Missouri State Fair ends this weekend

The Missouri State Fair wraps up in Sedalia on Sunday, so this is the last weekend to catch all the magic and excitement.

State fairs are full of interesting things. There are displays, lots of entertainers and competitions on everything from goats to floriculture. Information on everything there is at www.mostatefair.com.

This year had an unusual element. A Pony Express rider delivered the state's commemorative quarter during a Sunday celebration of the state's 182nd birthday. Gov. Bob Holden placed the coin on a map of the nation with help from his wife, Lori Hauser Holden. The coin features the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery.

Lots of people are collecting those state coins and will be glad to see the newest one.

In addition, Secretary of State Matt Blunt is having a mock election where voters can pick their favorite baseball team: the Royals of Kansas City or the Cardinals of St. Louis. The results will be made public after the fair ends.

The Missouri State Fair is an excellent way to see something new, do something different and get ready for the SEMO District Fair in Cape Girardeau -- the oldest fair in Missouri -- in September.