SEDALIA–As Missourians reflect on independence this week, the Missouri State Fair announced its plans to honor military and their families on a new day and in a bigger way with Sprint Homegrown Heroes Day Sunday, Aug. 15.
Active military, veterans and delayed entry recruits will receive free admission on Aug. 15 with a deep discount of $1 admission offered to their immediate family members. A $5 off carnival wristband will also be available to this group.
A highlight of the day will be a new Military Appreciation Ceremony at 1 p.m. at the Pepsi Grandstand. Dignitaries from federal and state government along with several military officials will be involved in this special salute to Missouri’s Homegrown Heroes.
Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe said, “Our military and their families are most deserving of the title Homegrown Heroes and the Fair wants to recognize their commitment to our state and country.”
In addition to the 1 p.m. ceremony, the day will be full of fun and family activities including the Amateur Talent Show, Cowboy Mounted Shooting and a new Jimmy John’s sub eating contest. The day will conclude on a high note with a 7:30 p.m. concert by Katharine McPhee and Bomshel. Tickets to this Pepsi Grandstand performance are just $10 and $15.
Also new to the Fair this year is Tribute Tuesday, a day set aside to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Sedalia and the “Year of Mark Twain”-2010 marks the 175th birthday of Mark Twain and the 100th anniversary of his death.
On Tribute Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Lowell Mohler Assembly Hall, the city of Sedalia will present its Rowdy Days Rowdy Nights exhibit with characters dressed in the style of the founders of Sedalia. Also featured will be can-can dancers, live music, games and activities for children.
“The Fair is proud to commemorate these milestones of Sedalia and Hannibal,” said Wolfe. “Sedalia has provided the Missouri State Fair with a great home for many years.”
The Hannibal Convention and Visitors Bureau will be entertaining Fair crowds on Tribute Tuesday with its renowned characters Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher and Mark Twain. Comedy stories and skits as well as fence painting contests will be held in the Assembly Hall.
The Missouri State Fair is the place to be August 12 to 22 in Sedalia for “Growing Great Memories.” Public camping facilities, along with a variety of free entertainment and activities help to make the Fair an affordable and memorable experience for all Missourians. Visit www.mostatefair. com for daily highlights including Pepsi Grandstand concerts and State Fair ticketed events, or call 800-422-FAIR (3247) for more information.
