Just after the Civil War ended, the Moniteau County Fair began. It has been continuous for 147 years.
Over the years the fair has changed with expansion of the land and activities. New facilities have been added, such as a second small arena, livestock barns and Centennial Hall.
The events have changed, too. From a time of horse shows and other events nightly, the current fair has tractor pulls, demolition derby, and this year a motor cross event.
This year, the pre-festivities including the parade begin on Saturday, Aug. 3. It closes Saturday, Aug. 10, with the Martins Bluegrass Music starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Sappington Arena.
In keeping with the history of the event, several horse events are on the schedule, such as a Trail Challenge, horse show and draft horse pull.
Several "pull" events will be held during the week-long fair. On Monday, the MMTTPA Tractor Pull starts at 7 p.m. in the Main Arena at the same time the Kiddie Tractor Pull starts in the Sappington Arena. On Wednesday, the Draft Horse Pull starts 8 p.m in Sappington Arena. On Saturday in the Main Area, the Mid-America Tractor Pullers Association starts at 10 a.m. and the Brush Truck (Truck and Tractor Pull) starts at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, the Trail Challenge begins at 10 a.m. in the Main Arena. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. The event is to promote good horsemanship skills and provide an educational venue.
The evening gets really busy with the start of several events including the annual Fair Parade and the Moniteau County Cattlemen's Association "Steak Night" at Centennial Hall at 5 p.m. The Moniteau Saddle Club Sho-Me Circuit Horse Show begins in the Main Arena at 5:30 p.m. and the Cruise-In Car Show begins immediately following the parade at the fairgrounds just west of Centennial Hall.
Awards will be presented to the "Best of Parade" entries after the parade. For parade information contact Carol Rackers at 573-796-2476 or Tammy Hoellering at 573-796-2392. For horse show information, call Carolyn Twardoski at 573-694-7686 or Gina Kuda at 573-338-6772. For car show information, contact Steve Bonecutter at 573-796-8685.
On Sunday, Aug. 4, the Ministerial Alliance hosts the outdoor Vespers Service at the fairgrounds at 7:30 p.m. with Jeremy Barnard, pastor of Lebanon Baptist Church, and Eric Moore, pastor of California United Methodist Church.
The fair officially begins Monday, Aug. 5, at 9 a.m., with the Breeding Swine Show, followed by the Breeding Beef Show. The Art Hall and Youth Art Show opens at 6 p.m. The Pedal Tractor Pull begins at 7 p.m. at the Sappington Arena and the MMTTPA sanctioned tractor and truck pulling contest begins at 7 p.m. in the Main Arena.
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, the Lamb Show at 8:30 a.m. and Rabbit Show at 9 a.m. start things off, followed by the Goat Show then the Market Hog Show. The Junior and Homegrown Steers will follow the Market Hogs.
In the evening, the Miss Moniteau County Queen Contest takes place at 6:30 p.m. For information, call Carol Rackers at 573-796-2476 or JoAnn Bestgen at 573-796-2315.
The Little Mr. and Miss Moniteau County Contest directly follows the Miss Moniteau Queen talent show. All entrants in the Little Mr. and Miss contest must attend the tea party Tuesday, Aug. 6, at which time judging will be done. Girls need to be at Centennial Hall at 9 a.m., boys at 10:30 a.m. For information, call Carol Rackers at 573-796-2476.
The Junior Livestock Auction starts at 7 p.m. at the Livestock Sale Barn.
Wednesday, Aug. 7, starts off with the Breeding Sheep Show at 9 a.m. The Goat Show follows the Sheep Show and the Dairy Cattle Show follows the Goat Show. The Poultry Show begins at 2 p.m.
The Motor Cross begins at 7 p.m. for both two- and four-wheelers. Signup is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Practice starts at 5 p.m. For more information contact, contact Steve Bonecutter at 573-796-8685. The Draft Horse Pull begins at 8 p.m. in the Sappington Arena.
Thursday, Aug. 8, is Senior Citizens Day from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The Halter Calf Show starts at 7 p.m. and the Horseback Team Penning at 7:30 p.m. Rounding out the night is an event for those who enjoy watching automobiles collide-the Full-Size Demolition Derby and Compact Derby starting at 8 p.m.
On Friday, Aug. 9, the Hay Hauling event starts at 6 p.m. and the Tuff Truck / Compact Figure 8 Scramble starts at 8 p.m. For the Tuff Truck Challenge, vehicles go over jumps and obstacles in the least amount of time. For the Compact Figure 8 Contest, compact cars scramble through a figure 8 course risking damage while crossing each others paths at right angles.
Saturday, Aug. 10, is the last day of the fair with several featured events. The day starts with the Kiwanis Ham Breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m., at Centennial Hall. The Champion and Reserve Champion hams and Bacons will be auctioned starting at 8 a.m. The Mid-America Tractor Pullers Association tractor pull begins at 10 a.m. The Antique Tractor Show is from 2 to 6 p.m.
The Junior Ham Auction sponsored by 4-H begins at 6 p.m. at the Livestock Sale Barn.
The Baby Show starts at 6 p.m., limited to Moniteau County residents. There is no fee to enter. The registration number can be picked up in the Art Hall from 5 to 5:45 p.m. For more information, call Sally Vogel at 573-796-4851 or Carol Rackers at 573-796-2476.
The Brush Truck (Truck and Tractor Pull) starts at 7 p.m. in the Main Arena. The Martins Bluegrass Music starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Sappington Arena.
Horseshoe Pitching starts at 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The Washerboard Tournament starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Friday in the Horseshoe Pits.
General Admission (12 and up) for the fair varies this year. Sunday Church Services are free. Admission on Monday is $7. There is no charge on Tuesday. The price for admission Wednesday through Friday is $7. Admission Saturday is $5.
For general information, call Wayne Kunze at 573-338-4714.