Wednesday, Aug. 6 we loaded up the campers and headed to Sedalia to spend almost 2 weeks camping at the Missouri State Fair. This is one of my very favorite things to do each year and I have to say, looking back through all the photos and video as I have this weekend, I would happily go right back for another week tomorrow!
Many ask what makes the fair so special for us and I have shared several blog posts in past years showcasing some of those particulars. But, my best advice for folks who want to know what makes the fair so special is that they should plan to come and join us next year and see for themselves! :) In the meantime, here is the first of several posts (a total of 4!!) about the 2014 Missouri State Fair.
This year Brianna and Adrian went down with us the day before the fair. We like to go down a day ahead to set up camp and get completely ready for the opening day on Thursday. Plus, Mama and Daddy usually have a dinner they attend on Wednesday evening. After making a Walmart run for supplies, we headed to a local restaurant for dinner. Then it was back to the campsite to enjoy the quiet evening. The kids tossed a football around and I enjoyed my first view of the Swine Barn from under my awning. (Seriously, I LOVE that!!)
ready to head to the fair!
Daddy and Mama
Adrian, Brianna, and Jonathan
Jackson and Brianna
First view of the Swine barn! :)
Opening day of the fair is packed full of special events including the official opening ceremony and the parade in the evening. We had quite a bit of rain overnight on Wednesday and it was still drizzling on Thursday morning, but as we walked toward the Family Fun Center (the location of this years opening ceremony) the sky cleared and the rain stopped.
Opening Day Ceremony
Adrian, Jackson, Daddy, Brianna, Marvin, Jonathan
Jonathan and Daddy (after our first tenderloin of the fair from Truck's Place!)
I enjoyed watching a portion of the state fair queen contest, especially cheering on a hometown girl who is also the daughter of a friend of mine. She did a fantastic job and it was so fun to see her on that stage.
Shelby H.
Clouds were again threatening when the parade began, but the rain stayed away and we enjoyed not only the parade, but the Scotty McCreery concert afterward. It was also our first chance to see my cousin Julie, and her sweet grand-daughter, Paizlei. What a cutie!!
Enjoying a traditional 'dollar day' corn dog. Only they are now $2! :)
in place for the parade - Adrian, Jonathan, Brianna, Jackson
Marvin and Laura ready for the parade to come by
There's Daddy! :)
Jonathan, Adrian, Brianna, and Jackson at the Scotty McCreery concert
Julie and Paizlei
Scotty McCreery
The M. Family drove down on Friday. Everything is always more fun with them around!! :) We were happy that Jeff was able to come with them this year. Friday evening we all gathered at the Mathewson Center to watch Cowboy Mounted Shooting. Especially impressive this year were the senior in high school, and the man in his mid-70's. Both were excellent competitors and fun to watch.
Marvin, Matt, Daddy, and Brenda
We enjoyed watching cousin Janna show her hog Friday afternoon.
Opening of Cowboy Mounted Shooting
Below is a video of that young man who is a senior in high school. This will give you an idea of what Cowboy Mounted Shooting is like.
One fun aside... I posted this photo to Facebook from the Mathewson Center while watching Cowboy Mounted Shooting, only to discover that another (out of town) cousin was there also watching the show! We were on opposite sides of the arena so had to just wave across at each other, but it was great fun to make that connection. :)
Brenda, Matt, Jeff, Megan, Melina, Jackson, Brianna, Adrian, and Jonathan
Matt, Brenda, Marvin, and I also attended the Joan Jett & the Blackhearts concert. What a blast from the past! I always enjoy the 'retro' concert at the fair. Takes me back and makes me feel young again. That is, until I start counting up years and figuring out how long ago I listened to these artists! :)
Matt, Brenda, Laura, and Marvin at the Joan Jett concert.
Joan Jett
When we got back to the camper we discovered that Adrian had made a special purchase on the fairgrounds... a gas mask! Ha!
Adrian :)
Only 2 days into the fair and I have pretty much filled up a blog post! This could take awhile... :)
You can see an album FULL of photos of the entire fair (and quite a few video clips) by clicking here.
