As a cosmopolitan city-dweller, Ms. Day sometimes tires of the trappings of metropolitan life. Of course, she likes having easy access to concerts and other cultural goings-on, but from time to time, she laments the sameness. Thats why every year she looks forward to the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia (visit www.mostatefair.com for directions). Sure, this huge festival offers all manner of big-name performers at the grandstand (this year Counting Crows and Alice Cooper are among the acts), but Day prefers to keep it a little more down-home at the Dodge Arena. Here, she enjoys all manner of rodeos (theres one at 7 p.m. on the first day of the fair, Thursday, August 9; admission costs $4 to $6 extra), truck- and tractor-pulls, a demolition derby and so much more. For a full schedule of the fair, which continues through Sunday, August 19, call 800-422-3247. Admission to get in the gates costs $7 to $8, but on opening day, you can get in for a buck; carnival rides are also $1 on August 9.
Aug. 9-19