Kennett snow cone vendor hits 'the big time,' takes his stand to Mo. State Fair

KENNETT, Mo. -- Later this month, visitors of the State Fair at Sedalia, Mo., will have a chance to sample a taste of Kennett, as David Henderson and his family's Southern Sno shaved ice stand opens for business at the more than week-long event.

Saturday was the stand's last business day in Kennett until later this summer, as Henderson and his family began to prepare for the fair.

Henderson said he has been trying for two years to get accepted to the fair.

"You don't just say you're going to go to the State Fair," Henderson said. "There are some second- and third-generation families that concession the State Fair. We have always wanted to go and do what I am considering the big time. It will be an experience. With Kennett Day [Aug. 21] coinciding with Sheryl Crow's concert, that is a big deal to us."

Henderson said potential concessionaires have to apply over the winter to be accepted to the State Fair.

"They select you depending on what you have to offer and what placement they have," Henderson said.

Henderson said once accepted, concessionaires have certain guidelines for setting up their stand and must attend meetings with the Health Department, among other requirements.

"It's not as easy as pulling it up, popping the lids, and saying 'Here we are,'" Henderson said. "There is a whole lot of prep work that has to be done."

Henderson said his stand offers more flavors than any snow cone stand within 850 miles of Kennett.

"When we call ourselves the home of flavor decision," Henderson said. "We've got that covered. We have well over 100 different flavors."

Henderson said he hopes to re-open the stand at Kennett in September.

The 2010 State Fair will be from Aug. 12 to 22.