The 145th Moniteau County Fair, continuous since 1866, begins next week.
This year the fair runs from Monday, Aug. 1, to Saturday, Aug. 6, with a number of family events each evening including a parade event, car show and, the last event of the fair, the Martins Bluegrass Music, starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
The pre-festivities actually start Saturday, July 30. The Kiwanis Ham Breakfast is from 7 to 9 a.m. and a new event, the "Cowboy Challenge," begins at 10 a.m. in the Main Arena.
The evening gets really busy with the start of several events. The annual Fair Parade, the Moniteau County Cattlemen's Association "Steak Night" at Centennial Hall and the Moniteau Saddle Club Sho-Me Circuit Horse Show in the Main Arena all begin at 5 p.m. 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 Cheri Messerli at 573-338-3929 or Maureen Stocksick at 573-291-1123. For car show information, contact Steve Bonecutter at 573-796-8685.
On Sunday, July 31, the Ministerial Alliance hosts the outdoor Vespers Service at the fairgrounds at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Peter Kurowski, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, California, will present the sermon from the Book of Job, "Why Do Godly People Suffer?"
Tim Burgher will lead the congregational singing. Those providing special music will be include Kassie Meisenheimer, Twilla Duvall and the Rohrbach Brothers.
Allen Sparks will be honored for his years of assisting with the sound system.
The fair officially begins Monday, Aug. 1, at 9 a.m., with the Breeding Swine Show, followed by the Breeding Beef Show. 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. 2, the Rabbit Show and Lamb Show start things off at 9 a.m., followed by 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. 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. 2, 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 or JoAnn Bestgen at 573-796-2315.
The Junior Livestock Auction starts at 7 p.m. at the Livestock Sale Barn.
Wednesday, Aug. 3, 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.
HIB Livestock will present the rodeo at 7 p.m. All riders must call in on Sunday, July 31, from 7-10 p.m., at 660-458-6265. For more information, contact the Hibdons at the same number. The Draft Horse Pull begins at 8 p.m. in the Sappington Arena.
Thursday, Aug. 4, 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 Pure Stock Demolition Derby and Compact Derby starting at 8 p.m. On Friday, Aug. 5, the Hay Hauling 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. 6, is the last day of the fair with several featured events. The Backyard Barbecue Contest and Kids Barbecue start at 10 a.m. The Antique Tractor Show is from 2 to 6 p.m. The Mid-America Tractor Pullers Association tractor pull begins at 2 p.m.
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. Also at 6 p.m. is the Junior Ham Auction sponsored by 4-H.
The Martins Bluegrass Music starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Sappington Arena. The Jed and Harry Clark Band from Arkansas will be joining them.
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 $6. There is no charge on Tuesday. The price for admission Wednesday through Friday is $6. Admission Saturday is $5.
For general information, call Mike and Patricia Inglish at 573-796-4692.