Wrapping up the season in Mid-Missouri, the Maries County Fair gets underway today in Vienna.
In its 75th year, the annual event boasts a Star Spangled Salute theme. The fair runs through Saturday at the county fairgrounds, 242 Ball Park Road.
A season pass for the weekend runs $30; a VIP pass, which includes reserved seating at the front of the stage, is $50. Passes can be purchased at G&W Foods, The Market, VQS and the Maries County Bank or through the Vienna Chamber of Commerce website.
FFA and 4-H events occupy the early part of the day all weekend; see the complete scheduled on the chamber website.
Today and Friday, the carnival and food trucks open at 4 p.m. followed by the beer garden at 5 p.m.
This rest of this evening will feature pageants for Little Mr. and Ms., Junior Princess and Queen. Then, a non-sanctioned tractor pull starts at 7:30 p.m., and carnival rides close at 11 p.m.
On Friday evening, the Lester Family Gospel group takes the Grand Stand stage at 6 p.m., and a demolition derby gets underway at 8 p.m.
Saturday is chock-full of fair entertainment and activities. Food trucks open at 8 a.m. in preparation for the morning's events, which include: Zumba in the streets at 9:30 a.m.; various local concerts starting at 10 a.m. at 1st and Main streets as well as near the Courthouse square and KC Hall; and the parade at 11 a.m.
The beer garden opens at noon Saturday. Other Saturday afternoon activities include: a cornhole competition, classic car cruise-in, craft market, kiddie tractor pull, greased pig contest and 1970s costume contest.
The headlining act Saturday night at the fair is Ozark Mountain DareDevils. The Southern rock/country band takes the Motorplex stage at 8 p.m. Other musical performances include Jacob Gapsch and the Night Shift at 2 p.m. and The Comancheros at 5 p.m.
A DJ dance party closes out the festivities, starting at 10 p.m.
For more details, visit the Maries County Fair Association Facebook page.