It's time once more for everyone to come out and enjoy the 2015 Moniteau County Fair, the 149th since the fair began in 1866. This year, the pre-festivities, including the parade, begin on Saturday, Aug. 1. The big event closes Saturday, Aug. 8. The Baby Show is at 6 p.m., followed by the Demolition Derby beginning at 8 p.m.
The Moniteau County Fair began just after the end of the American Civil War and has continued for 149 years. During that time, the fair has changed, with expansion of the fairgrounds, as well as addition, subtraction, expansion and contraction of events and activities. Old facilities have been upgraded, replaced, enlarged and new facilities have been added, such as a second small arena, livestock barns and Centennial Hall.
The events have changed from a time of horse shows and other events to the current schedule which includes tractor pulls, Tuff Truck Challenge and ATV Showdown, Compact Figure 8 Scramble and a Demolition Derby. Even the time of year has changed. A fair which originally took place in late September has moved to the first week in August.
In fitting with the history of the Moniteau County Fair, several horse events are on the schedule, such as a pre-fair trail challenge and horse show, and, during the fair, a rodeo and draft horse pull.
Of course, there will be the carnival and midway with rides and entertainment for young and old. Washerboards and horseshoe pitching will be held on several evenings of the fair.
Food is always a major part of any fair, and there is no lack of food items at the Moniteau County Fair this year. On the first day of the pre-festival activities, Saturday, Aug. 1, the food available starts with the Kiwanis Ham Breakfast from 7-9 a.m. at Centennial Hall. The parade starts at 5 p.m. and, also at 5 p.m., the Cattlemen's Association offers its Steak Night, also at Centennial Hall.
There are numerous food booths and food stands at the fair, with snacks, goodies, beverages and meals at various places throughout the fairgrounds, including the 4-H booth near the animal barns. There will be snow cones, corn dogs, cotton candy, caramel apples, kettle korn.
Several "pull" events will be held during the week long fair. On Monday, Aug. 3, there are a tractor pull at the Main Arena and a kiddie tractor pull at the Sappington Arena, both starting at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, Aug. 5, the draft horse pull at the Sappington Arena starts at 8 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 9, the MATPA Tractor Pull at the Main Arena is from 3 to 7 p.m.
On Saturday, Aug. 1, from 7-9 a.m., is the Kiwanis Ham Breakfast. The Fourth Annual Wayne Bueker 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.
Awards will be presented to the "Best of Parade" entries after the parade which begins at 5 p.m. For parade information contact Carol Rackers at 573-796-2476 or Tammy Hoellering at 573-796-2392.
For horse show information, call Gina Kuda at 573-338-6772 [email protected] or Carolyn Twardowski at 573-694-7686 [email protected].
On Sunday, Aug. 2, the Ministerial Alliance hosts the outdoor Vespers Service at the fairgrounds at 7:30 p.m. Dan Rowlison, pastor of First Christian Church, will bring the message.
The fair officially begins Monday, Aug. 3, at 9 a.m., with the Breeding Swine Show, followed by the Breeding Beef Show. The Art Hall and Youth Art Show open at 6 p.m. The Tractor Pull begins at 6 p.m. in the Main Arena, with the MMTPA Sanctioned Pull at 7 p.m. The Kiddie Tractor Pull also begins at 7 p.m. in the Sappington Arena.
On Tuesday, Aug. 4, 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 p.m. at the Sappington Arena. 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. 5, 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.
The Martins Bluegrass Music follows the queen contest in the Sappington Arena.
The first performance of Magician Keith Leff will be Tuesday, across from the carnival, with additional performances to be held on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 5-6.
Wednesday, Aug. 5, 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 rodeo, produced by the Wooten Rodeo Company, will begin at 7 p.m. It is an event sanctioned by International Professional Rodeo association and Missouri rodeo Cowboy Association. Phone 1-800-639-9002 or wootenrodeo.com.
Thursday, Aug. 6, 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. Also starting at 7 p.m., is the Tuff Truck Challenge and ATV Showdown at the Main Arena. For the Tuff Truck Challenge, vehicles go over jumps and obstacles in the least amount of time.
On Friday, Aug. 7, Compact Figure 8 Scramble starts at 8 p.m. 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. 8, is the last day of the fair with several featured events. The "Cow Patty Drop" sponsored by Kiwanis begins at noon at the livestock sale barn.
The Junior Ham Auction, sponsored by 4-H, begins at 6 p.m. at the Livestock Sale Barn. All hams, including the Champion and Reserve Champion Hams and Bacon will be auctioned at this event.
The Baby Show also starts at 6 p.m. Limited to Moniteau County residents, this event will be at the bottom of the grandstand. There is no fee to enter. The registration number can be picked up in the Art Hall 5-5:45 p.m. For more information, call Sally Vogel at 573-796-4851 or Carol Rackers at 573-796-2476.
The final event of the fair is for those who enjoy watching automobiles collide - the Demolition Derby starts at 8 p.m.