Places to go, Things to do

St. Louis County Fair and Air Show in August

What Fair Saint Louis is to Fourth of July, the St. Louis County Fair and Air Show is to Labor Day weekend. This year's fair and air show is scheduled for Aug. 29-Sept. 1.

The show site is the Spirit of St. Louis Airport fairgrounds in Chesterfield.

The show is for everyone. But, there are plenty of things especially interesting to kids.

Among the kid-friendly events are: Faust Park Historical Village, the County Parks Kids Town, carnival rides, static aircraft displays, the Purina Farm's Petting Zoo and, of course, plenty of fireworks.

The world-famous Anheuser Busch Clydesdales also will be there.

For information, call (636) 530-9FUN or see the fair's website at www.stlcofair.org.

 

Other St. Louis County events in August

* Ice Grass Sledding

A special event that goes well with August's hot weather is Ice Grass Sledding.

That's scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9. The event will be at the Big Hill at Sioux Passage Park.

This doesn't involve sliding on frozen grass. Rather, kids slide down the grassy slope on a big block of ice.

Park officials recommend you wear old clothes. Also, bring along a heavy towel or a carpet square so you don't get too cold while riding the block of ice.

There is a $5 fee. Advanced registration is required so call (314) 615-4386.

* Fun Down at the Creek

Another fun event for August that requires special clothing is Fun Down at the Creek.

That involves taking a "safari" along Gravois Creek. The event is scheduled for Clydesdale Park on Sunday, Aug. 17. It starts at 2 p.m.

There's a $3 fee. Advanced registration is recommended so call (314) 615-4386.

You'll sample water quality and search for aquatic critters and fish. You're likely to get wet so a change of shoes is advisable.

* Archery for Kids

A recurring outdoor summer event at St. Louis County Parks is Archery for Kids.

The August event is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 24, from 9-11 a.m. It will be held at Bruder Park's North Archery Range.

Then, a final archery event of the summer will be at Bruder Park on September 6.

There is a $5 fee and advanced registration is required. Call (314) 615-4386.

 

Japanese Festival at Botanical Garden

This year's Japanese Festival will be held at the Missouri Botanical Garden on Aug. 30-Sept. 1. That's another fine Labor Day Weekend event for the whole family.

Hours on Saturday and Sunday are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hours on Monday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $3 for members. Children 12-under, free.

All sorts of Japanese activities and events are included. They include martial arts, Taiko drummers, candlelight tours, kimono fashion shows and various Japanese botanical arts.

For 24-hour festival information, call (314) 577-9400.