Sedalia, Missouri

The Ozark Music Festival at the State Fair Grounds in Sedalia, Missouri in July of 1974 opened our minds to the possibility of moving from Iowa to Missouri.  It went down on record as one of the most decadent and destructive concerts of the decade, but that is not what we experienced.  It did separate those who saw only the negative and capitalized on it and those who saw the positive beauty and prospered from it.  It was a place and time when participants were given opportunities to choose right from wrong.  It was a true test of one's inner strengths.  God and the devil were there.  If you weren't there, you may judge for yourself from this site: 

https://sites.google.com/site/rodsievers/ozarkmusicfestival

Please read all of the information and know that the majority of the people that actually were there may have their positive experiences reflected in the last six paragraphs. Some found weakness; some found strength.  I am proud to be one of the strong ones with no fear of evil. Those that never allow themselves to be tested in life and live "safe" and "by the book" may never really know who they would serve when presented with complete freedom to choose.  My faith in God was strengthened by the experience. 

It took four more years, but we found a way to make Missouri our new home and have never looked back and never had any regrets. Missouri has been very good to us and we have prospered by finding great jobs, a home, and having two wonderful children and a good life.  Now we visit Sedalia at least once a year for the Missouri State Fair and remember that July in 1974 with a smile.  In recent years we have been to concerts with The Dooby Brothers, Three Dog Night, and Kansas.  We enjoy all the fair has to offer and it has continued to be the best entertainment we enjoy each year.  This 110th fair year is special as it marks our first Senior Citizen Discounts!  So cool!  Here is the site for all the State Fair information:

http://www.mostatefair.com/home

Here are some photos from the State Fair with Keith in 2012, 2011, and 2010:

                                                                                                                                                                                     

                                    

                                                               Missouri Mule

                                                   Conservation Commission Old Car

                              Conservation Commission demonstration on how to fillet an Asian Carp

                           Love the beautify landscaped areas from the Missouri Highway Department

                                              It's the best place to have fun and relax too...

Another favorite pastime of mine involving Sedalia is bicycling the KATY Trail State Park which goes through Sedalia and is the largest Rail-to-Trails project in the country.  It is west to east across Missouri.  For more information about the KATY Trail: 

http://mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park

Many of my real estate appraisal training classes have taken place here over the years with Sharon Lowman & Company:   http://www.lowman-co.com/

For information about the City of Sedalia: http://ci.sedalia.mo.us/