Governor Mike Parson and Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe announced that the Missouri State Fair welcomed more than 340,000 visitors to the annual agriculture showcase, which was held August 11-21.

Governor Parson attended several days of the event, including giving the keynote address at the annual Military Appreciation Day. The Governor offered special recognition to World War Two veteran Charlie Bell, who was one of the brave soldiers to storm the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Bell is the last living member of the First Army 125th Cavalry Recon Unit.

Governor Parson and First Lady Parson joined other elected officials, industry leaders and FFA members to pack share boxes for Feeding Missouri. Meal packing events, donations and pork processing originating from the Drive to Feed Kids at the State Fair will provide 2,400.000 meals to Missourians who are food insecure.

Entries to the 2022 Missouri State Fair totaled 25,846, a nine percent increase from 2021. FFA and 4-H livestock and building entries were above 2021 levels. Poultry entries saw a 48 percent increase and floriculture entries saw a 72 percent increase.