Upcoming events.
Photo Show
There are three categories open to ages 13-Adult (#1 – People, #2 - Pets and Animals, #3 - Scenic and Still Life) and a fourth category for children between ages 7-12 years (#4 - Kids Only!). First, Second, and Third Place ribbons will be awarded in each class. One Mayor’s Choice, Queen’s Choice, and People’s Choice ribbon will be awarded across all categories.
Entries will be received at Pure Life Photography, 1906 Main
from Tues, Sept 2 until Wed, Sept 17 at 5 P.M.
• All entries need to be 8x10 unmounted.
• Limit of 5 entries per person
• No laser/copy paper prints. Must be printed on photo paper.
• The photo contest is open to amateur photographers only, no professional or college photography students, or any paid part-time photographer. The photo contest committee reserves the right to reject any entry that it feels does not meet these criteria.
• The sponsors of this contest have the right to reject any entries they feel are not suitable for the family atmosphere of the Country Fair.
• Entries will be assigned a number and only this number will be visible during the judging. Judging will be Thursday, Sept. 18.
• Entries will be on display to the public at Pure Life Photography on Friday, Sept. 19, 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday, Sept. 20th 10am to 4pm.
• During the exhibit, the entrant’s name and other information, along with any ribbons won will be attached to the photograph.
• Entries may be picked up at Pure Life Photography Tuesday, September 23rd.
• The sponsors of this contest will do everything possible to ensure the safety of your photograph(s), but must state neither they nor the Higginsville Country Fair will be responsible for loss or damage to the photographs.
For more information contact: Jessica Johnson, owner Pure Life Photography at 660-584-7873
GO THE THE ENTRY FORMS PAGE TO PRINT YOUR ENTRY FORM FOR THIS EVENT
Scarecrow Contest
Open to everyone in the community, young and old!
We can have funny scarecrows, famous look-a-like scarecrows, ugly scarecrows, beautiful scarecrows, scary scarecrows, the list goes on and on and on. The scarecrows will be attached to poles on Main Street, in Postage Stamp Park or in front of your business. If you do not have a business or light pole close by, let us know and we will help find a place. Just be sure to mark the box on the entry form that you need a location.
Rules:
1. The height of each scarecrow structure should not exceed 7 feet, nor be less than 5 feet.
2. Scarecrows should be constructed to withstand weather conditions.
3. Scarecrows must be set up for judging by 5:00, Sunday, September 7th.
4. Scarecrows will be on display September 3-20, 2025.
5. Scarecrows can be picked up after 6pm on Saturday, September 20
6. Photos of each scarecrow will be placed on a special can which will be located in Moose’s Market from September 8-18th.
7. Each entry will receive one vote for each quarter placed in the scarecrow’s can. The winners will be based on the number of votes received.
8. Voting will be accepted until 5pm on September 18th. Winners will be announced after the Youth Parade on Friday, September 19th.
Sponsored by Starkebaum Farms
Please visit the Entry Forms Page to print your entry form for this event.
Baby Contest
Saturday, September 13th
Location: Higginsville Habilitation Center ~ Ragland Building (gym) 100 W. 1st Street
Doors open at 9 a.m. Event begins at 10 a.m.
Pre-registration preferred: Higginsville Chamber of Commerce 1813 N. Main
660 584-3030, but can enter day of event at 9 a.m sharp at event location.
Attire: Sunday Best. Accessories: Hats, Bows, Ties acceptable
This event is different than previous Country Fair Baby Contests. All contestants will be called to a staging area (room) where they will gather prior to their appearance on stage. Each category will be called to the staging area when their time approaches. The event will progress rather quickly as child and one adult will promptly move across the stage as they are announced and judged. Once all of the children (in category) have made their way across the stage, results will be announced in each category. Judging criteria: Personality, Appearance & Interaction
Trophies to First Place Winners. Ribbons for Second and Third
Each first place category winner will be eligible for the Grand Champion title.
Grand Champions will receive a trophy and a $25 Chamber gift certificate
Categories are as follows: (child’s age before September 1, 2024)
0 – 3 months Boy/Girl
4 – 6 months Boy/Girl
7 – 9 months Boy/Girl
10 – 12 months Boy/Girl
13- 18 months Boy/Girl
19 – 23 months Boy/Girl
2 years Boy/Girl
3 years Boy Girl
4 year Boy Girl
Grand Champions, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Winners in each category are welcome to ride in the Youth Parade on Friday, September 19th. Line up: 5:30 behind Moose’s Market on Shelby Street.
