Despite the cold, wet weather, I know summer is right around the corner. How? Well, for me it was that one email every year reminding me of warm days and nights with my agriculture family — "the Missouri State Fair premium guide is now online.”

The 120th Missouri State Fair, themed “Buckets of Fun,” will be Aug. 12-22 in Sedalia. And in just a few short weeks, May 11, exhibitors can enter livestock shows and contests. But first, you need to plan your entries with the help of the online Premium Guide, which provides detailed lists of rules and classes.

Exhibitors can also view a list of competition updates on the fair’s website. Rule changes, new livestock shows and competitive exhibit contests such as a youth beef cattle judging contest, 4-H/FFA and open black Hereford show, and a largest tomato contest are all available there.

So, add May 11 to your calendar. Set your alarm, and be ready to enter the state fair. Exhibitors are encouraged to access the online entry and payment system via the online portal that is expected to go live on the website that morning. Downloadable entry forms will also be available, with payment submitted via credit card, cash or check.

Remember, there is a cost savings to exhibitors. Those ages 12 and younger will again be admitted free to the 11-day fair, while exhibitors ages 13 and older will be able to buy up to 40 single-day exhibitor admission tickets at a special price of $6.

The discounted exhibitor tickets are available at time of entry and from the fair’s business office through Aug. 10. These tickets will not be available at the gate, and they do not include exhibitor parking.

So join me and plan to have “Buckets of Fun” at this year’s Missouri State Fair. See you around the show ring.