Discounted gate admission and carnival ride wristband tickets are now available for the 2016 Missouri State Fair at Break Time Convenience Stores, Orscheln Farm and Home Stores and Walgreens locations in Missouri. These savings, along with the abundant free entertainment offered, help make the State Fair an affordable destination for families.

Now through Aug. 10, the State Fair Box Office and the three retail partners are offering discounted adult gate admission tickets for $8. Regular admission tickets at the gate will be $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $2 for children age 6-12 and free for children age 5 and younger.

“Selling advanced tickets at these retail partners across Missouri allows for the ticket process to be as convenient as it can get,” said Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. “Fairgoers have the opportunity to save money and time in advance, when planning a trip to the State Fair.”

The three retailers are also offering the Unlimited Daily Deal ticket, which includes a single-day unlimited carnival wristband and one-day Fair admission for $29 now through Aug. 20. In addition, Walgreens is selling a variety of tickets, including an advance single-day unlimited carnival ride wristband for $21 and a $50 jumbo pass which includes unlimited carnival rides and gate admission for four consecutive days, Aug.15-18. These offers are available through Aug.10, exclusively at Walgreens.

Regular price wristbands at the carnival midway will be $26 Monday-Thursday and $30 Friday-Sunday. More information about discounted tickets, special promotions and a complete list of retail outlet locations can be found at the Fair’s website.

Included in the gate admission price is a diverse line-up of free professional entertainment for families to enjoy. This year’s schedule will include everything from new acts like the Doo-Wah Riders, Comic Ventriloquist James Wedgewood, BMX Stunt Show and RobotCars, sponsored by AOK RVs, to returning crowd favorites such as HOTEL CALIFORNIA “A Salute to the Eagles” and The Amazing Anastasini Circus, sponsored by MFA Incorporated.

“Over 11 days, the Missouri State Fair will offer unbelievable, free world-class entertainment,” said Wolfe. “This year, fairgoers will be provided with a combination of new and returning acts for all ages with hours of entertainment, making the State Fair an ideal destination for summer family vacations.”

Doo-Wah Riders features five talented music industry professionals who combine their experience and youthful energy to produce a unique and original sound. Due to their influential arrangements, the use of both classic and original songs has made them beloved everywhere they perform. The show will take place Aug. 11-15 on the Touchstone Energy Stage. Other acts performing on the Touchstone Stage are standup comedian, Kier, comic magician Tim Gabrielson and HOTEL CALIFORNIA “A Salute to the Eagles.”

Comic Ventriloquist James Wedgwood is another new act coming to the 2016 State Fair. Wedgwood is pleased to bring his outrageous characters and hilarious audience participation to the State Fair. His family-friendly show will surprise and delight all. Wedgwood will be performing Aug. 11-15 on the Ditzfeld Stage. Other new and exciting music, comedy and variety acts on the Ditzfeld Stage include The Sound Exchange, comedic juggler Alex Clark and Crimson Gold.

The Kids Stage, sponsored by McDonald’s of Mid Missouri, will feature performances including Kids Celebration Family Game Show and Kenny Ahern. Ronald McDonald will be back by popular demand, creating a fun learning experience for kids of all ages.

Fairgoers can also find free entertainment as they stroll through the fairgrounds with Hedrick’s Educational Petting Zoo sponsored by Sam’s Club, Hedrick’s Pig Races sponsored by Jim’s Tire Service, Professor Farquar and Polecat Annie, Children’s Barnyard, and the Family Fun Center sponsored by Children’s Trust Fund.

Other special entertainment and events include a Horse Whisperer on Aug. 11, two performances of Cowboy Mounted Shooting sponsored by Starline Brass on Aug. 11 and 12; a Farm Toy Show on Aug. 11-13; Show Me Robotics Exhibitions and Competitions on Aug. 14; and the Show Me Bluegrass Festival on Aug. 17.

The 114th Missouri State Fair, themed “See What Crops Up” will be held Aug. 11-21 in Sedalia. For more information about concerts, events and other Fair activities, visit mostatefair.com, follow the Fair on Facebook and Twitter, or call 1-800-422-FAIR (3247).

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