UPDATE*******

On July 17, 2020, the Missouri State Fair announced that the traditional fair will pivot to a youth livestock show, Aug. 13-23, 2020. In 1901, the Fair began as a showcase of Missouri agriculture. Staying true to that tradition, the Fair will continue to allow the invaluable agriculture education experience to Missouri 4-H and FFA members by offering a Youth Livestock Show only. Reasons for the pivot included public health and safety and the inability as a result of the limitations for the fair to be the quality outdoor experience it is known to be. Opening Day Ceremony, Governor’s Ham Breakfast, carnival midway, and all other non-youth livestock related events will be cancelled.

 

This article is presented in partnership with The Missouri State Fair.

The Missouri State Fair hasn’t missed a beat since it’s cancellations in 1943 and 1944 due to World War II. Persevering through severe weather, triple-digit heat, and the urbanization of Missouri, Sedalia’s fair is not easily derailed. This year’s fair is set for August 13-23, 2020.

The 2020 Missouri State Fair is on but will look much different than fairs of years’ past. One notable change is the Grandstand features. There will be no live concert performances at this year’s fair. However, the Grandstand will host five days and nights of truck and tractor pulling events. These pulls will take place August 16-20. Competitions will include Missouri Association Championship Pulls, Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League, farm and antique classic pulls, as well as garden tractor and mini rod pulls. Events on August 16-18 are ticketed events, while pulls on August 19 and 20 are open to fair attendees free of charge.


Here is a list of events scheduled for the Grandstand this year.

  • Sunday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m. & 6 p.m., Missouri State Fair Shoot Out featuring Missouri Association Championship Truck and Tractor Pull Qualifying and Finals, $25 Adults, $10 Youth 6-12; FREE Kids 5 & Under
  • Monday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m. & 6 p.m., Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League, $25 Adults, $12 Youth 6-12; FREE Kids 5 & Under
  • Tuesday, Aug. 18, 1 & 6 p.m., MSF Truck & Farm Tractor Pull, $10 Ages 13+; FREE Kids 12 & Under
  • Wednesday, Aug 19, 10 a.m. & 6 p.m., Antique Classic Tractor Pull, FREE (no ticket required)
  • Wednesday, Aug. 19, 1 p.m., Missouri Stock Antique-Classic Tractor Association, FREE (no ticket required)
  • Thursday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. & 6 p.m., Garden Tractor & Mini Rod & Truck Pull, FREE (no ticket required)

The Grandstand was built in 1968 as an addition to the expanding State Fair Grounds. The Grandstand was first built to seat eight thousand people in a project that cost $509,000. It has held sold-out concerts during past State Fairs as well as live performances in the fair’s off season. 

This year’s eleven-day event will conclude its competition series with auto races on the final day, Sunday, August 23, in the Grandstand. Winged 360 sprint cars, power I non-wing sprint cars, and late models will compete on the fair’s final night. Hot laps will begin at 6 p.m. with heat races starting at 7. 

Aside from Grandstand features, the State Fair provides a lively carnival scene for attendees. Bright lights lure fairgoers to rides, fair food, and colorful attractions.

For more information, visit mostatefair.com.