The annual Howard County Fair kicks off Monday and promises a full week of family fun. Highlights include livestock shows and the Howard County Queen and Teen Contest on Wednesday. The pageantry begins with the Prince and Princess contest at 6 p.m. before moving on to the Queen and Teen contest at 7 p.m. Candidates are still being sought. Those interested should contact Sam Meyer at nelsonsam21@hotmail.com or (660) 833-7288.

A few changes have been handed down from the Missouri State Fair regarding livestock. They are as follows:

• All 4-H and FFA exhibits must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (Health Certificate) to be eligible to show. The certificate must have been written within 30 days of exhibition. All cattle, swine, sheep, and goats must also be identified by either an ear tag, electronic implant, or tattoo. This new rule comes from the Missouri State Fair and will effect open classes in 2025.

• All species will show by breed if at least 5 of a breed are declared, by State Fair standards, by May 10, of the current year. If less than 5 are declared, they will show in the AOB class.

• All livestock must be in the custody of, or daily care of, the exhibitor from weigh-in until fair time to be eligible to show and sell. Livestock to be kept in county or with immediate family member (mother, father, brother, sister, grandparent) in an adjoining county.

• Home Raised is defined as any species whose dam is owned by the exhibitor or a member of the immediate family (father, mother, brother, sister, legal guardian or grandparent only) at the time of birth, and is born on the local property (Howard County or joining counties only) that is owned or managed by the immediate family of the exhibitor. The animal must be cared for from birth to exhibition on the local property. The dam does not have to be owned by the exhibitor/family at the time of breeding.  Home Raised requires 3 exhibitors and 5 head to make a class.  Home raised must be declared at the spring weigh-in.

Following the Queen pageant on Wednesday will be an open fun and games horse show, and a greased pig and hay bale toss, both of which command cash prizes.

Other highlights include the annual ATV Rode at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, the MRCA Rodeo and live music on Friday night, and the truck and tractor pull on Saturday night.

Admission for the fair is $5 per day, while kids ages seven and younger enter free.

There is no charge to enter the fair on Tuesday, thanks to a sponsorship from the Howard County Cattlemen’s Association. On Sunday, the Howard County Senior 4-H Council is sponsoring free admission.