1st, 2nd and 3rd Place winners in each category will have a picture taken immediately following their category.
Window Decorating Contest
Our beloved Country Fair is quickly approaching and plans are in the making! We’d love for you to join in the window decorating fun as we celebrate the 47th Anniversary of the Higginsville Country Fair. This year’s overall Country Fair theme is: “Sunflower Days & Sapphire Nights ~ Come Home to the Simple Life” and our Window Decorating theme is: “Farm Life”
We look forward in seeing what your imaginations will produce. Feel free to create your own display or find an outside individual to create your window. If you are unable to decorate your own window or cannot find someone to do so, please contact me. I have a list of folks willing to decorate. If you host someone from outside your business to do your display, make your own arrangements for putting in and removing the display after the fair. The display needs to be in place by noon on
Wednesday, September 10th for judging. (Reminder….Country Fair week is Sept. 13–20)
There are 3 prizes in each of 2 categories. Floor Space and Shelves/Ledges. Prize money and ribbons will be awarded in each category (see listing below). Only winners will be notified.
Floor Space Shelves/Ledges
1st - $50 1st - $30
2nd -$30 2nd -$20
3rd - $20 3rd - $15
Honorable Mention Honorable Mention
To enter, please contact Cara 660 909-8368 or the Chamber office 660 584-3030 by
August 29, 2025
Thank you,
Cara Elmore
660 909-8368
The Window Decorating Contest is sponsored by;
Classic Shop, Church Women of Higginsville/Corder.
Princess Pageant
Entry Fee: $20/participant, payable to Higginsville Country Fair by September 2, 2025, with completed entry form.
Age Divisions (as of 9/1) – if a princess from the previous year is moving up in age group they are eligible to participate.
5-6 years 7-8 years 9-10 years 11-12 years 13-14 years
All contestants must attend a school in Higginsville and will compete in modeling both casual and formal wear. Contestants may obtain a sponsor; however, this is not required. The emcee will announce all sponsors during the competition.
For all competitions, the judges will be looking for overall appearance, personality, stage presence and self-confidence. The contestant with the highest score in her age division will be crowned princess. Runners-up will receive a banner, and all contestants will receive a “goodie bag” and a participation medallion!
Entry Forms are available at the Chamber Office or online at www.higginsvillecountryfair.com. Audience admission will be: $3 for adults $2 for children under 12 Children 3 and under are free For more information, please contact the event coordinator: Melissa Sutherland 660-441-3317 or contact the Chamber office 660-584-3030
Chalk Drawing Contest
Main Street, from 19th to 20th street on Monday, September 16th from 5:30pm-7pm will be blocked off to allow for kids and adults to get creative using their chalk skills! This years chalk drawing theme is “Chalking up Higginsville” so Start Planning! Drawings must be family friendly! All drawings must be done in sidewalk chalk, no spray paints. Please provide yourselves/family with chalk and chalk supplies.
Contact: Amanda Wentland @ 660-238-5619
**To be in contest drawing, contestants MUST begin drawing at 6:00pm and end at 6:30pm. **
If drawing for fun and not entering contest, participants are welcome to come throughout the evening.
Event sponsored by Gash Plumbing
Art Exhibit
All art work must be original. We will accept artwork of all types – oil, acrylic, pen, pencil, watercolor, pastels, chalk, sculptures. Art work must be mounted and framed. An entry form is needed for each piece and each piece must be labeled on the back with the name and phone number of the entrant. The sponsors of the event are the City of Higginsville Arts Advisory Board and the Country Fair Committee. They will do everything to ensure the safety of your items, but they will not be responsible for loss or damage.
There is no entry fee. The Country Fair Art Exhibit is at Higginsville Lanes, 2111 Main St. Entries will be received on Wednesday, September 17 from 4pm – 7pm. The exhibit will be on display to the public: Thursday, September 18, 4pm – 7pm; Friday, September 19, 4pm – 7pm; Saturday, September 20, 8am – 4pm. All items need to be picked up between 4 – 5pm on Saturday, September 21.
Ribbons will be awarded for Queen’s Choice, Mayor’s Choice and People’s Choice in 4 categories: Youth up to age 8, Youth ages 9-13, Youth ages 14-18 and Adult ages 19 and up.
