(SEDALIA, Mo.) – The Missouri State Fair has a full schedule of free entertainment, including the Welde’s Big Bear Expedition and Knights of Valour, a full metal jousting troupe.
Some of the returning acts include the Amazing Anastasini Circus, racing pigs, and a petting zoo.
The new Welde’s Big Bear Expedition features a family of bears, which serves as wildlife ambassadors, located west of the Agriculture Building during the fair Aug. 8-18, according to a news release. The bears’ lineage can be traced back to relatives that performed with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in the 1940s.
Knights of Valour, as seen on the History Channel, is a full-contact jousting troupe. The troupe will alternate between performing weapons demonstrations and jousting in shows at the State Fair Arena. This one-day-only experience will include exciting horsemanship, bravery and chivalry from noon to 5:15 p.m. Aug. 11.
The State Fair will also provide four stages with 11 days of free, professional entertainment. Acts on the Kids Stage will include the Thank a Farmer Magic Show from Aug. 8-18; Babaloo Music and Fun from Aug. 8-12; and Spoon Man from Aug. 13-18.
The Thank a Farmer Magic Show will engage children in learning about agriculture, while Babaloo will provide over-the-top singing, dancing and shouting fun. The Spoon Man is a comedy act.
Music, comedy and variety acts are scheduled on three other free entertainment venues, which include Touchstone Energy Stage, Budweiser Stage and Ditzfeld Transfer Stage. Strolling entertainers, acts that meander the fairgrounds, will include The Sweeney Family Band Country Comedy Review, and Those Funny Little People.
Those Funny Little People were featured on the television show, “America’s Got Talent.” They will entertain fairgoers Aug. 8-18.
The 111th Missouri State Fair will take place Aug. 8-18 in Sedalia. For more information, visit www.mostatefair.com or call 1-800-422-FAIR (3247).