MoStateFair

Strut Your Stuff...

The 2007 Missouri State fair is planning a parade with trumpeters that could sound the cavalier... floats that could give the Thanksgiving Day Parade a run for its money... antique cars outfitted with chrome and brass fit for Jay Leno's garage... well, in any event... it won't be an event to miss!

Opening Day Parade for the 2007 Missouri State Fair is scheduled for Thursday, August 9th at 6 p.m.

The parade with showcase agriculture, art, local organizations, music, unique automobiles and more. Judges will consider seven categories: horse, antique and classic car, farm, vehicle, float, judges' choice, theme and marching band. The judges will determine first and second prize winners from each category. First place winners will receive a plaque and $100.  Second place will receive $50.

Cookie Towers and Hula Hoops

It's a throw down... to see who is the best! By the end of the 2007 Missouri State Fair we'll know who bags the bean bag toss, who reigns supreme on the pedal pull pedestal, who can stack cookie towers that are more impressive than the Tower of Pisa, and who can swivel hips better than any hula dancer in the hula hoop contest. The Touchstone Energy Stage will host each of these quirky contests from Friday, August 10 through Monday, August 13.

Specific times for each contest can be found in a daily guide available at the fair. Sign up for the special contests will be on the day of the contest at the contest site.

Missouri State Faircast: Joining the Church Choir

In this choir, you don't have to sing but odds are you'll want to sing... sing along with Eric Church as he performs breakout hits like "How Bout You" and "Guys Like Me."  Anyone interested in Eric's music is welcome to join what he has dubbed "The Church Choir."  If you're waiting to see just what kind of show Eric puts on before becoming a member, you're in luck!  Eric will be opening for Gary Allan at the 2007 Missouri State Fair on the Grandstand on Wednesday, August 15.  Eric is busy on tour, bouncing around various cities, but I managed to snag a quick interview with the rising star to get a feel for the motivation behind his music. Check it out:

Download audio

Talent on Touchstone

The 2007 Missouri State Fair will be showcasing some of the state's best undiscovered talent.  Fairgoers can catch the Amateur Talent Show on the Touchstone Energy Stage Sunday, August 12 at noon... for free!

Contestants interested in the talent show can participate in one of the following categories: vocalists, musical bands, dancers, actors/actresses or instrumentalists. Participants must send the Missouri State Fair a video, CD or cassette tape of the performance to be used.

Chainsaw Art

How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?  You know, I'm not too sure about that one.  But, I can tell you about the Robinsons.  Give a chainsaw and a tree trunk to woodcarving team Stacey and JoAnn Robinson and get a totem pole, a bench, even cowboy in return. The Robinsons are bringing their unique talent to the 2007 Missouri State Fair.  Stop by the act to watch their chainsaw magic!

It Aint' Easy Being An Idol

Nichole Aldana knows it takes hard work to rise to the top and says she's practicing hard to snag this year's Missouri Idol title at the 2007 Missouri State Fair.  She has cleared auditions and has made it to the semi-finals. Check out her video to get a preview of the tune this singer can croon:

Missouri State Faircast: Do I Hear a $150, $150, $150... $200!

Auctioneer, singer, actor... he's your all-around entertainer. Leroy Van Dyke is known for his roles in "Auctioneer" and "Walk On By."  He starred in the movie, "What Am I Bid?"  But, this performer with worldwide clout certainly hasn't forgotten his roots.  Leroy returns to his hometown, Sedalia, on Tuesday, August 14 and Wednesday August 15, for the 2007 Missouri State Fair. This week's Missouri State Faircast features one of our own.

Download audio

Leroy will perform his country show tunes on the Budweiser Stage at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm and will also offer a country bob for seniors at the Missouri Waltz event at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, August 15.

