Thank you to all who attended this year's Missouri State Fair and helped make 2008 a memorable occasion. The weather definitely played in our favor this year and attendance proved that this year's event was one that everyone enjoyed. Whether you visited the Ag Building, the midway, the livestock barns or the Pepsi Grandstand, you had a great time with all that the fair had to offer.
My experiences were highlighted by all of the families that I met this year. Each year, families across our state carry on their traditions by attending the State Fair and participating in many events. My hats goes off to those generations that continue to realize the importance of agriculture. Your attendance, presence and competitive spirit make the Missouri State Fair agriculture's number one showcase.
What a great event!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Missouri's Own ...
I just got back to the hotel after another great concert at the Pepsi Grandstand. Tonight was Trent Tomlinson and Sara Evans, both Missouri native performers! Sara had all seven of her kids out on stage performing with her for a couple songs to make a great ending to the concert. At first we weren’t for sure if the rainy weather was going to pass over us, but only after a few rain drops the weather was great. Tomorrow night we get to look forward to Blake Shelton and Tracy Lawrence to round out the outstanding performances we have had this year at the grandstand.
Today was all about the dairy show, showing cattle from 8 am to 7:30 pm. There was a huge turnout of dairy cattle, the most we’ve ever seen at the fair. Across the fairgrounds the rabbits had their showing as well. Tomorrow morning awards and ribbons will be handed out.At 3:00 pm tomorrow the Sale of Champions will be held to recognize and sell the grand and reserve champion animals. There is always a big turnout for this event and hope to see you all there.
Don’t forget to come out and see all the free entertainment including; ShenaniGuns Wild West show, the Anastasini Circus, Vocal Trash and so much more! Sunday its Fair Finale with ½ price off admissions ticket! Only a few days left to enjoy the wonderful weather and the Missouri State Fair. Go 4 It!!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
IT was all about the pies
It was Governor’s, Legislator’s and Judges day here at the State Fair. The morning started off with the Governor’s Ham Breakfast where state officials and supporters of Missouri Agriculture met together for an outstanding meal under the director’s tent. Governor Matt Blunt, First Lady Melanie Blunt and son Branch spent the day at the fair and from the moment Branch arrived, he was playing and having a wonderful time!After the breakfast the commissioners and I escorted several elected officials to various locations on the fair grounds. Governor Blunt was
able to make appearances at many of the buildings located on the grounds and even finding time to ride a camel and hold a brand new baby goat.The first annual First Lady’s pie baking contest brought out a packed house at the Home Ec Building. The pies were cut up and taste tested and at the end of it all the winner was a lemon meringue.
Today was the first rain shower we have had since the start of the fair. The auto races were
canceled, but for those who had tickets, they will be accepted on Sunday night for the second night of racing. Tomorrow night we welcome home native Missourians, Trent Tomlinson and Sara Evans to the grandstand!! Three nights left of the Missouri State Fair… hope you “Go 4 It”!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
This is what IT's all about
Today I spent most of my time watching the steer show in the Coliseum. I was impressed by the showmanship of all participants and how well they cared for and handled their animals. Here is a picture of the Grand Champion steer that will be up for auction at the Sale of Champions, Saturday afternoon.
There was a huge turnout for the goat show this morning. Lots and lots of goats. The big draft horses arrived today; Percherons, Belgium’s, and Clydesdales. Tonight at the Mathewson Center, there was one, three, four, and six horse hitches. I got to ride on Robert Sparrow’s six-horse hitch as a special treat. Robert hales from Ulman, Mo, where my mom and grandpa called home. Grandpa Boyd would have been proud.
Queen Whitney hopes this is her prize for winning the State Fair pageant. A “Mizzou” 2008 Toyota Tundra.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Farm Family Day at the Fair
Monday was Farm Family Day. What an honor to participate in a day that means so much to Missouri farmers. 
Throughout the day, we honored farm families recognizing their hard work and concluded the day with a dinner provided by M.U. Extension, Missouri Farm Bureau, and the Missouri State Fair. Pictured are two very large families that were honored tonight at the banquet. At noon the customers of FCS Financial were treated to a delicious meal under the director’s tent. 
Today was the finale of the Rooster Crowing contest with, Jerry Hartel, of Paris, Mo, winning the coveted prize. A crowd of around 100 turned out to watch the final six competitors try anything to make their
roosters crow.
At the Coliseum, the Carcass Steer Show was held in preparation for the Big Steer Show on Tuesday. We stopped at the sheep barn
this evening to present a long time sheep showing family, the Yates, with an award for their dedication and hard work for the sheep industry.
The final evening of the Truck and Tractor pull was held tonight. Whitney, the Missouri State Fair Queen, wanted to ride on the pulling sled, but her crown was to tall. So she settled for handing out trophies!
