Mo State Fair Receives Recognition at IAFE Convention

Quentin Weed
UCM Student and Townsquare Intern

The Missouri State Fair received international recognition for programs in sponsorship, competitive exhibits, agriculture education, non-fair facility usage, commercial exhibits, and concessions and communications at the International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE) Convention last week.

The Missouri State Fair was judged alongside other IAFE members of similar sizes, ranging in attendance from 250,000 to 500,000.

The first were the Agricultural Awards. The Missouri State Fair received a Best of Division Award – which was awarded to the fair with the best contest entry in Division 3 – for their DNA Hair Follicle Collection Analysis for Market Animals. They also received a number of 1st place wins in this category, including for the First-Time Exhibitor Grant Program, DNA Hair Follicle Collection Analysis for Market Animals, Missouri Wine 101 Classes, Show Moms Social, and photo entitled Grandpa Helping Granddaughter Get Cattle Ready for the Show Ring. They received a 2nd place win for a photo entitled Grand Champion Bacon Exhibitor with his Bacon Entry.

The next category was the Hall of Honor Communications Awards. Missouri State Fair received a 1st place win for their 30 second Flo Rida Concert radio ad and their 30 second General Fair radio ad, as well as for their Digital Carnival online advertisement. They received a 2nd place win for their Themed Beach Towel Souvenir Sponsor Gift. They then received a 3rd place win for their Digital Billboard Featuring Kids on Carnival Ride.

Next up was the Competitive Exhibits Awards. The Missouri State fair received a 1st place win for their Show-Me State Tailgate Barbecue Contest, Sponsored by Anheuser-Busch & in Partnership with the Deron Cherry Foundation. They received a 2nd place win for their Livestock and Building Exhibits Facebook Page and for the Trails End Display.

Next were the Innovation in Sponsorship Awards. 1st place went to the Missouri State Fair for Missouri State Fair Wine Trail, Sponsored by Missouri Wines and for Ceremonial Flag Boxes for Flag Retreat Honorees, Sponsored by GFL Environmental. 2nd place wins were received for the Show-Me State Tailgate Barbecue Contest, Sponsored by Anheuser-Busch & in Partnership with the Deron Cherry Foundation; World’s Largest Duck, Sponsored by W-K Jeep; and Elite Dry Cleaners. A 3rd place win was received for Jaycee Access Day.

Then the Non-Fair Facility Usage Awards were presented. The Missouri State Fair received a 1st place win for Red Power Round Up. They received 2nd place wins for Camper Stress Ball Giveaway Item and Overview of Missouri State Fairgrounds Social Media Page.

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Finally, the Commercial Exhibits & Concessions awards were given. The wins for the Missouri State Fair included second place for Vendor Welcome Hangout and 2 Vendors Receiving Friends of the Fair Award in 2025, and 3rd place for Adding a Food Vendor in the Public Campground and Concession Specials for Special Fair Event Days.