The 114th Missouri State Fair, themed “See What Crops Up,” kicks off this Thursday in Sedalia.

More than 40,000 visitors are expected through the gates Aug. 11, and many are looking forward to the deals being offered on gate admission and at participating concessions and vendors. Fairgoers in attendance on Thursday will also enjoy livestock shows, Fair food, entertainment and many other State Fair traditions, including the Opening Day Ceremony and Parade.

“The Missouri State Fair prides itself in offering affordable fun for everyone in the family from across the state,” Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe said. “Opening Day allows for fairgoers to fully experience the Fair while saving money.”

The Fair's opening day, sponsored by MFA Incorporated, will offer $4 gate admission for visitors 13 years of age and older, $2 admission for ages 6-12, and free admission for kids 5 and under every day. Many concessionaires and vendors will offer special discounts on this day as well. A complete list of specials offered exclusively on Thursday, Aug. 11, will be available at the Fair's information booths.

The Opening Day Ceremony will be the first official State Fair event, beginning at 10 a.m. on the south side of the Agriculture Building. Special guests will include 100 youth representing the Boys and Girls Club of West Central Missouri and Greater Kansas City. The youth are being sponsored by the Kansas City Area Toyota Dealers Association. Toyota is the official vehicle of the 2016 Missouri State Fair.

The Opening Day parade will begin at 6 p.m. and will include nearly 100 units. MFA Incorporated, sponsor of Opening Day, will lead the parade down State Fair Boulevard. Other parade entries will include the University of Missouri Mule Team, antique and classic cars, farm vehicles, tumbling groups, the Smith-Cotton Marching Band, horse-drawn buggies and various Fair-themed entries.

Great entertainment for all ages will be offered at no charge on Opening Day, including a Horse Whisperer Event at 9 a.m. and Cowboy Mounted Shooting, sponsored by Starline Brass, at 6 p.m. in the Mathewson Exhibition Center. The Budweiser Stage will feature The Vincents at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Members Only at 9 p.m.

The MRCA Show-Me State Stampede & Rodeo take will take place in the State Fair Arena, sponsored by Husqvarna, starting at 7 p.m. 3 Doors Down and Shaman’s Harvest will kick-off the Pepsi Grandstand concert series at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the Pepsi Grandstand and State Fair Arena can be purchased at the State Fair Box Office, open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Aug. 9-10 and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Aug. 11-21.

The 114th Missouri State Fair, themed “See What Crops Up” will be held Aug. 11-21 in Sedalia. For more information about concerts, events and other Fair activities, visit mostatefair.com, follow the Fair on Facebook and Twitter, or call 1-800-422-FAIR (3247).

Randy Kirby
Randy Kirby
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