It’s that time of the year again when thousands of residents from across the state will head to Sedalia for the Missouri State Fair. Since 1901, the state fair has allowed farmers, craftsmen, artists, ranchers and regular Missourians to come together for fun and friendly competition. The 116th Missouri State Fair will take place Aug. 9-19 at the beautiful state fairgrounds in Sedalia.
The state fair serves as an opportunity for youth, from across the state, to showcase their hard work through 4H and other youth programs. It is also a great chance for families to make lifelong memories. In addition to the youth exhibits, there are livestock barns and vendors throughout the fairgrounds.
There will also be lots of live and free entertainment over the course of the fair, including musical acts, carnival rides, tractor pulls and stunt shows. Grandstand entertainment includes everything from Hank Williams, Jr., Cole Swindell, The Southern Uprising Tour – a Southern Rock Revival and the Christian Rock Band Casting Crowns. Here are some of this year’s entertainment highlights.
- Thursday, Aug. 9 – Opening Day Celebration and Grand Parade at 6 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 10 – MRCA Show-Me State Stampede & Rodeo at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 12 – Motocross, Final Championship Round of the MO Fair Cross Series at 7 p.m.
- Monday, Aug. 13 – Flat Track TT Race at 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Aug. 15 – Missouri State Fair Truck and Farm Tractor Pull Event at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 16 – Governor’s Ham Breakfast at 8 a.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 19 – Demolition Derby at 2 p.m.
- There will also be a rodeo, motocross racing, tractor and truck pulls, an auctioneers’ bid calling contest, barbeque cook-offs, the 2018 Missouri State Fair Idol competition, a demolition derby and numerous other events going on throughout the week.
The state fair offers affordable fun as well, with daily deals on admission packages and low prices for single-day tickets. Adult single day tickets can be purchased online at www.mostatefair.com for $8, or you can purchase them for $10 at the gate. Children ages 6-12 can get in for $2, and if they’re under 5, they get in free. Single-day parking is also free.
As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882.