Missouri elected officials, leaders in agriculture and supporters of the Missouri State Fair will join Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon at the 64th annual Governor’s Ham Breakfast on Thursday, Aug. 18.

Tickets to the event, which begins at 8 a.m. under the Director’s Tent, are $25 each and include one adult admission to the Fair. It is recommended that attendees purchase tickets in advance due to the popularity of the event and limited seating. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Missouri State Fair Box Office or through Ticketmaster. Tickets may be available for purchase at the Director’s Tent the morning of the breakfast, pending availability.

The program for the event will include an auction of the 2016 State Fair Champion Hams and Bacon. The proceeds from the auction will go to support youth projects in Missouri communities through the Missouri State Fair Foundation. Gov. Nixon will address the crowd, along with Missouri State Fair Commission Chairman Lowell Mohler and Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Richard Fordyce. AgriMissouri will sponsor special music from Cathy Barton and Dave Para during the breakfast.

“The Governor’s Ham Breakfast is one of the most prestigious events that happens during the Fair each year,” said Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. “Proceeds from the auction of the hams and bacon support Missouri youth involved in agriculture.”

Additionally, Missouri First Lady Georganne Nixon invites Missourians to enter their family’s favorite pie in the First Lady’s Pie Contest, sponsored by Starline Brass and AgriMissouri. Pies should be baked at home and arrive in the Home Economics Building no later than 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18. Contestants must pre-enter by July 25, 2016.

Thursday, Aug. 18 is “Throwback Thursday” on the fairgrounds. The gate admission price for fairgoers age 13 and over is $5 all day, while kids 12 and under will get in for free. Select concessions and vendors will also participate in throwback pricing with specials at their stands and booths. Bimbo Bakeries USA will be sponsoring a Throwback Thursday Scavenger Hunt on the fairgrounds on this day as well. More information about Throwback Thursday events can be found on the Missouri State Fair website.

Also on Thursday, Aug. 18, the Missouri Travel Council is hosting a tradeshow in the Lowell Mohler Assembly Hall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fairgoers will enjoy visiting exhibits and booths from businesses, communities and organizations from across the state to learn about family vacation opportunities, girlfriend getaways and more.

The Missouri Wine and Grape Board and Anheuser Busch County Distributing will host a beer and wine tasting during the trade show at 4 p.m. Subway will provide cookies.

The 114th Missouri State Fair, themed “See What Crops Up” will be held Aug. 11-21 in Sedalia. For more information about concerts, events and other Fair activities, visit mostatefair.com, follow the Fair on Facebook and Twitter, or call 1-800-422-FAIR (3247).

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