An Annual Tradition: The Missouri State Fair

The 113th Missouri State Fair, themed “Show Offs Welcome!” will be held Aug. 13-23 at the beautiful Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia. This 11-day event is steeped in tradition and is sure to be a memory maker for participants, volunteers and attendees.

The Missouri State Fair is 113 years old, and has always been held in the heart of Sedalia. As you walk around the grounds you will notice many of the buildings have a proud history, but are in need of repair. During the 2015 legislative session, the General Assembly allocated $4 million for repairs to the fairgrounds. Planned improvements include more than $1.3 million worth of repairs to the State Fair Women’s Building, such as renovating restrooms and replacing the roof. The Missouri State Fair Coliseum is scheduled for about $1.5 million in repairs to the roof and other maintenance.Both facilities were built more than 100 years ago. The utilities system in the West Campgrounds will receive upgrades totaling about $1 million. Construction will begin on these important projects after this year’s fair and should be complete by the 2016 fair.  

Agriculture is the foundation for this fair and each year organizers work to show the dedication and hard work that goes into preparing fair exhibits. The purpose of a new program, “Let’s Talk Livestock,” is to expand the fair’s mission of serving as an extension of the agricultural classroom. The program will offer an inside glance on livestock care and the show process. This program is beneficial to both exhibitors and to the public because it facilitates interaction and education. Missouri 4-H and Missouri FFA exhibitors, their families, project leaders and teachers have volunteered time to host demonstrations during all 10 days of the fair. A featured animal will be present at each 20-minute demonstration with an opportunity for questions and hands-on interaction from fairgoers. Exhibitors will focus on livestock preparation and nutrition and share personal stories, including information on showing at the state fair. The Missouri State Fair is the largest agriculture showcase in the state, more than 4,000 Missouri 4-H and Missouri FFA exhibitors and more than 30,000 entries. 

Other notable events and special offers:

• Opening Day at the fair (Thursday, Aug. 13) $4 gate admission all day for those ages 13 and over; $2 admission kids age 6-12; kids 5 and under free every day.
• Friday, Aug. 14, is the 24th Annual Exceptional Rodeo.
• Saturday, Aug. 15, 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. 16, with free admission for active military, guard, reserve, veterans; and $1 off for military spouses and dependent children.
• Monday, Aug. 17, is Farm Bureau and Family Farm Day.
• The Missouri Farmer Care Food Drive is Tuesday, Aug. 18, $1 off gate admission coupon for each donated canned food item. Fairgoers can save up to 50 percent of the regular gate price by donating non-perishable food items. The food drive will be held 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Senior Appreciation Day is Wednesday, Aug. 19, 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. 20, will celebrate Women in Agriculture, with free gate admission for women of all ages.
• Friday, Aug. 21, is Show Off the Energy – Missouri Electric Cooperative Day (MEC), free LED night lights will be given to the first 1,500 people to visit the MEC building. With the coupon in the Rural Missouri magazine, receive $5 off carnival ride wristbands.
• Saturday, Aug. 22, is Youth in Agriculture Day, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation, with $1 off adult gate admission with coupons available at Missouri County Extension offices.
• The last day of the 2015 Missouri State Fair (Sunday, Aug. 23) Fair Finale/Half Price Day – $5 gate admission for those ages 13 and over, $1 kids 6-12. It is also Law Enforcement/Firefighter Appreciation Day fair admission is free for any law enforcement members, firefighters, EMS, or paramedics, with $1 admission for their immediate family members.

Evening specials will run from Aug. 16 through Aug. 20, the “$5 after 5 p.m.” special will be in effect.

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.