It is almost August, meaning one of the biggest events of the year is right around the corner. The annual Missouri State Fair starts Aug. 8 in Sedalia.

Aug. 8-18 marks the culmination of an active summer for hundreds of people from throughout rural Missouri. Most of their summer is spent in varying competitions at county fairs, in an effort to make it all the way to the State Fair. Agriculture is at the heart of this annual event.

Among the highlights for me are the Ag Showcase Experiences. As we all know, agriculture is the backbone of Missouri and the state’s No. 1 industry. The 4-H and the Future Farmers of America (FFA) will have plenty for people to see at the fair. These two organizations represent Missouri’s agricultural future. The young people involved with the 4-H and the FFA put a great deal of time into their exhibits and livestock shows, and I always enjoy seeing what they have to offer during the fair.

At the Agriculture Building, people can also see the farmers’ market display. Farmers’ markets have become extremely popular throughout not only the Show-Me State, but the entire country. And, one of the best markets will be in Sedalia this year for the fair. AgriMissouri is a program that is also enjoying success. It is helping show people how important agriculture is to the lives of everyone in the world and will have lots of information available at the fair.

As always, there will also be big-name entertainers on the main grandstand. If you would like more information about the fair, log on to www.mostatefair.com or call 800-422-FAIR (3247).

I also want to mention I have enjoyed meeting a lot of great people at county fairs throughout the 18th Senatorial District. It is always good to get out and see friends at these events and learn about what is going on with all of you.

In the meantime, it may be hard to believe, but students will return to school in a few weeks. It is fairly common for some things to change at schools between May and August, and this year is no different.

If you can, make sure you donate to your local back-to-school drive for classroom supplies. Along with everything else, items needed to return to the classroom continue to climb. This holds true not only for colleges and universities, but for the essentials that our children need from grade school through high school. Help out, even if you do not have children or grandchildren attending school. Every little bit helps, and it is good for our communities and our future.

A lot of schools have volunteer opportunities as well. It only takes a few hours a week to help in the office, assist with safety at crosswalks in front of schools, listen to children read or any number of things that schools need help with. It can be a very rewarding experience for the students and for you.

Back-to-school time also means changes at home for parents. This may mean getting up earlier and working to ensure the children are ready to meet the bus or to be in the car by a certain time every day. Helping our children succeed is a full-time job, but the reward is priceless.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Thank you.