Missouri State Fair Began Accepting Essays in New Contest

Written essays from youth, on the topic of alleviating hunger, are being accepted as of June 27, as part of a new 2-part contest, which culminates at the Missouri State Fair. The contest is being offered to help raise awareness of the hunger concern in Missouri and to perpetuate the Fair’s food drive promotion taking place August 13th, Missouri Farmers Care Food Drive Tuesday.

There will be two divisions in the contest, 8-12 years of age and 13-17 years of age. Essays from up to three entrants in each age division will be selected to advance to the speech portion of the competition. These finalists will be asked to read their essays in front of a panel of judges at 2PM on August 13th, on the Kid’s Stage. A first place winner from each age division will receive two gate admission tickets and two carnival ride wristbands, good for the 2013 Missouri State Fair.

Those wanting to participate are asked to submit an essay, 500 words or less, describing how they think Missouri farmers can help alleviate hunger in Missouri. The essays should be typed in a 12-point font, and double spaced. A cover page written by the parent or guardian must accompany the essay, and must list the entrant’s name, age, mailing address, phone number, and email address, if available. These contest rules are also available at the state fair’s website under special contests.

Essays are due by Friday, July 26, and can be mailed to the Missouri State Fair, 2503 W. 16th Street, Sedalia, Mo. 65301, or emailed to mostatefair@mda.mo.gov. The Fair will notify those participants selected to advance to the speech portion of the contest.

There is no entry fee for the contest; however finalists in the speech portion of the contest, and those accompanying them Tuesday August 13th, will be required to pay gate admission into the Fair.

The 111th Missouri State Fair, themed “Chicks Dig It!,” will be held August 8th through the 18th in Sedalia. For more information about the State Fair, visit www.mostatefair.com, follow the Fair on Facebook and Twitter, or call 1-800-422-FAIR (3247).