2026 ‘Show Me Stars & Stripes’ Mo State Fair Under Way

The first day of the 2026 Mo State Fair kept state officials busy with no less than four grand opening and ribbon cutting events across the grounds.

The first and biggest was the official opening of the $31 million Gov. Michael L. Parson Arena located at the southwest corner of the grounds. Several local and state officials attended the event, including Parson himself and his wife Teresa, as well as the current governor, Mike Kehoe and his wife Claudia, Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn, and MU President Mun Choi (along with MU Mascot "Truman"). Opening Day Thursday was also Mizzou Day at the 2026 Fair.

Renee Pace, chair and head of the official America 250 Missouri Commission, which oversees the state's semiquincentennial celebration, also delivered remarks to the crowd.

4-H & FFA officials also took part in the program.

The Smith-Cotton JROTC Color Guard presented the Missouri and American flags during the singing of the national anthem.

The new venue on the fairgrounds can seat well over 6,000 people. The facility was set up for the IPRA rodeo, which was held during the first three nights at the Fair. The fair theme this year is Show Me Stars & Stripes.

The event was punctured ay an appearance by the Budweiser Clydesdales accompanied by their own theme music.

Speaking of music, the Marshall Municipal Band played several excellent tunes prior to the starts of the event, like they do every year.

For anyone interested in seeing these massive horses up close, The Budweiser Clydesdales camp is located just outside the Mathewson Center on the northeast corner of the lot.

The Parson event was followed by the dedication of the Hayden Family Plaza, located at the entrance to the Arena. Cathy Bobby and Sally, each whom spoke to the crowd. That was followed by the unveiling of a sculpture that features Barbara Hayden earlier in her life standing next to a horse.

The artwork was created by local artist  Stefanie Aziere-Sattler, who also attend the dedication. The artistic creation was paid for by the Hayden Family Foundation. Several Hayden family members attended the event.

Barbara died March 7, 2024. Robert Hayden died just a little over three weeks ago on July 20. He was present for the installation of the statue on

Hayden led Sierra Bullets for 43 years and co-founded Starline Brass, bringing hundreds of jobs to the area. He and his late wife, Barbara, donated land and funding to establish the Retrieving Freedom, Inc. service dog campus in Sedalia.

A ribbon cutting for the newly remodeled and expanded Missouri State Fair Fire Station was held at 1 p.m. Thursday, attended by dozens of firefighters and ETMs, as well as State Fair Director Jason Moore, Gov. Kehoe, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, numerous Missouri State Highway Patrolmen and several Fairgoing onlookers.

The ceremony was put on hold for several minutes to give the sound man time to tear down his equipment after the Hayden event and rush from the Parson Arena and set up his sound system at the new firehouse so everyone could hear the speeches delivered by state officials.

Tours of the fire facility were given after the ceremony.

Later in the afternoon, a special ceremony was held at 2:30 for the newly remodel and restored 4-H Building, located right across the street from the fire station. The major upgrade at the 4-H building is air conditioning, which was a welcome relief for many this week, due to temps in the mid-90s and extreme heat warnings that coincided with the start of the 122nd Mo State Fair.

At the James Mathewson Exhibition Center, 19-year-old Tess Bauer was crowned the 2026 Missouri State Fair Queen. She came out on top with highest score of 32 contestants from all over the state.

She is the daughter of Doug and Lori Bauer, St. Charles. She attends the University of Missouri and entered the pageant as the 2025 Miss St. Charles County. As Queen, she will receive a $2,000 scholarship to continue her education.

Queen Tess has exhibited various projects in the 4-H and FFA Buildings and said she is excited to spend time with her family at the 2026 Fair.

Participants in the queen pageant were judged in multiple areas including interview, speech, talent and evening gown.

Miss Mallory Reed was named first runner-up and will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Second runner-up went to Miss Bella Baker, who will receive a $750 scholarship. The third runner-up honor went to Miss McKenna Claborn who will receive a $500 scholarship, and the fourth runner-up honor went to Lorelai Kuecker who will receive a $350 scholarship.

Recognition plaques went to contestants ranking highest in each of the four competitive categories: Miss Jalynn Hoover received top ranking in Interview; Miss Reed received top ranking in Speech; Miss Bauer received top ranking in Evening Gown; and Miss Haylee Williams received top ranking in Talent.

Opening Day parade was held at 6 p.m. Thursday with over 100 entries in the parade and thousands of fairgoers taking in the sights along the parade route on the fairgrounds.

Bailey Zimmerman was the featured performer on Thursday night. Opening for him was Chandler Walters.

On Friday night, a huge crowd showed up at the State Fair Grandstand for The All-American Rejects show. Opening for them was Joyce Manor, a four-piece group of men. Joyce Manor is an American pop-punk and emo-inflected indie rock band formed in Torrance, California, in 2008.

The All-American Rejects consist of lead vocalist and bassist Tyson Ritter, lead guitarist Nick Wheeler, rhythm guitarist Mike Kennerty, and drummer Chris Gaylor. Ritter and Wheeler are the founding members, while Kennerty and Gaylor joined shortly thereafter.

On Saturday, Russell Dickerson will headline at the CFM Grandstand. Opening for him at 7:30 will be Atlus. Saturday is also Law Enforcement/Firefighter Appreciation Day with free gate admission for law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics with the proper ID. Also $1 gate admission for their immediate family members.

On Sunday at the grandstand it’s the MSF Shootout Truck & Tractor Pull at 12 and 6 p.m.

For more information, visit mostatefair.com.