All across Missouri, youth livestock exhibitors are getting their animals ready and putting in the final weeks and days of preparation, all building up to that moment when they lead their animals out into the ancient show ring at the Coliseum, the Swine Pavilion or other venues at the Missouri State Fair.

The 4-H building will be full of exhibits, with carefully tended plants in the horticulture building and performers playing before crowds at the looming grandstand. Thousands of Missourians will continue the old tradition spanning generations and centuries of heading to little Sedalia in the warmth of August to celebrate agriculture, eat good food and have fun.

DES MOINES, Iowa — There’s always something new at the Iowa State Fair, but this year the newest thing may be something you don’t notice.

It’s just going to look normal.

DU QUOIN, Ill. — The Du Quoin State Fair is bouncing back from COVID-19 just in time for a celebration of its 100th anniversary. The fair will be held in Perry County from Aug. 26 through Sept. 5.

Illinois’ “second state fair” was begun in 1923 by a group of Du Quoin businessmen interested in an attraction to draw people from southern

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Agriculture is at the heart of the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.

“We try to weave agriculture into every acre of the fair,” said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair manager.