Don’t forget its $5 after 5 pm and I’m still taking credit for the outstanding weather we’ve been having this week. Tuesday it's free admission for veterans and active military with I.D.. I hope to see you all there, ‘Going 4 It’ at the Missouri State Fair!
Throughout the day, we honored farm families recognizing their hard work and concluded the day with a dinner provided by M.U. Extension, Missouri Farm Bureau, and the Missouri State Fair. Pictured are two very large families that were honored tonight at the banquet. At noon the customers of FCS Financial were treated to a delicious meal under the director’s tent. 
Today was the finale of the Rooster Crowing contest with, Jerry Hartel, of Paris, Mo, winning the coveted prize. A crowd of around 100 turned out to watch the final six competitors try anything to make their
roosters crow.At the Coliseum, the Carcass Steer Show was held in preparation for the Big Steer Show on Tuesday. We stopped at the sheep barn
this evening to present a long time sheep showing family, the Yates, with an award for their dedication and hard work for the sheep industry.The final evening of the Truck and Tractor pull was held tonight. Whitney, the Missouri State Fair Queen, wanted to ride on the pulling sled, but her crown was to tall. So she settled for handing out trophies!
Don’t forget its $5 after 5 pm and I’m still taking credit for the outstanding weather we’ve been having this week. Tuesday it's free admission for veterans and active military with I.D.. I hope to see you all there, ‘Going 4 It’ at the Missouri State Fair!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
There's Something For Everyone
Sunday started out with a quick trip back home to Eldon to fix a problem with the turkey feed line. I believe Murphy’s Law, “If it’s going to break, it will while you’re gone”.
Once again the weather today was great. Credit usually goes to the newest employee. And that’s me! I’ll take it. Today, my family and I made it to some of the free family entertainment on the
fairgrounds.
First, we stopped at the big tent to watch The Amazing Anastasini Circus. The Anastasini Circus is an eight-generation family of entertainers that will surely impress you with their high-flying act. We then headed to the Wild West comedy show, the ShenaniGuns! It was non-stop laughing, even 'De-puty' Director Matt Boatright was seen laughing out loud. ShenaniGuns is a family-friendly attraction that’s been seen by audiences across the USA.
I headed to the poultry barns to watch the rooster crowing contest where the rooster that crows the most in 30 min is crowned the winner. Today was the preliminaries with the winning rooster crowing 65 times! Tomorrow the overall winner will be decided
Tonight the grandstand had two outstanding performers this evening, Terri Clark and Jason Aldean. Terri commented on stage about the last time she was at the Missouri State Fair - a tornado forced them to shut down the show early. Last night, though, the weather was perfect.
This week we have a great line up of activities including: Monday- Motocross at 7:00 pm, Tuesday- Foreigner in concert at the Pepsi Grandstand, Wednesday- Antique Tractor Pull at the Dodge Arena and Thursday- the Governor’s Ham Breakfast. Take a day trip and ‘Go 4 It’ at the Missouri State Fair!
Once again the weather today was great. Credit usually goes to the newest employee. And that’s me! I’ll take it. Today, my family and I made it to some of the free family entertainment on the
fairgrounds.First, we stopped at the big tent to watch The Amazing Anastasini Circus. The Anastasini Circus is an eight-generation family of entertainers that will surely impress you with their high-flying act. We then headed to the Wild West comedy show, the ShenaniGuns! It was non-stop laughing, even 'De-puty' Director Matt Boatright was seen laughing out loud. ShenaniGuns is a family-friendly attraction that’s been seen by audiences across the USA.
I headed to the poultry barns to watch the rooster crowing contest where the rooster that crows the most in 30 min is crowned the winner. Today was the preliminaries with the winning rooster crowing 65 times! Tomorrow the overall winner will be decided
Tonight the grandstand had two outstanding performers this evening, Terri Clark and Jason Aldean. Terri commented on stage about the last time she was at the Missouri State Fair - a tornado forced them to shut down the show early. Last night, though, the weather was perfect.This week we have a great line up of activities including: Monday- Motocross at 7:00 pm, Tuesday- Foreigner in concert at the Pepsi Grandstand, Wednesday- Antique Tractor Pull at the Dodge Arena and Thursday- the Governor’s Ham Breakfast. Take a day trip and ‘Go 4 It’ at the Missouri State Fair!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Outstanding Weather - Outstanding Crowds
What a great Saturday at the fair! The weather was absolutely amazing – and there were big crowds to show for it, making it a huge 1st Saturday for the Missouri State Fair.
The day started off with a presentation in the Agriculture Building at the Farmer’s Market stand. While on the fairgrounds, everyone should make sure to stop by the Ag Building to see all that Missouri has to offer from local grown products including everything from honey to even BBQ sauce.
