The Missouri State Fair will not feature concerts at the grandstands this year, but the annual event will continue as it has since 1901. With many county fairs within the state and state fairs in surrounding states being canceled, many anticipated the same would occur in Missouri. The only time the state fair had ever been canceled was in 1943 and 1944 as a result of World War II. On Thursday, June 11, 2020, Governor Mike Parson surprised many when he publicly announced the Missouri State Fair will continue while acknowledging it will look different compared to previous years.
"The Missouri State Fair will not be canceled on my watch," said Governor Parson. "This will look different, but we will have a fair."
Shortly after the Governor's announcement, the Missouri State Fair issued a news release.
"Our hearts broke as we watched COVID-19 cancel fairs, festivals and expositions around the world. We know the countless hours our exhibitors and fair families have put into taking care of their livestock and 4-H and FFA projects. Our priority continues to be the promotion of excellence in Missouri agriculture and our future agriculture leaders," stated the release.
Missouri Cattlemen's Association Executive Vice President Mike Deering referred to the state fair as a youth leadership development event for young people in rural and urban areas alike.
"Many youth throughout the state exhibit livestock and other projects at the Missouri State Fair teaching them many valuable skills, including responsibility, work ethic and respect. We applaud the Governor, Missouri State Fair Commission, Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn and all involved for standing up for the youth and ensuring they have the opportunity to exhibit their projects," said Deering. "Beyond those who exhibit projects, many visitors to the state fair get a firsthand look at agriculture and learn a lot about how they are connected to agriculture even if they live in downtown St. Louis."
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