Sen. Dan Hegeman’s Capitol Report for the Week of Aug. 7, 2017

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“Come Home” to the Missouri State Fair

The official theme of the 2017 Missouri State Fair invites the young and young at heart to “Come Home” to the unique sights and sounds of this marquee summer event. Now in its 115th year, the Missouri State Fair continues to be a reflection of the changing characteristics of the times, our state and the needs of our citizens — take for example this year’s new addition of three electric car charging stations. One thing that hasn’t changed over the last century, however, is the fair’s steadfast commitment to preserving and promoting agriculture in Missouri, our No. 1 industry.

Since its debut in 1901, the fair has served as the premier platform for our agricultural community to proudly show off how far we’ve come and where we’re headed. Indeed, Missouri’s next generation of agriculture industry leaders are the very same young men and women who’ll be presenting the culmination of all their hard work at this year’s fair. And at a time when a growing number of our sons and daughters are choosing to pursue careers outside of the family farm, the fair’s ability to inspire young Missourians to carry on our great agricultural legacy is more valuable now than ever before.

With first class entertainment, delicious food, exciting rides and fun to be had for the entire family, there’s no shortage of reasons why you shouldn’t make the trip to Sedalia to enjoy the attractions of the Missouri State Fair. There are also individual appreciation days with reduced price admissions for law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics (Aug. 12); active military, veterans and delayed entry recruits (Aug. 13); senior citizens (Aug. 16); and more.

The 2017 Missouri State Fair begins Thursday, Aug. 10, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 20. I encourage all residents of the 12th District to attend. For more information, including admission prices and a complete schedule of daily events, please click here or visit the official Missouri State Fair website at www.mostatefair.com. You may also call (800) 422-FAIR (3247).

As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.