Missouri State Fair Wants You to ‘Step On In’

The 2025 Missouri State Fair opens Thursday with opening ceremony starting at 11 a.m. next to the Ag Building.

Governor Mike Kehoe will be there to give a speech and present a proclamation.

Opening Day parade will start at 6 p.m., with theme “Step On In.”

Wynona Judd with opening act The War and Treaty will be performing at the State Fair Grandstand. Show starts at 7:30 and tickets are still available.

A fireworks and drone show will follow the Wynona performance.

See the worlds largest rubber duck at the Mathewson Exhibition Center and you can also see the Clay Clear Band and the Nace Brothers on the Bud Stage Thursday.

Thursday is also Mizzou Day and gate admission is only $7 all day for those 13 years of age and older.

• Mizzou Central will feature hands-on educational activities and exhibits; daily cooking demos at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Tiger Stripe Ice Cream at Buck’s; Tiger Team Store; 4-H Show-Me Wares and Missouri Soybean featuring Soy Donuts.

Also happening Thursday is the State Fair Queen competition and Cowboy Mounted Shooting at the Mathewson.

And of course there will be judging of poultry, sheep, swine, and beef cattle on the fairgrounds.

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And every day at 5:15 there will be a military retreat ceremony at the old Admin building, including:

Edwin Miller of Moberly, MO, U.S. Army – Aug 7 at 5:15 pm
Charles R. Brazeale of Paris, MO, U.S. Army – Aug 8 at 5:30 pm
Billy D. Allen of Chilhowee, MO, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Aug 9 at 5:30 pm
Darrell Williams of Higginsville, MO, U.S. Marine Corps – Aug 10 at 5:30 pm
Judson Hoyt of Lexington, MO, U.S. Army & U.S. Air Force – Aug 11 at 5:30 pm
Gerald E. Brown of Gilliam, MO, U.S. Marine Corps – Aug 12 at 5:30 pm
Brendan Jeffords of St. Louis, MO, U.S. Marines Corps – Aug 13 at 5:30 pm
Charles E. Massengill of California, MO, U.S. Navy – Aug 14 at 5:30 pm
Robert Rinehart of Sedalia, MO, U.S. Marine Corps – Aug 15 at 5:30 pm
Joe Rowland of Tipton, MO, U.S. Navy – Aug 16 at 5:30 pm
Darrell Quinley of Grandview, MO, U.S. Marine Corps – Aug 17 at 4:30 pm
At the Touchstone Energy Stage, you can see Simply Three and magician Aaron Radatz.

At the Superior Sleep Stage there will be Dixie Union and the Honey Bear Dancers.

And at the Kid’s Stage, you can see Team T & J as well as Mr. Stinky Feet.

And don’t forget Rock-It the Robot, Bartholomule and Professor Farquar and Polecat Annie.

And also don’t forget to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen regularly. A wide-brimmed hat can also help keep your face out of the sun.