Senior Citizens Get "Fair" Deal

The Missouri State Fair is centered around celebrating Missouri tradition and culture.  Of course, that celebration wouldn't be complete without honoring the residents who've invested their lives into cultivating that tradition and culture. Nor would it be complete without honoring lifelong neighbors.  August 15 marks Senior Citizen Appreciation Day, where seniors age 60 and over can save an additional $2 on admission.  Any senior citizen wanting to take advantage of this discount simply needs to bring a Sedalia Democrat Banner dated for any day of the fair.

Bothwell Regional Health Center will be providing free tram rides from the fair gates to the Senior Citizen Lounge located in the Log Cabin and seniors will receive a sticker for complimentary tram service for the day.  Seniors will also be able to take advantage of the Senior Spin Special - a discount sponsored by Furnell Companies that offers a two for one value on all carnival rides.

The Mathewson Center will host another senior lounge that will provide activities, refreshments, maps and tram passes. Mobility assistance is available to rent on the fairgrounds near Centennial Gate from Chuck’s Mobility. Reservations can be made in advance by calling 887-788-5275.       

Video Contest Countdown

Footage from the "Preparing for the Big Show" video contest has us giggling, flinching, even grimacing.  But, we haven't selected a winner yet. You still have one more week to submit those final entries for your chance to win two free tickets to the Jason Aldean concert at the Pepsi Grandstand opening night of the fair. Remember, the winning video will premier before the concert in front of thousands! Check out one of our latest entries:

1. Contest Guidelines: Participants must create a video pertaining to how they are preparing for the 2007 Missouri State Fair. Videos might focus on any aspect of the fair, from agriculture and livestock showings to concerts and art contests.  The video must be no more than 60 seconds in length.
2. Eligibility: The contest is open to anyone who is at least 18 years of age at the time of the entry.  The winning participant might be asked to provide proof of age upon being selected.
3. Contest Period: The contest will run from June 1st through July 24, 2007. All videos must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m/ on July 24.
4. Contest Submission: To sumbit an entry, visit www.mostatefair.com and click on the video contest link. Upload your video using the software provided. Entering the contest is fast, easy and FREE! There is no limit on the number of submissions a contestant may post. Remember to email us at statefairvideo@gmail.com and send us a link to your video!
5. Judging: Initial judging will be done by employees of the Missouri State Fair. The number of entries will be narrowed down to the top three finalists. The finalists will be voted upon by their fans through the Missouri State Fair Website. Criteria for judging the videos is based upon: (50%) creativity, (25%) presentation and (25%) entertainment value.
6. Grand Prize: The winning video will be premiered before the Jason Aldean concert at the Pepsi Grandstand opening night of the Missouri State Fair, and will be played throughout the fair on the Missouri State Fair Website.  The winner will also receive two free ticktets to the concert, and will be given free admission into the fair opening night.
7. General Rules: All entries made upon submission become the sole property of the Missouri State Fair and may be used at any time in promoting the fair without any paid compensation to the creator.  Any use of language or content deemed inappropriate by contest judges will result in the disqualification of that entry.  If for any reason the contest is not capable of being conducted as planned, including any causes beyond the control of the administrators of the contest, the Missouri State Fair reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel, modify, suspend or terminate the contest without prior notice to the entrants.

Best In Show

I'm not talking pooches... I'm talking agricultural exhibitions.  For some fairgoers, these exhibitions represent some of the best entertainment the fair has to offer. Jacob Walther is making final preparations with his horticulture crops that he plans to show this year.  He says he'll be showing onions and beets, along with potatoes, which he says is one of the biggest exhibitions. Jacob says he's been exhibiting his crops at the state fair for 80 years, with his first showing in 1920 at the age of 7.  The faithful fairgoer says his father  introduced him to the tradition and it's a tradition his son and grandsons continue to carry on as well. Jacob says his son Ernie has earned awards for the largest watermelon on several occasions.  He says this year, one of his grandsons aims to snag the largest pumpkin title.  Despite the outcome, the exhibitions offer Jacob the opportunity to share a family trade with generations.