Ready to show off Getting your picture taken in front of the Buddy Bear mural in the MEC Building is an annual tradition for many Missouri State Fair faithful. Missouri's agriculture showcase scheduled to take place in August vegetables in the Agriculture Building. Others will vie for a myriad of animal showing competitions while the Home Economics Building will host events such as the "Gourmet Mac 'n Cheese" and "Appetizer Dip" cooking contests. by Paul Newton | pnewton@ruralmissouri.coop Be sure to make time to pay a visit to the Missouri's Electric Cooperatives Building which is located across t might look and feel a little different this year due to from the grandstand on the south end of Missouri State COVID-19, but Missouri's annual agriculture showcase Fair Boulevard. The building is open daily from 9 a.m. to is still on for Aug. 13-23. The Missouri State Fair will 6 p.m. and showcases the work cooperatives continue to commence for the 118th time with thousands of Misdo to make rural Missouri such a great place to live. A sourians from across the Show-Me State making their annual pilgrimage to Sedalia. ground-source heat pump keeps the building cool and offers a reprieve from the late-summer heat. Co-op Some come for a quick daytrip to see what the Show-Me State has to offer, and others personnel will be on hand to answer questions, and haul their camper to Sedalia and take in all 11 there are displays on energy efficiency, safety and days of the fair. Fairgoers can relish everything statewide cooperative youth programs. Sedalia Stop by the Rural Missouri area of the MEC from a demolition derby to delicious food to unforBuilding to enjoy a variety of our award-winning gettable rides. photos and videos on display, talk to a staff Missourians show off their green thumbs member and read some of our readers' favorite in contests seeking out the largest fruits and Editor's note: The following information is accurate as of July 13. Please refer to www.mostatefair.com for updates. I 34 RURAL MISSOURI | AUGUST 2020 Aug20_State Fair.indd 1 7/9/20 11:31 AMhttp://www.mostatefair.com