What do a fried Twinkie, Trace Adkins and a No MOre Trash! Survivor game have in common? They can all be found at the 2006 Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, which runs Aug. 10-20. This year’s theme is “Let the Fun Shine,” so when you head to the fair, be sure to stop by the Highway Gardens for some fun in the sun.

New this year at MoDOT’s Highway Gardens is the Seatbelt Convincer, a traffic crash simulator designed to convince Missourians to buckle up. Participants are seat-belted into a cart that is propelled down a ramp and then brought to an abrupt stop, allowing the passengers to experience the sensation of a traffic crash.

MoDOT will kick off the festivities with a No MOre Trash! Day on Friday, Aug 11. Winners of the Trash Can contest will be on display and special guest Twila Tanner of Survivor: Vanuatu will host a “No MOre Trash! Survivor” game throughout the day.

Also be sure to stop by the gardens on Saturday, Aug. 19, where MoDOT top management will be handing out free smoothies to promote the Smooth Roads Initiative and the 2006 construction season.

The Transportation Exposition Center is open daily and will feature several exhibits, including one celebrating the Interstate’s 50th Anniversary, computer games, videos and demonstrations about a wide variety of topics ranging from work zones to safety belts. While in the Exposition Center, be sure to pick up some of the giveaways including magnets, Missouri state maps, stickers and more! A different district will host each day. Volunteers from those districts will help inside the Exposition Center on their respective day.

Some returning favorites in the gardens include Otto the talking car from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the MoDOT scavenger hunt, in which the winner receives a free bike!