Courtesy of the Missouri State Fair
No state fair is complete without a broad selection of unhealthy, but delicious treats—corn dogs, funnel cakes, and other deep-fried delicacies. But these fair staples won't be the sole focus of the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, which runs from August 10–20. The fair’s theme this year is “Come Home,” and event organizers want to make sure every young Missourian has nutritious meals waiting for them at their own homes.
“Our biggest new event this year is our partnership with Missouri Farmers Care on the Drive to Feed Kids initiative,” says Kari Mergen, marketing director for the fair. “It’s a program that leverages existing food banks and distribution networks to deliver kid-friendly meals to youth around our state through backpack programs and in-school food pantries.”
Two days will showcase events devoted to the drive. On opening day, activities include the premiere of Where the Fast Lane Ends, a film by Farming to Fight Hunger and co-written and produced by Mark Miller, lead singer for Sawyer Brown. Presentations during the band’s concert later that night will also highlight the effort to fight childhood hunger. Both the film screening and the evening concert require tickets separate from general admission.
Courtesy of the Missouri State Fair
The fair’s annual food drive, scheduled for Tuesday, August 15, will highlight the first-ever Missouri FFA Food Insecurity Service Day, when roughly 400 FFA members will gather to pack 50,000 child-friendly meals. Some youth will also team up to compete in a Can Creation Contest, where groups will use around 600 cans to build creative structures within a two-hour time limit.
“It’s a fun way to showcase our Missouri youth and to bring awareness to food insecurity in the state,” Mergen says. “Woods Supermarket is the provider of the cans, and the cans will be donated to the food drive efforts at the end of the fair.”
In addition to perennial favorites like midway games and livestock shows, other new or notable attractions and offers include:
- The Salute to Heroes Weekend: Saturday, August 12 is Law Enforcement/Firefighter Appreciation Day. That means free admission for law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics and just $1 for their immediate family members. Sunday, August 13 is Military Appreciation Day, so expect free admission for active military, veterans, and delayed entry recruits and $1 for their immediate family members.
- Main Gate Tribute: A one-third scale replica of the fair's iconic 16th Street Main Gate offers a new opportunity for a family photo tradition.
- Fly High: Don't miss Flippenout’s Extreme Trampoline Show.
- Music & Entertainment: Three free stages will offer a variety of entertainment daily: The Ditzfeld Stage, the Kids Stage, and the Touchstone Energy Stage. All of these stages are included in the price of admission. Other attractions include the Grandstand, which features big-name concerts from Alan Jackson, Halestorm, and Little Big Town, among others; two days of tractor pulls; one night of auto racing; and the State Fair Arena with rodeo, bullriding, and motorsports action. Grandstand and arena events are ticketed and not included in admission to the fair.
- Farm Fresh Food: Fun food offerings include the AgriMissouri Bistro and Market, which will serve up Missouri Grown options for breakfast and lunch daily, along with free daily tastings of AgriMissouri products.
Courtesy of the Missouri State Fair
To maximize fair fun, Mergen offers these tips:
- Visit the fair’s website for the most comprehensive information, and follow the fair on social media for the latest updates. You can find daily schedules online as well as a list of frequently asked questions.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that are weather-appropriate. Most of the buildings are air-conditioned.
- If you have small children, take advantage of the Family Fun Center, which features interactive activities for children ages 8 and under. It’s a nice, air-conditioned place for parents to sit and let their kids run and play with all the fun activities in the building. There’s also a baby-feeding/changing area in the building, which offers changing tables, a microwave, a place for moms to nurse, and supplies donated by Walmart of Sedalia.
- Check out the promotions offered on the day(s) you are planning to attend. Regular adult admission is $10, but there are coupons and special offers available. (For example, fairgoers can receive discounts for canned food donations on August 15.) Also, parking and tickets for children ages 5 and under are both free.