Sponsored by the Higginsville Art Council
For additional information contact Barbara Butler 816-456-0126
Singspiration
Singspiration will be a time of praising God through band/vocal(rap, hip/hop, blues, jazz, country, rock/roll, pop rock), original/published(someone else wrote the poem) poetry, the Psalms, dance and storytelling. All performances must be family friendly and be inspirational praising God, the creator of all things who we are the beloved children.
We will have a sound system that includes microphones, cd and cassette player and an audio connection for cellphone(you will need to have a connection cord to use the sound system). There is also room to connect instruments so those can come through the sound system.
This event will take place on Wednesday, September 17th at 6:00 pm in the 4-H Barn. The 4H barn is located on 29th Street next to the horse arena. Please submit your entry form by September 1st.
Lego Building Contest
COUNTRY FAIR LEGO CONTEST CALLING ALL LEGO BUILDERS AGES 3-18
How it works:
First, second and third place will be awarded in four age groups: 3-5, 6-9, 10-13, 14-18 and
an overall crowd favorite.
Must be an original creation. No kits or online projects.
Use LEGO, DUPLO, Mega Blocks or other LEGO compatible plastic bricks ONLY. No
painting or addition of other materials with the exception of a base that can be made from
wood, lego base, cardboard.
Must not be wider than 24” or taller than 24”.
One entry per participant.
Drop Off and Pick Up:
Drop off entries along with the entry form at the Montessori Schoolhouse side door (311 W. 23rd st.) on Friday, September 19th between 3:00-5:00.
Entries are to be picked up between 4:00-5:00 on Saturday 20th. Entries not picked up will be considered a donation for the Montessori Lego bin.
Entries will be available for viewing: Friday, Sep 19, 5:00-7:00 Saturday, Sep 20, 9:00-Noon
Youth Parade
“Family Game Night”
Line-Up Behind Moose’s Market at 5:15pm
Judging at 5:30-5:45 Parade starts promptly at 6:00pm
No Entry Fee with CASH prizes in each category!
Sponsored by TruckMovers.com
Ice Cream Social
Join us for an enticing evening at the Ice Cream and Dessert Social, taking place on Friday, September 19th at approximately 6:30 pm, immediately following the Youth Parade. Delight in an array of sweet treats while enjoying live entertainment provided by the talented Evan Carter. Best of all, this event is completely FREE to the public, ensuring an evening of fun for all.
We welcome donations of pies, cookies, and cakes to enhance the dessert selection. If you're able to contribute, please drop off your donations at the Lafayette County Extension Office, located at 14 E 19th St, Suite 102, by Friday, September 19th, before 4:30 pm. Dessert coordination is being handled by the Lafayette County Extension Council.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our generous sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible:
- The Ice Cream Social is graciously sponsored by Moose’s Market.
- Refreshing water for all attendees is provided by the World Finance Center.
- Bowls, spoons, and napkins will be provided, courtesy of MU Extension Council
- The captivating entertainment is sponsored by Reagan Lockard Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation.
We look forward to seeing you there for a delectable evening of treats, entertainment, and community camaraderie!
Following the Youth Parade, Keegan Honeycutt will be performing on the Main Stage!
Singer/songwriter from Concordia, MO. Inspired by classic country and classic rock, Keegan tried to keep the greats and the outlaws in mind when writing his songs, but still adds that modern feel. Listen to Keegan Honeycutt on your favorite streaming service and enjoy!
Bike Rodeo
Higginsville Cycling's 3rd Annual….
Bike RODEO
Friday, September 19th
Following the Youth Parade on the
1900 Block of Main St.
Ages 3-12 • Bring your bike and a helmet!
Join us for a FREE hands-on opportunity to learn and practice skills necessary for riding a bike around the community. There will be several stations with experts to help you learn how to ride your bike safely!
Stations include:
Helmet fitting
Bike Maintenance
Signaling
Avoiding Road Hazards... and more!
Senior Center Breakfast
Come enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Higginsville Senior Center
Scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits & gravy, coffee, juice & sweet rolls
Adults $12, Children 6 and under $5
Car Show
Registration 8:00-9:00
Judging 9:00-12:30
Awards held at 1:00
Pre-registration is $20
Day of registration is $25
Entry form available on the Entry Form page or visit the Chamber Office.
Car Show is located on North Main St. All cars please enter off of Walnut St. to North Main as well as the Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home parking lot.
