Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

As a teenager, the fair was the place to be in Springfield each summer. Many worked there while others had jobs outside the fair. The Fortners were the competition when I worked at Dog ‘N Suds. It was a friendly competition between Fortner’s A&W’s and the Costello’s Dog ‘N Suds. Both families were Christians and both businesses were anchored in that faith.

Root Beer connoisseurs had their favorite and that was how they determined where they went. Hillcrest students in the seventies did not generally go to the drive-in on Glenstone. I worked at that Dog ‘N Suds location. Because of that, when not working, one must visit both establishments to see every friend. Chris and Mike were on Kearney at their Dad’s place except during the fair. The A&W’s on the fairgrounds were their home then.

After graduation, things often change. Not for the Fortners. The franchise expanded and soon even the old D&S became a Fortner A&W restaurant. Mike and Chris were still there at the fair as was Mike’s wife, Diana. 

The generations changed. The restaurants were closed and sold. The A&W was removed from the stands on the fairgrounds, but the Fortners, Dan, Mike, Chris, and Di continued to run them until a few years ago. They also added the Pineapple Whip stands that are a perennial favorite in the Ozarks.

All three Kensinger girls, Heather, Michelle, and Kayla, learned to count change and “If you have time to lean, you have time to clean.” from the Fortners. This father is proud to count them as friends of the family. 

It is difficult to know how many doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, dads, moms, and possibly even grandfathers and grandmothers owe their start to Mike and his family. Mike passed away a few years ago. Many miss him in Springfield while as many or more have celebrated this man’s legacy from afar.

While he is remembered here, it will be only a short time before he is greeted once again. He has heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” He and Diana have lost one of their sons since then. The Pineapple Whip stands have recently opened a permanent location at a newly reopened movie theatre off the square.

The Ozark Empire Fair Board saw fit to begin serving alcoholic beverages years ago. My wife and I have not returned to this event since then. We do not drink and believe that the introduction of alcohol into this family entertainment event is a disservice to our community.

There have been a few other changes at our local agricultural fair. Most counties around the country where farming is a large portion of their economies continue to have fairs of this type. Attendance at many of these events has decreased over time. We have a wide variety of entertainment choices compared to when fairs were popular.

If you have a story about a local fair and your experiences there, I would like to have you share them in the comments. I may decide to share these with you in a future column. Have a happy New Year and make next year a time to make life better for others and by extension, for yourself.

©Copyright 2024 by Charles Kensinger