Friday, July 1, is the deadline for entering 4-H and FFA livestock contests at this year’s Missouri State Fair. This is also the deadline for open shows for beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, mules, poultry, rabbits, sheep and swine, according to Fair Director Mark Wolfe.

“Livestock shows and competitive exhibits provide an excellent opportunity for youth and adults to display their hard work and dedication to agriculture,” Wolfe said. “Whether it is a 4-H or FFA beef cattle show, pie baking contest or a knitting competition, there is a contest available for everyone.”

Red Angus and Dexter beef breed shows are being added to the judging schedule this year. Also new this year is an eight horse hitch class during the Draft Horse Show and a natural colored fleeces class in the wool show.

Deadlines for other entries are also approaching. Entry forms for Missouri State Fair Queen contestants should be postmarked by July 15, while entries in the prestigious Missouri Junior 50 art competitions have a deadline of July 20. Bakers wanting to enter recipes in the First Lady’s Pie Contest have until July 25 to submit their entry forms.

Most entries in Home Economics must be submitted by July 20. Two new contests are available for entry this year, including the Lunch Box Special Contest, sponsored by A-1 Well Drilling and “Crop” Fresh Vegetable Casserole Contest, sponsored by Starline Brass.

The “Show-Me State Tailgate Throwdown” Barbecue Contest, sponsored by Traeger Wood Pellet Grills, will be held on Friday, Aug. 12. The contest is limited to 30 teams. Each team will prepare their entry in three categories: burgers, brats and wings. Entry forms must be received by Aug 1.

A complete list of deadlines, competition rules, entry forms and the online entry system is available in the Online Premium Guide on the Fair’s website.

Aside from competitions, agriculture is displayed throughout the fairgrounds through multiple Ag Showcase Experiences. In the Agriculture Building, fairgoers can hear the story of Missouri farmers, ranchers and commodity group leaders through interactive learning experiences.

Returning this year is the AgriMissouri Bistro and Market, which is a full service farm to table market serving breakfast and lunch during the Fair. The AgriMissouri Bistro and Market uses ingredients grown and made in Missouri.

Across the fairgrounds, hundreds of vendors will offer a shopping bonanza for fairgoers. Also, many how-to demonstrations will take place, covering multiple topics like consumer education, gardening, wine and much more.

Exhibitors under age 13 will be admitted free to the 11-day Fair again this year, while exhibitors age 13 and over will be able to purchase up to 40 single-day exhibitor admission tickets at a special price of $5 each. The discounted exhibitor tickets are available to order from the Fair Business Office at the time of competition entry through Aug. 10. These tickets will not be available at the gate and they do not include exhibitor parking.

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 www.mostatefair.com, follow the Fair on Facebook and Twitter, or call 1-800-422-FAIR (3247).

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