Great question, Linda! Actually, I feel the MO State Fair is very economical. Daily entrance is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $2 for kids age 6-12, and kids 5 and under are free. Plus, there are specials each day that typically help with pricing. For instance, the opening day is on $2 per person no matter what. The closing day is only $4 per person no matter what. There is a military appreciation day where all service members/veterans are free and their family members are only $1 each. There is also a "Women in Ag' day where all females are free.
That admission price gets you in to all buildings and exhibits in the fair except for the carnival rides and the nighttime grandstand concerts. The prices for the grandstand concerts vary depending on the artist. For instance, this summer ticket prices ranged from $10 to $45 per ticket. Many are in the $20 range. As for the carnival rides, you can purchase a family pack for $20 or an unlimited wristband for $26. Single ride tickets are $1 each.
Having said all of that, if you purchase admission tickets or carnival tickets ahead of time (right up until the day before the fair begins) you can purchase them at a good discount. We always do that.
Most people don't stay the entire fair. :) We just love it and make it a big vacation!
Here is a general link to the webpage for the Missouri State Fair. http://www.mostatefair.com/home#
And here is a link that shows a daily deals list outlining some of those specials I mentioned. http://www.mostatefair.com/gate-admission
I should have included all this info in one of the fair posts. I may have to write up a new one! :)
Here are a few more links... Listing of free entertainment throughout the fair (included in price of fair admission) http://www.mostatefair.com/free-entertainment-lineup
Here is a link to daily schedules. There are new things every day of the fair. Events and exhibitors vary throughout the fair making it a brand new fair each of the 10 days of the fair! :) http://www.mostatefair.com/schedules-2
I'm really glad you asked! I just forget about telling this part and I think it is important. :)
Yes, that seems much less expensive than the Florida State Fair (though it was so long ago that I checked into it that I may be wrong)! :) It does sound like a fun family tradition.
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Can you get a pass that gets in you every day? I remember the Florida State Fair entrance fees being high, and that was just for one day.
ReplyDeleteGreat question, Linda! Actually, I feel the MO State Fair is very economical. Daily entrance is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $2 for kids age 6-12, and kids 5 and under are free. Plus, there are specials each day that typically help with pricing. For instance, the opening day is on $2 per person no matter what. The closing day is only $4 per person no matter what. There is a military appreciation day where all service members/veterans are free and their family members are only $1 each. There is also a "Women in Ag' day where all females are free.
DeleteThat admission price gets you in to all buildings and exhibits in the fair except for the carnival rides and the nighttime grandstand concerts. The prices for the grandstand concerts vary depending on the artist. For instance, this summer ticket prices ranged from $10 to $45 per ticket. Many are in the $20 range. As for the carnival rides, you can purchase a family pack for $20 or an unlimited wristband for $26. Single ride tickets are $1 each.
Having said all of that, if you purchase admission tickets or carnival tickets ahead of time (right up until the day before the fair begins) you can purchase them at a good discount. We always do that.
Most people don't stay the entire fair. :) We just love it and make it a big vacation!
Here is a general link to the webpage for the Missouri State Fair.
http://www.mostatefair.com/home#
And here is a link that shows a daily deals list outlining some of those specials I mentioned.
http://www.mostatefair.com/gate-admission
I should have included all this info in one of the fair posts. I may have to write up a new one! :)
DeleteHere are a few more links...
Listing of free entertainment throughout the fair (included in price of fair admission)
http://www.mostatefair.com/free-entertainment-lineup
Here is a link to daily schedules. There are new things every day of the fair. Events and exhibitors vary throughout the fair making it a brand new fair each of the 10 days of the fair! :)
http://www.mostatefair.com/schedules-2
I'm really glad you asked! I just forget about telling this part and I think it is important. :)
Yes, that seems much less expensive than the Florida State Fair (though it was so long ago that I checked into it that I may be wrong)! :) It does sound like a fun family tradition.
ReplyDelete