Ticket to the Past: The Past 25 Years of the Missouri State Fair

The Missouri State Fair Begins

Representative Cyrus F. Clark, Mexico, introduced the bill that established the Missouri State Fair in January 1899. Backed by Governor Lon V. Stephens and the influential Missouri Swine Breeder’s Association, Horse Breeder’s Convention, and State Poultry Association, it passed in April of that year. Given eighty days to select a site, the State Board of Agriculture requested bids. Centralia, Chillicothe, Marshall, Mexico, Moberly, and Sedalia responded. Brisk competition culminated with the selection of Sedalia. The inaugural Fair opened in 1901.