BEST OF SHOW $250 Sponsored by Alumbaugh Heating & Cooling
50/50 RAFFLE
TOP 25 AWARDS
VARIOUS DOOR PRIZES
Follow our Facebook Page. In case of inclement weather, this event will be cancelled. Contact 660-584-3030 with any questions.
Antique Tractor & Engine Show
Many antique tractors including John Deere and the old International Gas Engine as well as Small Engines will be on display for public viewing. This portion of the Country Fair is exciting for both the young and the old alike as they ponder over things that used to be and reminisce about yesteryear.
Registration: 8-10am
Show Time: 8-2pm
Trophies: 1:30pm
Parade Time: 3pm
Judging Categories
Lawn Tractor Original
Lawn Tractor Restored
Best Restored- 50 and Older
Best Restored- 51 and Newer
Best Original- 50 and Older
Best Original- 51 and Newer
Best Tractor w/ Implement- 50 and Older
Best Tractor w/ Implement- 51 and Newer
Best Restored Hit & Miss Engine
Best Original Hit & Miss Engine
Judges Choice Categories:
Overall, Unique, Collection and Oldest
If you have an old Engine or antique tractor you’d like to display, we’d love to have you join us. Parking for tractor trailers on Shelby St.
Please contact Sara Young 660-232-1359
Trophies donated by Ag Power
Lunch for show participants provided by Crown Power and Sorry Ass Smokers
All Alumni Gathering
● All Alumni Social Room will be available 9a-4p at CORNERSTONE CORNUCOPIA INC at 1914 Main Street in the mezzanine area upstairs.
● Plan to meet up with your classmates, coaches and teachers
● PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST REGISTER
● Parade will begin at 3pm near Fairground Park and end at Salem, watch the parade out front with friends
● Take time & visit the Higg Depot/Museum to view Class Yearbooks and all the wonderful Higginsville memorabilia
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Gwen (Bedford) Davenport at gsdavenport7@gmail.com
● *Very special “Thank You” to owner Michelle (Minks) Bosley for sharing her beautiful store space with us!
Main Stage Entertainment
Come out and support some great local entertainment!!!!
Emily Peterson
Ellie Graham
Everly Moore
Emmitt Rickey
Evan Carter
Discord & Rhyme
Main Stage Entertainment sponsored by Wood & Huston Bank
More on Emily Peterson
Hello, my name is Emily Amelia Peterson. I’m 10 years old. I have a love for singing, which means I cannot go more than 5 minutes without singing or humming a tune. My love for music started at a very early age when there was some rocky times. Singing has helped me through those challenging times in my life. I have lots of siblings, 11 brothers and sisters in fact! I have lived in Higginsville since I was 5 years old and moved from California.
All I have ever wanted to be is a singer. When I sing it makes me feel free and it fills my heart with joy. I love God, my family and my friends. Not a day goes by that I am not grateful for the gift of music. I welcome everyone to come hear me sing on Saturday morning at the Country Fair.
More on Ellie Graham
Going into 4th Grade
Favorite Color is Yellow
Loves Singing, Chocolate and Her Friends and Family
More on Everly Moore
Everly Moore, a 14-year-old artists from Higginsville, is making waves! This multi-talented teen attends Lafayette County C-1 High School, dazzling everyone with her involvement in student council, FFA, choir, AND softball! She recently rocked the State FFA convention in April with an amazing performance and has already played numerous gigs around Higginsville. This rising star is one to watch if you like indie-country like Sam barber, flatland cavalry, Noah Kahan, and more!
More on Emmitt Rickey
Country music singer/songwriter Emmitt Rickey calls Bates City, MO his hometown. The youngest of four brothers, Emmitt was born into the family asphalt paving business, Bates City Asphalt. He furthered his education with a degree in Business Administration from Avila University, Kansas City, MO. Hard work and country music have always influenced the Rickey family. Emmitt displays these characteristics in his devotion to his family business and by serving as an Alderman for the City of Bates City. In the evenings or on the weekends, Emmitt spends most of his time performing in local, family owned restaurants as their live entertainment. He can also be found performing for private events or picking his guitar and singing with his family around the kitchen table of his childhood home. Emmitt's music style is heavily influenced by the old-time country music artists such as Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, Merle Haggard, and Alan Jackson. The Classic twang, yet smooth sound of these artists are what Emmitt strives to replicate in his own musical style. He prides himself in carrying on the classic country sound with a repertoire of his original songs combined with classic and modern red dirt country hits.
