Missouri State Fair

Missouri History Today September 9, 1901: Sedalia Sets Stage For Inaugural Missouri State Fair

Missouri History Today August 13, 2011: Country Concert Breaks Records At State Fairgrounds

Not many events can claim all this: Competing critters. Marvelous music. Carnival contests. Rousing rides. Blue ribbon baking. Ridin’ & ropin’. Tough tractors. And more. Yep, you know what we’re talking about. But do you know this year’s details?

In 1973, writer Walter Kaufmann reflected on his first trip to the Missouri State Fair. In this essay, he recalls the pens full of animals, the wild rides and carnival games, the food, and a special day with his less-than-enthusiastic father.

Set Out on a Great Adventure Across Missouri