Celebrating America’s 250th through Missouri tradition

Anticipation is building as the Missouri State Fair nears. This annual fair brings in people of all walks of life to not only appreciate agriculture, but to also celebrate and cherish the long-lasting history of Missouri.

This year’s theme follows the Missouri state slogan but with a twist, “Show Me Stars and Stripes,” as it joins in celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.

For more than 120 years, the Missouri State Fair, which is Aug. 13 to 23, in Sedalia, has served as a place where families gather, traditions continue, and Missouri’s agricultural roots are proudly displayed. As the fair returns for its 124th year, Director Jason Moore says this year’s patriotic theme is a natural extension of what the fair has always represented. Pictured above, the Missouri State Fair is expecting its traditional parade to kick off the 11-day fair. (Photo by Missouri State Fair.)

“I think we do a great job of not only honoring our country, but honoring our veterans and showing our patriotism,” Moore said.

Visitors will notice that patriotic spirit from the moment they walk through the gates. Historic buildings across the fairgrounds will once again be decorated with red, white and blue bunting, giving the grounds a nostalgic appearance reminiscent of celebrations from decades past. Patriotic contests, themed decorations and special exhibits will be scattered throughout the fairgrounds, creating an atmosphere that celebrates both the nation’s history and Missouri’s own heritage.

One of the largest additions this year is an expanded Military Day, held on the first Sunday of the fair. The event will feature military equipment displays, veteran resources, recruiters from multiple branches of the armed forces, and the America 250 Museum on Wheels, a traveling exhibit that tells the story of the United States from 1776 through today. The Freedom Riders motorcycle procession will return to the fairgrounds, while Gov. Mike Kehoe is expected to participate in a military swearing-in ceremony.

“We’re going to really go full throttle with our patriotic mission this year,” Moore said.

Although this year’s theme focuses on America’s milestone anniversary, Moore believes it fits perfectly with the fair’s mission that has remained unchanged since 1901.

“The mission has always been to showcase agriculture, showcase our youth and our heritage and bring Missourians together for a short time to celebrate that,” he said.

That mission comes to life through the hundreds of livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, and youth competitions that fill the fairgrounds over its 11-day run. While concerts and carnival rides attract large crowds each year, Moore encourages visitors to slow down and spend time inside the barns.

“If I had to focus on one thing, it would be to sit down in one of those livestock shows and watch a kid show a project that they’ve been putting their heart and soul into all year,” Moore said. “The smile on their face when they hand them that ribbon makes your visit special.”

The fair also continues to grow. Over the last several years, improvements have included the new Parsons Arena, renovations to the historic 4-H building, and continued restoration of several historic livestock barns. Moore said preserving these historic buildings is just as important as introducing new attractions because they tell the story of the fair’s rich history.

“We’re taking care of this place, and it’s going to be around for a long time,” he said.

Another tradition visitors can experience is the Governor’s Ham Breakfast, one of the fair’s signature events. While it has become a gathering place for agricultural leaders and state officials, Moore says its importance goes far beyond politics.

“It always comes back to tradition and togetherness,” he said. “It’s a chance for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate what agriculture means to Missouri.”

This year also brings a larger goal for the Drive to Feed Kids initiative. To honor America’s 250th anniversary, volunteers will work to pack 250,000 meals for children facing food insecurity across Missouri. Since the program began in 2017, more than 13.7 million meals have been packed through the partnership with Missouri Farmers Care and Missouri FFA students.

Whether visitors come for the concerts, livestock shows, fair food or family traditions, Moore hopes everyone leaves with a greater appreciation for the people who make Missouri agriculture possible.

“I hope they realize all the hard work that the youth of this state put into the projects they’ve experienced,” Moore said. “And I hope they’re already looking forward to the 125th Missouri State Fair.”

As Missouri celebrates both its agricultural heritage and America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s fair offers more than just entertainment. It serves as a reminder of the traditions that have connected generations of Missourians for more than a century while looking ahead to the future of the state’s largest industry.

Reference

Rassbach hosts ‘Hmong in America’ exhibit – HMOOB.TV. https://www.hmoob.tv/articles/rassbach-hosts-hmong-in-america-exhibit/

Jessie Earley is an intern with High Plains Journal. She can be reached at [email protected].