Every summer, as August approaches, the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia make their annual transition into fair mode, getting ready for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to the small city in west central Missouri to appreciate agriculture, have fun and make memories.

Missouri State Fair Marketing Director Kari Mergen, who grew up outside of Sedalia, remembers seeing that annual scene while growing up.

Competing at the Missouri State Fair is a tradition Grace Busch has come to love. It’s an opportunity for her to compete and spend time with friends who share the same passion for Angus cattle.

“Just like you have friends in school, you have friends in this breed and you don’t get to see them every day. It’s fun to spend the hours together,” she said.

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Fair season and heat put three groups at risk of heat stroke: livestock, their owners and spectators.

Timing and flexibility are critical when transporting animals to and from the fair, says Daniel Mallory, University of Missouri livestock field specialist. Take animals to the fair early in the morning when temperatures are cooler so animals remain cool while being transported and unloaded.