Besides heat and humidity, Missouri summers are also known for county fairs.  Each year rural kids have the opportunity to show off their projects and hopefully earn a little money at the premium auctions.  Probably best known are the beef and swine shows, but fairs provide a wide variety of venues for kids to participate.  Goats, sheep, hams, fruits, vegetables, crops, sewing, and a variety of other projects give kids a chance to be a part of the local fair and develop important skills as well as an excellent work ethic.  This summer the weather has been cooler than the past couple years, making attending your local fair an even more pleasant experience.

Coming up in the heart of the 28th Senatorial District is the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.  Taking place from August 8-18, there is something or interest for everyone.  With the price of gas still well over $3.00 per gallon, it makes sense to look for entertainment close to home, and the fair provides a great opportunity to make some in-state memories.  I would be saying this even if the fair wasn’t located in my senatorial district!

As usual, the Grandstand will feature great concerts as well as a truck and tractor pull.  Entertainers scheduled to appear this year include Toby Keith, Kelsey K, Three Days Grace, Hinder, Chris Cagle, Will Hoge, Gary Allan, Randy Houser, Lee Brice, and Tyler Farr.  For those of us with a little gray hair, there will also be appearances by Foreigner, Starship, and Chubby Checker.  Appealing to all ages, and having been to the Missouri State Fair numerous times over several decades, will be the always popular Oak Ridge Boys.

There will also be free shows at the fair featuring comedy, magic, singing, bears, kids’ contests, and a playground area.  These will be at various times and locations within the fairgrounds.  Especially popular are the concerts featuring up and coming artists as well as the Missouri State Fair Idol Finals.  Chances are you might see a local girl from your area competing in the Missouri State Fair Queen Pageant August 8-9 or your local auctioneer competing in the bid-calling contest on August 8th. 

For those of you with a political interest, the Governor’s Ham Breakfast will be August 15th at 8 am.  For years this has been a popular event drawing elected officials, agricultural leaders, political candidates, fair officials, and Missourians from across the state.  It is definitely an event in which to see and be seen.  The exhibition halls, livestock pavilions, machinery vendors, and carnival rides also draw large crowds.

The fair has a user friendly website listing events, locations, times, and ticket prices.  The address is; http://www.mostatefair.com/home.  Tickets may also be purchased online through the website.  I will be at the Missouri State Fair and I hope to see you there too!