Despite rumors that the threat of high water would force postponement or relocation, as of now the fair remains on schedule to take place Wednesday through Saturday, July 20-23 at the fairgrounds in Tracy.
That’s the word from Howard Prost, president of the Platte County Fair Board.
The 148th Annual Platte County Fair opens Wednesday, July 20, just minutes north of Kansas City, Mo. at exit 18 or 20 off I-29.
A huge carnival, queen contest, petting zoo, fiddle and talent showcases, 4-H exhibits, demolition derbies, Mud-a-Thon, arts and crafts and a melodrama await fairgoers.
There will be food vendors, nightly musical entertainment, jugglers, and horse and mule shows, too – all for just $10 daily admission. On opening night of the fair 4-day season tickets will be sold for $30 at the gate. Children 12 and under are free admission every day.
The entertainment gets underway at 5 p.m. July 20-22. On July 23 the fun starts at 9 a.m. and goes on through the night. The carnival starts at 6 p.m. July 20-22 and on July 23 it runs from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to midnight.
If tasting Missouri wines is your “specialty” – and you’re 21, of course, you’ll want to attend the “Best of the Best” of Missouri wines tasting opening night, July 20, at 8 p.m. in the Platte Purchase building. Some of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Platte County Fair. For $15 (in addition to fair admission) you’ll receive a souvenir glass and taste the best in Missouri wines.
After tasting Missouri wines, you may be interested in finding out about growing grapes in Platte County. You’re invited to attend a workshop presented by experts from throughout the state. The workshop –which will include a field trip-will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m . on Saturday, July 23 in the Platte Purchase building. The workshop fee is $10 in addition to the fair admission cost.
For more information on the wine tasting or workshop contact Fred Whisman at (816) 455-1800, email gmi1@swbell.net or Tom Stacey (816) 746-0400 email, tstacey@birch.net
For a full schedule of the events and activities at the fair visit www.plattecountyfair.com.
History of the Fair: On Oct. 6, 1858, a few of Platte City, Missouri’s citizens gathered in the Burge & Hogue Drug Store on Main Street (Platte City) to talk about organizing a county fair.
The purpose? To promote agricultural education and science. The first president of the Agricultural, Mechanical and Stock Association was Gen. Jeff Williams.
At the first fair, first through third prizes were awarded to the top agricultural and domestic entries and a variety of categories. A track to show pacing horses and food vendors and games of chance rounded out the event.
Beginning in 1863, the fair took place every year –interrupted only by World Wars I and II – making it the oldest, continually running fair west of the Mississippi.