The 396-acre Missouri State Fairgrounds, located in Sedalia, is a first-class facility capable of accommodating a vast array of events. A 2012 summer rally for the BMW-Motorcycle Owners of America, Inc. is among the latest contracted. According to Fair Director Mark Wolfe, this event along with an aggressive 2011 calendar should prove to be a support to the area economy, and offers the public more entertainment options.
Wolfe said, "Some of the factors helping in the acquisition of the 10,000-member rally were the central location and attractiveness of the Fairgrounds, the 2,200 campsites and the numerous and sizeable climate-controlled buildings."
Some of this year's spring events on the Fairgrounds are the Show Me Mounted Shooters Competition on April 2; the Missouri Horse Show Association Kick-Off Show April 7 to 9; and the Missouri Baptist Convention RA Congress April 22 to 23.
A Christian Xplosion concert on April 10 in the Mathewson Exhibition Center will feature MercyMe, Natalie Grant and Brandon Heath. Tickets for the concert can be purchased online at itickets.com or at The Shepherd's Place and Specialty Sportswear stores in Sedalia.
The Firefighters Association of Missouri's annual convention and trade show April 29 to May 1 is anticipated to bring over 500 participants to Sedalia, Wolfe said. The summer schedule will include livestock shows for cattle, rabbits, equine, swine, poultry, goats and llamas. Many other events will prelude the Missouri State Fair set for August 11 to 21.
Wolfe said that in 2010 the Fairgrounds hosted 289 events with many spanning multiple days for a total of 435 event days. He projects the event day count for 2011 to maintain or surpass last year's.
The complex is comprised of 11 air conditioned buildings, livestock barns, show arenas and campground facilities. The full-service facility offers equipment such as bleachers, chairs, tables and podiums with amenities like electrical hook-up, telephone lines, trash and water. Many rental opportunities are still available in 2011; for more information call 1-800-422-FAIR.
A calendar of events can be viewed online at mostatefair.com/Events-Facilities.php; to receive a free monthly calendar by email, call 660-827-8150 or 800-422-FAIR or send an E-mail request to [email protected].