AG EXPO 2019: 'We try to make it fun'

The aroma of popping corn allured the crowd into the 2019 Ag Expo on Friday. The doors of the Black River Coliseum will open at 9 a.m. Saturday and close at 3 p.m. for the 33rd annual event.

Young and old alike flocked to view the booths, talk to exhibitors and enjoy the entertainment. Moms and dads either carried babies or pushed them in strollers, joining people with walkers and motorized carts who weaved their way through the spectators.

They are there to checkout booths to see what’s new, visit with area businesses and maybe pickup a snack or another item being given away.

For the youngsters, the petting zoo was a favorite attraction. Molly Rainbolt, 8, of Doniphan and her 5-year-old sister Emmi were accompanied by their mother, Lisa.

The family explained they come every year to see the animals. Stopping to feed the lamas, Molly said, “he was trying to get my face, while Emmi said, “feeding the animals is kind of weird.”

Mikaela Dunahoo of Poplar Bluff has been a regular at the expo, “this is my third or fourth year,” she said. This year, she had a special guest her stepson, Ethan Freeman, 2. Ethan was holding a note pad he’d collected from one of the displays.

“People are nice and I like to see everything that is here,” Dunahoo said, as an anxious youngster was ready to move on.

Many booth holders are like Andrew Jefferson, who is the national resource specialist/park ranger at Lake Wappapello-U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District, said the Corps has been attending the expo at least 20 years.

“We try to make it fun,” he said.

Most items are free, but they do sell annual passes.

Jefferson said his job is to promote public water safety.

“Especially educate the children,” he said. “Get the children’s attention and they will educate their parents. It is a great event, we look forward to it.”

Robbie Myers, Butler County director of emergency management, said, “We like to outreach with the public.” He was promoting text messaging provided by Sheriff Mark Dobbs on weather and safety messaging. Anyone may join by texting 63901 to 888-7777.

“The sheriff keeps it to important texts,” Myers said.

The outdoor sirens, weather radios and texts are all ways to help the public, said Myers, who was also handing out special needs registration forms for those who require oxygen, dialysis, etc. The forms are from the Butler County Health Department which help in planning for disaster preparedness.

Tim Funke of Air Solutions said his company has been coming forever — years and years.

“We just like getting face time with customers,” Funke said. “The big thing is to chitchat with people.”

One booth featured honey and live bees. Close by was the Delta Water Fowl Duck Hunters organization booth, guarded by Java, a titled hunting retriever champion, and Chris Figge of Summerville, Mo. Figge was happy to visit with everyone but Java just listened. Anyone who felt the need for prayer, Northpoint Prayer Stop was there to assist.

The hog trapping demonstration provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation was new as well as several vendors.

Bryan Logan of SEMO Milling LLC located on Highway B is new to the expo. He wants to “let people see what” he does. He opened his business in August and he mills corn for “food related” projects.

Stephanie Milner of University of Missouri Extension has worked with the expo seven years. She praised the Three Rivers College students who are studying forestry, agriculture and rodeo. “They really were a lot of help this year,” she said.

Admission is a $1 for adults and children get in free.

Kristin Smith takes time to pet the yak on display at the Ag Expo's petting zoo.DAR/Paul Davis