Fair investment in the future

Generations of farm families gather each year at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia to showcase livestock, celebrate achievements and invest in the future of agriculture. Now, thanks in part to grant support from MFA Incorporated, two recent improvements—the new Governor Michael L. Parson Arena and renovated 4-H Building—will help ensure those opportunities continue for years to come.

Fair officials held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for both structures on Aug. 13 during opening day of the 2026 Missouri State Fair, which attracted more than 330,000 attendees over its 10-day run.

“The Missouri State Fair gives us an opportunity to celebrate our strong agricultural roots while introducing new generations to the importance of this way of life,” said Gov. Mike Kehoe, who took part in both ceremonies. “In a world that seems to move a little faster every year, it’s good to have places like this that remind us to slow down, spend time together, and enjoy the simple things that matter the most.”

Named after Kehoe’s predecessor, the new arena recognizes former Gov. Mike Parson’s dedication to the state fair during his time as a Missouri elected official. The multi-use building replaces the outdoor arena located on the southwest corner of the grounds and, in addition to fair programs, will be used as a year-round facility to host activities such as rodeos, livestock shows and sporting events.

The 150,000-square-foot building took two years and $31 million to complete. A second phase of funding has been approved by the Missouri Legislature to build stalling facilities for equine and other livestock.

MFA contributed to the new facility with a $60,000 gift from the MFA Foundation, in conjunction with MFA Oil Company, and $30,000 from the MFA Incorporated Charitable Foundation. In recognition of this support, seating areas in the arena will display the MFA Incorporated and MFA Oil logos.

“Just like MFA, the Missouri State Fair has a long history of supporting the state’s agricultural youth and farm families,” said MFA President and CEO Bob Huffman. “Our foundation is focused on fostering education, building community and developing the next generation of ag leaders, and investing in the future of the state fair helps fulfill that mission.”

The new arena can seat more than 10,000 people and has 6,000 permanent seats—including Parson’s own designated red chair.

“I’m humbled and honored to have this named after me and my family and all the things that come with it,” Parson said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I’m looking forward to coming back and being a spectator.”

The entrance area is named “Hayden Plaza” in honor of longtime Missouri State Fair Commissioner Barbara Hayden, who is depicted in a 12-foot statue out front along with her beloved Clydesdale, Andy. Her children and other family members were on hand to help dedicate the plaza to Hayden, who died in 2024 at age 83.

“My mom was like no other person I’ve ever met, and everybody said that she was larger than life. So, I guess it’s just fitting,” said Cathy van der Linden, Hayden’s eldest daughter. “Her favorite thing to do as commissioner was to get on her golf cart, go around, say hi to everybody, and get a corn dog and a lemonade. She loved to go in the barns and talk to the kids about their animals. She liked to be a part of judging some of the competitions. She just loved the fair.”

East of the new arena, one of the oldest buildings on the fairgrounds received some much-needed renovations this year. Originally constructed in 1905, the 4-H Building has welcomed generations of members, volunteers, families and fairgoers but had never received a comprehensive capital improvement project in its 120-year history.

Throughout the two weeks of the fair, the building typically features close to 4,000 project exhibits and more than 100 youth demonstrations, helping young people gain confidence and hone their public speaking skills year after year.

The restoration project preserved the building’s historic character while providing a better, safer experience for 4-H members and fair visitors. Among the improvements were installing a new roof, windows and HVAC system and modernizing the dorms, meeting rooms, exhibit spaces and demonstration areas.

The project was made possible through fundraising efforts led by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with the Missouri State Fair, along with the generosity of donors and supporters from across the state, including $25,000 from MFA’s Charitable Foundation.

“This building represents far more than bricks and mortar,” said Rachel Augustine, executive director of the Missouri 4-H Foundation. “For generations of Missourians, it has been the backdrop for unforgettable 4-H memories and life-changing experiences. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who invested in preserving this historic space so it can continue inspiring young people for generations to come.” 

Top image cutline: Gov. Kehoe also helped celebrate improvements to the historic 4-H Building at another ribbon-cutting ceremony later that day. The 121-year-old 4-H Building at the fairgrounds received a much-needed renovation this past year, funded in part by a donation from MFA’s Charitable Foundation. In recognition of that support, the “Bakery Wall” inside the building is sponsored by MFA. 

Midpage image cutline: This statue in the entrance area to the new arena features the late Barbara Hayden, a longtime Missouri State Fair commissioner, and her beloved Clydesdale, Andy.