Gov. Nixon announces entertainment, events for 2013 Missouri State Fair

 Gov. Jay Nixon announced the entertainment lineup for the 2013 Missouri State Fair, as well as the return of several favorite events. Country music stars Chris Cagle, Gary Allan and Toby Keith are among the entertainers performing in the Pepsi Grandstand during this year's Fair.

Returning events include the First Lady's Pie Contest, Governor's Ham Breakfast and the Show-Me Bluegrass Festival. Military Appreciation Day, honoring veterans and active-duty military personnel and their families, will also be back for 2013. 

"The Missouri State Fair is our state's premier agricultural showcase and a time-honored tradition for family fun," Gov. Nixon said. "The 2013 State Fair will feature the best of Missouri, from emerging technology and educational resources to youth exhibits and Missouri traditions older than the Fair itself.  The First Lady and I look forward to welcoming thousands of Missouri families to the Fair this summer."

In the Pepsi Grandstand, Chris Cagle and Will Hoge will open the Fair the evening of Aug. 8. Gary Allan and Randy Houser will play Aug. 10, and The Oak Ridge Boys will take the stage Aug. 14.  Toby Keith and Kelsey K will play Aug. 16. All concerts in the Pepsi Grandstand are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

"These are the first of eight concerts to be announced for this year's Fair," said Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. "The Fair is working to schedule four more acts, and will make those announcements as soon as those events are finalized."

The Fair will also feature the hard work of thousands of Missourians, including the 4-H and FFA members who exhibit their projects, from livestock to photography each year. 

The 2013 Missouri State Fair will be held Aug. 8-18 in Sedalia. Additional acts, special events and promotions are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. For more information on the 2013 Missouri State Fair, visit the state's website, mo.gov.