Over 329,000 visitors stepped on in to the Missouri State Fair last month, according to attendance figures released Monday, Sept. 22 by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and fair officials.

While the figure is down 16,000 visitors from a year ago, fair director Jason Moore says attendees braved several days of triple-digit heat indices to, “demonstrate their unwavering spirit and love for the Fair.” This year’s fair included more than 28,000 total entries, including 8000 entered by 4-H members and another 6500 exhibited by FFA members. The state veterinarian’s office check in over 15,000 animals throughout the Fair, while the home economics building hosted 1500 entries and Floriculture building included 1600 exhibits.

The 124th Missouri State Fair will take place Aug. 13-23 in Sedalia. It’s expected to be the first fair to feature events at the new Governor Michael L Parson State Fair Arena on the west side of the fairgrounds.