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

• Ticket to the Past: The First 25 Years of the Missouri State Fair
• The Missouri State Fair Begins
• The Fair Grounds
• All Roads Lead to the Fair
• Fair Attractions in the Air
• Fair Attractions on the Stage
• Profitable Fun For All Who Come
• The Fair in Wartime
• Agriculture at the Fair
• Fair Attractions on the Track
• Missouri Centennial
• Silver Anniversary
• Curriculum

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.