and drinks all cost extra beyond the entry fee. They use a ticket system for food purchases, so be prepared for that extra step when buying snacks or meals.

Come dressed for mess! The grounds get quite muddy, so wear clothes and shoes you don't mind getting dirty. The parking situation leaves something to be desired as well, so allow extra time to find a spot and potentially walk a bit.

Overall, I feel they can do a lot better. While it's worth the visit if you time it right and come prepared for the conditions - and budget for additional expenses once you're inside - there's definitely room for improvement in organization...

The petting zoo and livestock/small animals were nice for the kids. We went on a Saturday around lunchtime and only two of the five food trucks were open, where you have to check the menu to see what you want, run over and trade money for paper tickets, then run back to the food truck to trade those paper tickets for some food. What in tarnation is that about? Seems like someone in charge needs to loosen up. There was supposedly an antique tractor show, but we only spotted one antique tractor hiding in the back of a shed, as if it were embarrassed. What’s a county fair without tractors? The home arts collection was also laughable, with random household items mixed in with some actual handmade items. Now I know why nobody was there, or will be if this is all they’ve got to offer, especially for a...

We attended the fair for the first time in a long time and we weren't impressed. It's expensive to get in, especially when your kids are the only ones enjoying the rides but you're still paying for each adult. The events cost more on top of that. During our visit the place was disorganized and half of the rides didn't have employees to run them. We definitely didn't get our money's worth. The livestock section is well-maintained and fun for the littles. The food is good but priced differently depending on which booth you hit. You will get to meet the cast from every Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie if that's something that appeals to you. Oh, and stay away from the creepy, vague old men telling you to check out their...