JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri State Fair was recognized at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions’ annual agricultural awards ceremony as the winner of the Overall Judges Creative Award for its special agricultural event titled “Let’s Talk Livestock,” a project created through Missouri 4-H and Missouri FFA. The fair also received first place honors for its overall program for agricultural exhibitors and was recognized for its work in communications and sponsorship efforts.

“The fair is an opportunity for all of us to recognize our state’s top industry and showcase its importance to all of our citizens, said State Sen. Mike Parson, R-Bolivar. “Let’s Talk Livestock,” is a project implemented with the support of Missouri 4-H and Missouri FFA.

“I am proud of the work done by the State Fair Commission and staff and I look forward to attending the fair every summer,” said Parson.

The International Association of Fairs and Expositions is based in Springfield, Mo. It is a voluntary, nonprofit corporation with more than 1,200 members from around the world. Its members include state, regional and county agricultural fairs, non-agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations and more.

The 2016 Missouri State Fair will be held August 11-21 in Sedalia. For more information on the fair and a list of all of the awards it received, visit www.mostatefair.com.