Carnival rides were a big draw at this year’s Missouri state fair in Sedalia

Missouri’s governor says about 350,000 people attended the August state fair in Sedalia, which is about a two-and-a-half percent increase from 2022.

Governor Mike Parson praises the numbers, saying that no other event showcases Missouri agriculture like the state fair.

The governor says the carnival midway was a popular destination, recording its second-highest year for revenue, with the first Saturday, Monday and Tuesday being the biggest days on record. Governor Parson also says one of the main reasons why guests attend the fair is because it is a tradition for their family.

The state Department of Agriculture (MDA) says the agriculture showcase, family-friendly attractions, fair food and drink and shopping also ranked high on why fairgoers traveled to Sedalia in August.