Community News

Salute to our Heroes Opening Weekend at the Missouri State Fair

by thebizz
August 9, 2024

Opening weekend at the Missouri State Fair will be full of thrilling rides, delicious treats, and unforgettable memories! We are kicking off opening weekend with a special salute to our heroes on Saturday, Aug. 10 for Law Enforcement/Firefighter Appreciation Day, sponsored by Pepsi. Law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics receive FREE admission with appropriate ID. Plus, their immediate family members can join the fun for just $1 admission.

The Fair is especially grateful for the men and women of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri State Fair Fire Department who devote their time and energies to keep our fairgoers safe.

Stop by the Highway Patrol booth located just inside the Centennial entrance and don’t skip out on your chance to visit with a State Fair icon Otto the Talking Car next to the MoDOT Highway Gardens.

The Missouri State Fair Fire Department provides fire and medical response during the annual Fair. Staffed by volunteers, they are the only fully operational fire department in the United States that operates for only 11 days a year. Check out the State Fair Firehouse and say hello to the fire men and women, see firetrucks up close and get your picture with Smokey the Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog.

But that’s not all! Here’s a sneak peek of what else you can expect at the Fair on Aug. 10.

MOCARES CPR and AED Training along with Apparatus and Station Tours from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the State Fair Firehouse.
Happy Meal Party at the Kids Stage, sponsored by Your Local McDonald’s, featuring giant Happy Meal coloring boxes with markers for kids to color, FREE Happy Meal cards, the chance to win a Happy Meal Birthday Party and Happy Meal Kids Contest at 2 p.m.
Amazing grounds entertainment shows all day, including: The Amazing Bubble Factory at the Kids Zone, sponsored by Your Local McDonald’s, the Space Adventures Educational Thrill Show, Hedrick’s Racing Pigs Show, sponsored by Jim’s Tire Service and Educational Petting Zoo, sponsored by Big Iron Auctions.
Livestock shows and building competitions all day including jumping mule show, sheep fitting competition and youth show floriculture shows.
Celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80^th birthday and make a t-shirt or tote bag, while supplies last from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Conservation Building.
Live music featuring Cedar Creek Band and Honky-Tonk Dream on the Budweiser Stage and keep your eyes and ears open for the The Strolling Piano.
The Pepsi Pong Contest – 5:30 p.m. at the Touchstone Energy Stage. Winner goes in the Money Madness Machine for a chance to win Goo Goo Dolls & The Fray tickets.
Military Flag Retreat Ceremony honoring Edgar “Joe” Dayringer, of Kearney – 5:30 p.m. at the flagpole in front of the Historic Administration Building.
Goo Goo Dolls with The Fray – 7:30 p.m. in the State Fair Grandstand, presented by CFM Insurance; tickets on sale now. Fireworks, sponsored by Missouri S&T, and Spectacular Drone Show, sponsored by VisitMO.com, CFM Insurance, Missouri Department of Conservation, and GoNetspeed, following the concert.

Sunday, Aug. 11 is Military Appreciation Day, sponsored by GoNetspeed. The Fair is proud to honor our military men and women with FREE gate admission for active military, veterans and delayed entry recruits with appropriate I.D. and $1 admission for their immediate family members. A coupon for $5 off an unlimited carnival ride wristband is also available for military and their immediate family.The Missouri State Fair is thankful to the men and women who have served and our serving our great country. We are excited to host special events for military and their families with displays and activities from 10 am to 5 pm in the Mathewson Exhibition Center and a Resource Fair in the Lowell Mohler Assembly Hall. The 135th Army Band will perform two concerts, at noon and 3:30 p.m., in the Mathewson Exhibition Center. In keeping with the “Summer Best Story” theme, the 135th Army Band uses music to tell the Army’s story, and that of every Soldier past, present, and future. From traditional concert marches to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” to Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag,” you are sure to leave this concert proud of our military service members and proud to be an American.

A quick glance at the day’s schedule:

Worship services in the morning on the Touchstone Energy Stage: Lutheran Worship Service – 8:30 a.m, Cornerstone Baptist Service – 9:30 a.m and Catholic Mass – 10:30 a.m.
Free grounds entertainment all day for all ages including B2wins and Radatz Magic on the Touchstone Energy Stage and the new Space Adventures Education Thrill Show, just north of the Carnival entrance.
Livestock shows and building competitions all day including mule and donkey shows and the flavored bacon contest.
Live music featuring Supermatics on the Budweiser Stage and keep your eyes and ears open for the The Strolling Piano.
MSF Shoot Out Truck & Tractor Pull in the State Fair Grandstand, presented by CFM Insurance – 12 p.m. & 6 p.m. Tickets on sale now.
Military Flag Retreat Ceremony honoring Jack Cottrell, of Grant City, 5:30 p.m. at the flagpole in front of the Historic Administration Building.