The Missouri State Fair was created in 1899, meaning agricultural pursuits have been actively celebrated in this state for more than 110 years. The state fair is more than just cotton candy, rides and shows. It is a chance for many to show off the hard work of rural businesses and family farms, the building blocks of a strong Missouri.

This year, the Missouri State Fair will officially open on Aug. 8 and will run through Aug. 18. As usual, the fair has a theme that relates to both agricultural and popular culture, “Chicks Dig It!”

The state fair is a wonderful venue to showcase many Missouri products and talents. AgriMissouri businesses will have displays in the Agriculture Building, including a farmers’ market and winning 4-H items, as well as many opportunities to sample and purchase Missouri-grown and Missouri-made products. This year’s fair will also feature demonstrations of various activities more common to a “country” or rural lifestyle. The “How to” programs will be offered throughout the 11 days of the fair on topics like gardening, livestock care, crafting and culinary-household arts.

While many states have abandoned their agricultural roots at their state fairs, Missouri has maintained strong agricultural ties. In fact, Missouri has won several agricultural awards for its fair, including a first place for a fair-wide green program and second place for overall programs in both competitive and commercial agricultural vendors, all in 2012. The state fair is widely recognized for its deep agricultural roots.

More than just a magnificent show piece of all the Missouri has to offer, the state fair continues to hold the goals, hopes and dreams of many young men and women who will exhibit the results of their work, either showing livestock or their handmade goods for 4-H or FFA. These hard-working students will not only have the opportunity to earn respect for their investment of time and dedication, but they will make memories that will last them a lifetime. I should know. I still fondly remember my time in 4-H and FFA, and can still appreciate the work and traditions that went in to creating each special project.

I encourage you and your family to make the trip to Sedalia this year to enjoy all the activities and entertainment our state fair offers. Single day adult tickets are just $8, children ages 6-12 are just $2, and children 5 and under are free. Seniors (age 60 and over) can enjoy the fair for only $6. The fair also has special discounts and promotion days to make it even more affordable for visitors, including a Two Buck Bonanza on Opening Day, where $2 will get everyone age 6 and up in the gates, and Half Price Day on Sunday, Aug. 18, when gate admission will be $4 for visitors 13 and up. The “Five After Five” promotion continues this year, on Aug. 11-15, where admission is just $5 after 5:00 p.m. Please visit www.mostatefair.com for more information, schedules, and other daily special admission pricing.

It’s fair time!

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.