By Roger McKinney

rmckinney@joplinglobe.com

Chris Curry will soon have a new job as a slot-machine attendant.

Ashley Mehrer was hired as a players’ club representative.

They were two among hundreds who showed up Saturday for Downstream Casino Resort’s job fair at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin.

Sean Harrison, casino spokesman, said more than 800 people applied for jobs on Saturday and around 175 were hired at the event.

Curry, of Miami, Okla., said he had worked as a cashier at two other casinos, but he wanted a job where he could interact with people. He said his previous experience worked in his favor during the interview.

Mehrer, of Joplin, said she graduated last May from MSSU. She said the player’s club representative position involves marketing and public relations.

“I’m looking for something a little more fast-paced and exciting,” she said. She said the pay and benefits offered by Downstream were good.

She said the application, interview and hiring took about an hour and 45 minutes. Mehrer said she’s originally from Kansas City, Mo., and is familiar with the casinos there.

“It’s always about people enjoying themselves and having a good time,” she said.

The $301 million Downstream Casino Resort is being built by the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma just off Interstate 44, where Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas intersect. Plans call for the casino to open on July 5, with the hotel scheduled to open in the fall.

Others in line at the job fair were waiting to be interviewed.

Tina Yates, of Alba, Mo., said she was looking for a job in management, as a shift leader, or serving.

“I love working with the public,” she said.