Governor Kehoe, Sedalia Officials Announce Improvement to Clarendon Road

Governor Mike Kehoe joined Rep. Brad Pollitt, Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn, Missouri State Fair Director Jason Moore and local Sedalia officials Tuesday to announce improvements to Clarendon Road, near the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia.

The Clarendon Road improvement is a joint project of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri State Fair, the Missouri Department of Transportation, State Fair Community College, the City of Sedalia and Pettis County.

“As we continue to make major investments into the State Fairgrounds, we have a responsibility to make sure we’re planning for the next generation of fairgoers, exhibitors and families,” said Governor Kehoe. “I appreciate the work of our state agencies, local leaders and State Fair Community College in helping us find a solution that keeps Clarendon Road open for public use, while also making important safety improvements that allow us to continue to invest in the future of the Fair.”

Mo State Fair

Currently, Clarendon Road is located on the west side of the Fairgrounds, dividing the Fairgrounds from the public campground. New to that area of the Fairgrounds is the Michael L. Parson Arena, a climate-controlled, indoor facility that can hold a variety of events. When completed, the improved Clarendon Road will allow for continued growth at the Missouri State Fairgrounds, while also improving safety concerns.

“We are very excited about the growth at the Missouri State Fairgrounds and the improvement to Clarendon Road is part of the overall expansion,” said Director Chinn. “The Michael L. Parson Arena opens this August and will attract events throughout the entire year, bringing an increase in economic activity for the city of Sedalia beyond the 11 days of the Fair.”

$21 million in state funding for the project is included in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget passed by the Missouri legislature this most recent legislative session. Governor Kehoe will take action on the budget before the end of the month.

“State Fair Community College in so many ways supports economic development and we are excited to work with Governor Kehoe on this project,” said SFCC President Dr. Brent Bates. “The road improvements will not only be a huge economic driver for our region, but will also open opportunities for new SFCC training programs in agriculture and improve access to areas of our campus as we pursue new opportunities to serve our communities.”

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“The City of Sedalia welcomes expansion at the Missouri State Fairgrounds and the additional revenue these events on the Fairgrounds bring to our community,” said Sedalia Mayor Traves Williams. “The Clarendon Road improvement project is an important part of this expansion.”

The announcement on Tuesday “really allows the Missouri State Fair to proceed with their over $100 million expansion, which is a huge infusion of state dollars into our local community for more economic impact and opportunities, but also allows State Fair Community College to expand their programming for area students, regional students and the community as a whole,” commented EDSPC Executive Director Jessica Craig.

“Agriculture, tourism, economic development opportunities, community development, educational opportunities … you cannot get that many pro-project opportunities all in one, so we really hit a home run with this one,” Craig told KSIS immediately after the announcement.

“You know, there’s not many states that can say that they just invested over $100 million into their state fairgrounds. And you heard from Governor Kehoe, we are getting accolades and interest from organizations throughout the entire country and beyond, that are noticing the investment and the potential for additional opportunities here,” Craig concluded.

For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit the Department’s website.

The 2026 Missouri State Fair, themed “Show-Me Stars & Stripes,” is Aug. 13-23, in Sedalia. For more information visit the Fair’s website.