I sit writing these words on the fourth day of the 2024 Missouri State Fair. The fair is truly agriculture’s annual family reunion, and this year is no different. It is so good to see friends from all corners of the state.

The theme of this year’s fair is “Summer’s Best Stories.” Each day of the fair is a new chapter in the overall book of stories.

There are so many memories to be made and stories to be written at the Missouri State Fair. Some young people are showing livestock for the first time, filled with nerves and excitement of showcasing their animal at such a large show.

Still others will walk out of the show ring for the final time, having reached the age limit to compete in junior shows. Family members will capture it all in pictures and videos — the first, or final, chapter in their state fair story.

One story really caught my attention the first weekend of the fair. Two teenage girls entered the show ring with a black Simmental heifer. Ally Jo Kagarice of Butler, Mo., fractured the growth plate in her hip a week before the fair.

It would be difficult, near impossible, for Ally to lead her heifer and manage crutches at the same time. In true agriculture community fashion, Kate and Ella Fischer, sisters from Savannah, Mo., stepped in to help show Ally’s cattle.

New beginnings

Missouri State Fair Director Jason Moore begins a new chapter with the 2024 fair. After 15 years as fairgrounds facilities manager, he was named director late last year. Jason has a true passion for the fair and was a terrific choice for the role.

My family began a state fair story of our own this year. Our first grandchild visited the fair on opening day. She was born shortly after last year’s fair and is approaching her first birthday.

I know her parents will make the Missouri State Fair an annual tradition, just like my husband, Kevin, and I did with our children. I can’t wait to see her exhibits in the 4-H building one day and to watch her lead a heifer or drive a pig across the arena.

Lasting impression

Gov. Mike Parson and his wife, Teresa, are also closing a chapter of their story. This is their last Missouri State Fair as governor and first lady.

We appreciate their dedication to the Missouri State Fair, beginning years before they moved into the Governor’s Mansion. Both came to the state fair as children. It is a tradition they continued with their children and grandchildren.

The governor secured critical funding for upgrades to many areas of the fair, including stormwater infrastructure, barn renovations and the purchase of land adjoining the current property, which will allow for additional camping sites.

Their story might end as Missouri’s governor and first lady, but I am certain the Parsons will continue to attend the Missouri State Fair in the coming years.

The 2024 Missouri State Fair will be finished by the time you read these words. It might be too late to experience “Summer’s Best Story,” but I promise you we will open the gates again and welcome all of you in 2025.

Chinn is the director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture and lives on a diversified farming operation in northeast Missouri.