Tonight was the MRCA state rodeo finale with a big turnout. Tomorrow starts the Missouri Association Truck and Tractor pull at Dodge Arena. This is always one of the highlights of the fair and the action starts at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
The evening concluded for me with the Josh Turner/Pat Green concert. What another huge turnout from the crowds to see two great country artists perform! My daughter, Katie, somehow talk
ed me into giving her my meet and greets passes so she could meet Josh after the show!
Once again – the weather will be wonderful for Sunday and then on into the following week. Remember if you can’t make it until after work, ‘Go 4 IT’ cause its only $5 after 5 o’clock – what a GREAT deal!
The day started off with a presentation in the Agriculture Building at the Farmer’s Market stand. While on the fairgrounds, everyone should make sure to stop by the Ag Building to see all that Missouri has to offer from local grown products including everything from honey to even BBQ sauce.Tonight was the MRCA state rodeo finale with a big turnout. Tomorrow starts the Missouri Association Truck and Tractor pull at Dodge Arena. This is always one of the highlights of the fair and the action starts at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
The evening concluded for me with the Josh Turner/Pat Green concert. What another huge turnout from the crowds to see two great country artists perform! My daughter, Katie, somehow talk
ed me into giving her my meet and greets passes so she could meet Josh after the show!Once again – the weather will be wonderful for Sunday and then on into the following week. Remember if you can’t make it until after work, ‘Go 4 IT’ cause its only $5 after 5 o’clock – what a GREAT deal!
Making IT another great day!
Today (Friday, Aug. 8) was all about the Hog Show, Queen Contest, Rodeo, and Charlie Daniels. The grand and reserve champion barrow was chosen at about 6:00 this evening after an all day show starting at 9:00 this morning.
Whitney Wallace was crowned the 2008 Missouri State Fair queen. Whitney is from Clinton, MO
and is a junior at the University of Missouri majoring in Ag Journalism. MDA’s very own Charlotte Jackson placed 5th out of 57 contestants. Congrats Whitney and Charlotte!!
One of the many exhibits on the fairgrounds is the Sydenstrickers John Deere display located in the machinery area. In this picture, I’m trying to measure up this tractor to figure out a way to turn
it around in my turkey barns back home.
Tonight was the second evening of the MRCA rodeo held at the Dodge Arena. Mike Orman, the owner of Dodge Rodeo, helped to sponsor the event and is pictured with his daughter and Whitney - the new Missouri State Fair Queen.
Whitney even found a way to break in her new heels (shown right) for the fair and this little cowboy(shown left)
was enjoying the festivities.
The day came to a close with the Charlie Daniels Band, Shooter Jennings and .38 Special. It was a Rowdy – Rowdy evening, but the great weather brought out a fantastic crowd to the fair and concert for the second day.
If the events aren't enough to bring you to the fairgrounds – gas prices in Sedalia are $3.45/gallon and the weather is supposed to be mid-80’s the whole weekend!!! Therefore, ‘Go 4 IT’ and come on out to the Missouri State Fair.
Whitney Wallace was crowned the 2008 Missouri State Fair queen. Whitney is from Clinton, MO
and is a junior at the University of Missouri majoring in Ag Journalism. MDA’s very own Charlotte Jackson placed 5th out of 57 contestants. Congrats Whitney and Charlotte!!One of the many exhibits on the fairgrounds is the Sydenstrickers John Deere display located in the machinery area. In this picture, I’m trying to measure up this tractor to figure out a way to turn
it around in my turkey barns back home.Tonight was the second evening of the MRCA rodeo held at the Dodge Arena. Mike Orman, the owner of Dodge Rodeo, helped to sponsor the event and is pictured with his daughter and Whitney - the new Missouri State Fair Queen.
Whitney even found a way to break in her new heels (shown right) for the fair and this little cowboy(shown left)
was enjoying the festivities.
The day came to a close with the Charlie Daniels Band, Shooter Jennings and .38 Special. It was a Rowdy – Rowdy evening, but the great weather brought out a fantastic crowd to the fair and concert for the second day.
If the events aren't enough to bring you to the fairgrounds – gas prices in Sedalia are $3.45/gallon and the weather is supposed to be mid-80’s the whole weekend!!! Therefore, ‘Go 4 IT’ and come on out to the Missouri State Fair.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Let the Fair begin!
What a spectacular first day it was yesterday at the Missouri State Fair! It was $1 day with a great turn out for all the $1 deals you could find throughout the fairgrounds.
The day started out with a Grand Opening Ceremony at the "Kids' Zone" - a playground, new this year, donated by the Marshall family - owners of Sedalia's McDonald's.
