Organizers for the 66th annual Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair couldn't have asked for better timing in a change in the weather.
After several days of near 100 degrees and high humidity, Monday morning storms cooled things off, and it turned into a pleasant evening for the first night of the fair.
"It's like a preview night," said Jefferson City Jaycees Special Events Chair Whitney Payne. "It's a chance to see what is out here. This is the family night or kids night because we have the reduced price to get in."
Jaycees officials started the family night two years ago, and the turnouts have grown each year.
"We recognize many people can't afford the $10 entry price the rest of the week," Payne said. "It's the best night probably for bigger groups or families to come out."
One of the highlights Monday night was the annual Little Mr. and Ms. Contest on the main stage.
"It's much like 'Kids Say The Darnedest Things,'" Payne said. "They are always excited. Some chicken out, but it's always fun."
There were 27 kids registered this year, ages 3-5.
The Little Mr. winner was Anson Elder,
4, and the Little Ms. winner was Sophia Hoerschgen, 3.
Anson said his favorite thing to do in boots was "splash in puddles." Sophia said she likes to dance when she wears her boots.
Putting the fair together is a nine-month process, Payne said, and the biggest thing to consider is what's going to attract people.
"What are people going to enjoy," she said.
"We know what's worked in the past, and sometimes it's good to stick with that. But culture changes and what may have worked in past generations may not work now, so we have to keep adapting."
Payne has worked on special events for the fair the past two years, and she said she learned how to make a lot of phone calls to get things done.
Along with finding the value of working with other members of the Jaycees and people in community, she said this position has helped her learn how to be a leader.
"Every night is a new experience," she said. "We don't know which things will draw people out. We have find a balance between our everyday work and what you have to do at the fair. You have to be well prepared in advance as possible.
"A lot of Jaycees use a week of their vacation time to help at the fair."
The fair continues through Saturday. To find out more information go to JeffCityJaycees.org and click on 2016 Fair Info.