History Loves MO State Fair

It’s Fair Time, yall! We thought it would be fun to go back in time and hit you with a little bit of history. After all, that’s kind of our thing here. Here are a few fun things we have loved and enjoyed about our beloved Missouri State Fair, dating back to 1901!

1. Butter Masterpieces: Imagine a world where butter becomes art. At the fair, talented sculptors create stunning butter sculptures that will melt your heart. It takes these artists a long time to create these masterpieces and you can find the display inside the Gerhken Dairy Barn!
2. AG is the Name of the Game: The MO State Fair was initially established as a way to showcase and promote Missouri’s agricultural products and advancements. When it first opened its gates in 1901, the fair aimed to educate farmers and the public about the latest agricultural techniques and innovations. Over the years, this focus on agriculture has remained a central aspect of the fair’s mission, even as it has evolved to include entertainment, competitions, and a wide variety of attractions.
3. John Phillip Sousa: The first concert to ever play at the grandstands of the Missouri State Fair was given by John Philip Sousa and his band in 1901. Sousa was a renowned American composer and conductor known for his patriotic marches and contributions to American music
4. Presidential Preference: One of the most famous individuals to ever attend the Missouri State Fair was President Harry S. Truman. Truman, who was a native of Missouri, visited the fairgrounds on several occasions during his presidency
5. Powder My Sugar: One of the most popular and iconic fair foods at the Missouri State Fair is the “Funnel Cake.” This deep-fried delight is a beloved classic that has become synonymous with fairs and festivals across the country. Funnel cakes are made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil, creating a latticework of crispy, golden goodness. They’re then generously dusted with powdered sugar, resulting in a sweet and satisfying treat that’s both nostalgic and delicious.
6. Ozark Music Festival: One of the largest events to ever be held on the fairgrounds was the Ozark Music Festival July 19–21, 1974, with an estimated crowd of 350,000 people. 
7. Historic Grounds: The Missouri State Fairgrounds Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. It encompasses 47 contributing buildings, 5 contributing sites, 7 contributing structures, and 7 contributing objects. 
8. Live Births: One of the most interesting facts about the Missouri State Fair is that it was one of the first state fairs in the United States to introduce an organized birthing center for farm animals.
9. Governor’s Ham Breakfast: A unique aspect of the Missouri State Fair is its tradition of hosting the Governor’s Ham Breakfast. This event brings together politicians, community leaders, and members of the public for a festive breakfast centered around showcasing Missouri’s agricultural industry.
10. Sedalia, MO: Perhaps, one of the best parts of the Missouri State Fair is that it’s hosted right here in Sedalia, MO. You can attend, stay, work, play, eat, drink, and catch a break from a number of local restaurants and shops.

We may be a bit partial, but we believe you’ve got a one-stop shop right here at Lamy’s. You can eat, drink, and shop until you drop. So, if you’re ready to explore outside the fairgrounds, Lamy’s has you covered. Tell all your friends. After all, history loves company.