At noon, I headed to the Pork Chop Tent and the Beef House to greet those in line. Visting with fair-goers is a great opportunity to find out where people are from and what their favorite State Fair experience is.
I’m hoping to make it to all of the different eating places on the fairgrounds this week. So for lunch, we headed over to the 4-H cafeteria and had an outstanding meal. Fabulous food – wonderful people serving - and I would recommend it to all!!
We went to the Mathewson Center to watch a few of the 57 contestants in the State Fair Queen Pageant. Friday, Aug. 18 is the coronation of the new Missouri State Fair Queen (at 3:00 p.m.) in the Mathewson Center. Hope to see you there.
I also rode in a Model T with the Chairman of the State Fair board, Elizabeth Schlueter in the annual State fair parade.
My first night at the Missouri State Fair came to a close with the Air Supply concert. My wife, Alisa, and I got to treat another couple, Tim and Gayla Dwyer, with meet and greet passes and then a wonderful concert with a spectacular fireworks display to finish the evening.
With all of these activities, the highlight of the day was talking with the people who were enjoying themselves around the fairgrounds - excited about the great weather and "Going 4 It” at the Missouri State Fair.
The day started out with a Grand Opening Ceremony at the "Kids' Zone" - a playground, new this year, donated by the Marshall family - owners of Sedalia's McDonald's.
At noon, I headed to the Pork Chop Tent and the Beef House to greet those in line. Visting with fair-goers is a great opportunity to find out where people are from and what their favorite State Fair experience is.
I’m hoping to make it to all of the different eating places on the fairgrounds this week. So for lunch, we headed over to the 4-H cafeteria and had an outstanding meal. Fabulous food – wonderful people serving - and I would recommend it to all!!
We went to the Mathewson Center to watch a few of the 57 contestants in the State Fair Queen Pageant. Friday, Aug. 18 is the coronation of the new Missouri State Fair Queen (at 3:00 p.m.) in the Mathewson Center. Hope to see you there.I also rode in a Model T with the Chairman of the State Fair board, Elizabeth Schlueter in the annual State fair parade.
My first night at the Missouri State Fair came to a close with the Air Supply concert. My wife, Alisa, and I got to treat another couple, Tim and Gayla Dwyer, with meet and greet passes and then a wonderful concert with a spectacular fireworks display to finish the evening.
With all of these activities, the highlight of the day was talking with the people who were enjoying themselves around the fairgrounds - excited about the great weather and "Going 4 It” at the Missouri State Fair.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Welcome to the Missouri State Fair!
For me and many at the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri State Fair begins a day (and even months) early. Although each of you are welcome to attend the fair Aug. 7-17, some of us have already arrived in Sedalia for festivities and to begin our daily duties for the 11-day event.
Tonight, my wife, Alisa, and I will be attending the Missouri State Fair Foundation Banquet at the Lowell Mohler Assembly Hall. I look forward to meeting many new people, seeing many old faces and learning all there is to learn about the State Fair.
Don't get me wrong - I have been to the State Fair with my family for many, many years. But as the Director of Agriculture and a State Fair Commissioner, I think that this may be a whole different ballgame. I look forward to every minute of it.
After tonight's event at the assembly hall, MDA's Deputy Director Matt Boatright and his wife have promised Alisa and I a moonlight cruise (by golf cart) and "learning" tour of the fairgrounds before the action begins tomorrow.
Earlier today, I had my briefing with the Missouri Highway Patrol - what a relief! Now, they know me, I know them and we can start off on the right foot.
As I awake bright and early tomorrow, Opening Day will brings lots of great entertainment, all you can eat corn dogs and funnel cake and many incredible ag shows that will peak anyone's interest. I encourage you to "GO 4 It!" this year at the Missouri State Fair. There is so much to do and see for the whole family.
Tonight, my wife, Alisa, and I will be attending the Missouri State Fair Foundation Banquet at the Lowell Mohler Assembly Hall. I look forward to meeting many new people, seeing many old faces and learning all there is to learn about the State Fair.
Don't get me wrong - I have been to the State Fair with my family for many, many years. But as the Director of Agriculture and a State Fair Commissioner, I think that this may be a whole different ballgame. I look forward to every minute of it.
After tonight's event at the assembly hall, MDA's Deputy Director Matt Boatright and his wife have promised Alisa and I a moonlight cruise (by golf cart) and "learning" tour of the fairgrounds before the action begins tomorrow.
Earlier today, I had my briefing with the Missouri Highway Patrol - what a relief! Now, they know me, I know them and we can start off on the right foot.
As I awake bright and early tomorrow, Opening Day will brings lots of great entertainment, all you can eat corn dogs and funnel cake and many incredible ag shows that will peak anyone's interest. I encourage you to "GO 4 It!" this year at the Missouri State Fair. There is so much to do and see for the whole family.
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