The South St. Louis County Fair returned to Proctor on Thursday, bringing fun and entertainment for all ages once more.

“It starts so that we have a play land for kids inside the sports complex. We have a petting zoo, horses. Entertainment inside the industrial building. We have a lady coming in to tie balloons. We have the exhibits, petting zoo with the poultry and rabbits. and we have the horses that they can walk through the stalls, and the kids are very entertained,” said George Korich, Vice president of the South St. Louis County Fair Association.

The fair has been seeing attendee numbers rising in the past few years, and Korich predicts this year’s event will exceed them all.

“Well, we set records last year. We’re already ahead of our goal for this year and it’s only been one day. So, it’s going to be very good.”

The event is built not only for experienced fairgoers but sees the firsts of many future daredevils. Two of those new thrill-seekers are two brothers’ names Sawyer and Soren, who finally reached the height requirement to ride the fair’s rides.

“The first ride was the sizzler. It was pretty fun. We went spinning around in circles,” said Sawyer.

Sawyer and Soren had the chance to experience their first carnival rides with their grandmother, who has made it a tradition to come to the South St. Louis County Fair.

“We were here last year with their older brother and cousin, so we promised that we would take them this year,” said the boys’ grandma.

After taking a spin on all the rides, fairgoers get the chance to see animals taking part in the weekends 4H competitions or tour the petting zoo. This year’s petting zoo shows off rare sights for the Midwest, including a kangaroo, camels, a baby kudamundi and a baby alligator.

Truly the South St Louis County Fair has something for everyone, as you can hear cries of joy and laughter filling the air.

“That was fun! I could see my car from here,” said one little boy, coming off the Ferris wheel.

For more info on the South St. Louis County Fair, go to Home (proctorduluthfair.com)