It is time, once again, to “Harvest the Fun!” at the annual Missouri State Fair. This year’s fair begins its 10-day run on Aug. 7 and goes through Aug. 17. As always, it will celebrate Missouri agriculture while offering fun and entertainment for citizens and families.

Here’s a breakdown featuring the daily ticket specials:

• Opening Day at the fair (Thursday, Aug. 7) will feature a “Harvest the Savings!” Two Buck Bonanza, with $2 admission for those visitors 6 and up.
• Friday, Aug. 8, is “No More Trash! Day.”  Special activities will be held in the Highway Gardens and MoDOT Expo Center.
• Saturday, Aug. 9, is So-Da-Riffic – Pepsi Day, which means $1 off adult admission with a coupon from select Pepsi products.
• Military Appreciation Day is Sunday, Aug. 10, with free admission for active military, veterans and recruits, and $1 off for military spouses and dependent children. Also, military and immediate family can purchase carnival ride wristbands for $5 off.
• Monday, Aug. 11, is Farm Bureau and Family Farm Day.
• The Missouri Farmer Care Food Drive is Tuesday, Aug. 12, with up to half-price admission with the donation of canned goods from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Senior Appreciation Day is Wednesday, Aug. 13, and is sponsored by the Sedalia Democrat. Bring the special front-page banner from the Sedalia Democrat and receive $2 off adult or senior admission.
• Thursday, Aug. 14, will celebrate Women in Agriculture, with free gate admission for women of all ages.
• Saturday, Aug. 16, is Youth in Agriculture Day, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation, where kids 12 and under get in free.
• The last day of the 2014 Missouri State Fair (Sunday, Aug. 17) will feature $4 admission for guests age 13 and up; $1 for those 12 and under; and free for any law enforcement members, firefighters, EMS, or paramedics, with $1 admission for their immediate family members.

It’s also important to note that Aug. 10 through Aug. 14, the “$5 after 5pm” special will be in effect.

In addition, I am happy to note that Amtrak is offering a travel special for those who want to take the River Runner train to the fair. With the purchase of one adult ticket at regular price, up to two children can ride for $5 each. The special is available through the link on the Missouri State Fair home page or find it at the Missouri River Runner page under the “Routes” tab at www.amtrak.com.

The Missouri State Fair is steeped in tradition. From the many art, craft, livestock and food exhibits entered from every corner of the state, to the display of items made in Missouri, and all types of entertainment, there is something for everyone at the fair. I urge you to visit www.mostatefair.com and check out the daily highlights to find out what you wish to experience.

Throughout the years, I’ve enjoyed countless days at the Missouri State Fair, both as a student and as an adult. This 10-day event and its history are tied to many of us, and it will continue to offer a unique look at our past and insight into our future for many years to come. I hope you get to enjoy this year’s Missouri State Fair, and don’t forget to “Harvest the Fun!”