More on Evan Carter
Evan Carter is a singer-songwriter from Sweet Springs, Missouri, known for crafting heartfelt songs that reflect the highs and lows of everyday life. Drawing inspiration from artists like Eric Church, Evan Felker, and Willie Nelson, Evan blends authenticity with storytelling in a style rooted in country and red dirt traditions.
A devoted husband and father of three boys, Evan channels his life experiences into his music, aiming to create songs that resonate deeply with listeners and shine a light on the beauty found in both the struggles and triumphs of life.
More on Discord & Rhyme
Friends for over 30 years, and bandmates off and on throughout, Mike Doss and Lonny Goodwin had talked for years about doing an acoustic cover duo. Well…they’ve done it!! And you know what? They’re pretty good at it! Covering a plethora of favorites from the 60’s through today….From The Beatles to 70’s soft rock, 80’s pop to current hits, etc!
Pedal Tractor Pull
3 Weight Classes:
0-35 Pounds
36-50 Pounds
51-75 Pounds
(Maximum weight limit is 75 pounds)
For more information contact the sponsors:
Crown Power 660-584-3250 or Ag-Power, Inc 660-584-7434
Kids Playground
Come enjoy a variety of inflatables.
Thanks to our incredible sponsors, inflatables will be FREE this year for all kids to enjoy!
Parade
Theme: Sunflower Days ~ Sapphire Nights Come Home to the Simple life ~ All Roads Lead Home!
The parade is scheduled for Saturday, September 20th at 3:00pm. This year the parade will begin at Fairground Park and proceed down to Fairground Avenue and Main Street ending at 15th & Main.
All entries will check in at the entrance to the High School Parking Lot at 31st & Cypress.
Judging will start promptly at 1:30 pm. All entries will be judged before they join their designated places in the parade lineup. Late entries will be allowed in the parade but will not be judged.
Entry forms must be returned no later than Friday, September 12th, 2025. This will enable the committee to properly line up the parade. Any entry returned later than the deadline will not be judged.
Any questions, contact Denetta Amor 660-232-3563
Heat & Hunger 5K Fun Walk/Run
The Higginsville Country Fair Heat and Hunger Walk/Run and Kids Fun Run will take place Saturday, September 21st and will take place in front of Lafayette County C‐1 Elementary Parking Lot. We will start and end the race in front of the Lafayette County C‐1 Elementary School. Please read all the details below carefully. All proceeds go to support the Higginsville Heat and Hunger Fund. The Higginsville Heat and Hunger Fund provides financial assistance to families living in the Lafayette County C‐1 School district who need help with a utility bill. REGISTER ONLINE NOW!
Awards: Medals to top 3 winning runners, Medals to top 3 walkers (Must walk the whole course), Prize for youngest and oldest runner/walker Kids Fun Run: Open to children 10 years and younger Each child will receive a goodie bag
Registration Fees: Heat and Hunger 5K Walk/Run is $20 per individual Kids Fun Run is $5 per child T‐shirt cost is $10 per shirt. (Must pre‐register by August 31st to receive a shirt).
Schedule of events: 7:00 – 7:30 a.m. Pre‐registration in Elementary School Parking Lot 7:40 a.m. Kids Fun Run 8:00 a.m. Heat and Hunger 5K Walk/Run
Parking: Parking will be available in the parking lot between the Elementary and High School buildings.
Sip & Savor
Come sit a spell while you enjoy the music of Len Audsley, purchase wine from several local vineyards. Food truck available. Purchase of commemorative glass ($10) is your admission to this event. Live music will go from 6:30 to 8:30.
More on Len Audsley
He plays the hits from the 60s 70s and newer! His versatile voice allows him to perform songs by such artists as The Beatles, Frankie Valli, Billy Joel, Foreigner, Styx, Journey, and many others! Also adding several country hits as well, rounds out his show perfectly!”
Produce Show
The Produce Show features a farm product and horticulture contest. This traditional Country Fair event location will be at the Lafayette County C-1 Agricultural Building. We can start taking entries on Thursday from 2pm until 6pm. We will be available Friday 2pm until 6pm for produce and prize money pick up from the LCC1 Agricultural Building. Champions will be featured in Ceramic Corner next to City Hall from 8am-2pm on Saturday.
Champions must be picked up from Ceramic Corner by 2pm on Saturday, September 18.
Please visit the Entry Forms page for a PDF of the show guide.
Produce Show is sponsored by Equity Bank.