Sedalia Missouri State Fair Celebrations And Veterans Day Free Offers

The 116th Missouri State Fair in Sedalia and Veterans Day promotions across the state offer numerous free entertainment options and special deals for residents and visitors. While the Missouri State Fair provides several days of free entertainment and additional attractions in August, various businesses throughout Missouri, including potential locations in Sedalia, offer special Veterans Day freebies in November. This article examines the available free entertainment at the State Fair and the Veterans Day promotional offers that may be available in the Sedalia area.

Missouri State Fair in Sedalia

The 116th Missouri State Fair took place in Sedalia from August 9 to August 19, 2018. The event featured multiple free entertainment options and special attractions for fair-goers. Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe highlighted that "free entertainment is new each year, or a lot of it's new, so that's always a big plus for fair-goers."

Free Entertainment Stages

The fairgrounds featured four free entertainment stages that operated throughout the fair:

• Bud Stage
• Ditzfield Stage
• Touchstone Energy Stage (located near the Beef House)
• Children's Stage (behind the Missouri Electric Co-op)

According to Wolfe, "all four of those stages throughout the day, every day of the fair, have free entertainment on them." Additionally, the fair occasionally featured strolling entertainers, including the return of the State Fair mascot, Bartholomule, after a period of absence.

Fireworks Schedule

The 2018 Missouri State Fair included an expanded fireworks program, thanks to a significant sponsorship from Bryant Motors. Wolfe stated, "Bryant Motors came on big time this year and did a big sponsorship with us, we're going to have six nights of fireworks." The fireworks were scheduled on the following dates:

• August 9
• August 10
• August 11
• August 15
• August 17 (Friday night after concerts)
• August 18 (Saturday night after concerts)

Wolfe emphasized the extended fireworks program, noting, "We're going to light the skies up almost every night of the fair this year."

Pepsi Grandstand Entertainment

The Pepsi Grandstage featured a diverse entertainment lineup throughout the fair:

• August 9: Montgomery Gentry and Whiskey Myers
• August 10: Rock of the Seventies, Foghat, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall and Pat Travers Band
• August 11: Hank Williams, Jr. and Frank Foster
• August 12: Missouri State Fair Shoot Out
• August 13: Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pull
• August 14: Roots and Boots Tour, Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin and Collin Raye
• August 15: Southern Uprising Tour: Travis Tritt, the Charlie Daniels Band, Marshall Tucker Band and The Outlaws
• August 16: Casting Crowns and Zach Williams
• August 17: Aaron Watson and Tim Montana
• August 18: Cole Swindell and Raelynn
• August 19: ASCS National Sprint Car & ULMA Late Model Races

Finding Discounts and Promotions

For those interested in visiting the fair, Wolfe recommended visiting MoStateFair.com in advance to access information on special discounts and promotions on admission and carnival wristbands.

Veterans Day Free Offers

Veterans Day on November 11, 2018, offered numerous free meals and special deals for veterans, active duty military personnel, and in some cases, their spouses. While specific participation in Sedalia locations is not detailed in the provided sources, many of these restaurant chains have locations throughout Missouri, including potentially in the Sedalia area.

Restaurant Free Meal Offers

Several restaurants offered free meals to veterans and active duty military personnel on Veterans Day:

• Black Angus Steakhouse: Free 6 oz. Top Sirlin steak meal with home-style mashed potatoes and broccoli drizzled with garlic butter. Available at all 32 locations for in-house and takeout orders.
• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie for dine-in guests with proof of military service. Also offered a free appetizer coupon for a future visit.
• Bob Evans: Free selection from 10 different breakfast items from a special menu available throughout the day.
• Bonefish Grill: Free Bang Bang Shrimp and non-alcoholic beverage to active-duty military and veterans with valid military ID.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries.
• Huddle House: Free MVP Breakfast Platter for active and retired military at participating locations.
• IHOP: Free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes to veterans and active duty military at participating locations.
• In-N-Out Burger: Complimentary meal including any burger, fries and beverage on the menu, plus a special edition Veterans Day decal.
• Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant: Complimentary burger or sandwich along with a non-alcoholic beverage.
• J. Christopher's: Free meal to veterans.
• Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin' Onion and Coca-Cola.
• Parry's Pizza: Full-size entrée and fountain drink from a special menu for free.
• Perry's Steakhouse & Grille: Free Dinner-Cut Pork Chop when accompanied by a guest purchasing one dinner entree. Half price if dining alone or with other veterans.

Restaurant Discounted Meal Offers

Some restaurants offered special pricing rather than completely free meals:

• Sugarfire Smokehouse: Free cheeseburger for active and retired military members, plus 50% discount on a pork steak and side meal (usually $12.99).
• Tuscan Kitchen: Free lunch to veterans and active military personnel on Friday, November 10 (the day before Veterans Day).
• Perry's Steakhouse & Grille: Extended hours for the Military Menu on November 11 only, from 4 p.m. to close.

Food and Beverage Special Offers

Several food and beverage establishments offered special Veterans Day promotions:

• Bruegger's Bagels: Free medium hot or iced coffee for veterans with a breakfast purchase.
• Peet's Coffee: Free drip coffee or tea of any size for eligible veterans.
• SONIC Drive-In: Half price shakes in any size and flavor, including both Classic and Master Shakes.
• Starbucks: Free tall hot or iced coffee to veterans, active duty service members and their spouses.
• Texas Corral: Free special menu meal and drink for veterans and current military personnel.
• T.G.I. Friday's: Free meal from a special menu including options like Cheeseburger and Fries, Crispy Chicken Fingers with Fries and Coleslaw, Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken, Half-Rack of Ribs and Choice of Side, or Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta.
• Whataburger: Free 16-ounce Hot or Iced Coffee for veterans and active duty military members in uniform or with valid ID.
• White Castle: Free combo meal or breakfast combo to veterans and active duty service members with valid military ID.

Requirements and Restrictions

Most Veterans Day offers required proof of military service, typically a valid military ID or other documentation proving service. Several offers were restricted to dine-in only, and some had additional restrictions:

• Texas Roadhouse: Free meal vouchers redeemable for dine-in or carryout meal off a select menu through May 2025.
• T.G.I. Friday's: Dine-in only, with no other discounts applying. Veterans also received a $10 off $40 voucher for a future visit in November.
• Peet's Coffee: Limited to one free coffee or tea per transaction. Valid only at participating retail coffee bar locations, excluding online purchases, airport locations, supermarkets, and other licensed venues.
• In-N-Out Burger: Available at all locations open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on November 11.
• Tuscan Kitchen: Required a reservation for the veteran or service person and one guest, made by phone at any of their four locations.

Conclusion

The 116th Missouri State Fair in Sedalia offered multiple days of free entertainment across four stages, plus six nights of fireworks and a diverse entertainment lineup at the Pepsi Grandstand. Veterans Day 2018 provided numerous free meals and special offers for military personnel and veterans from various restaurant chains, with most requiring proof of military service. While specific participation in Sedalia locations isn't detailed in the provided sources, many of these restaurant chains have locations throughout Missouri, making these offers potentially available to Sedalia residents. For those interested in attending the Missouri State Fair, the official website MoStateFair.com was recommended for information on discounts and promotions.

Sources

1. Sedalia Prepares for 116th Missouri State Fair
2. Businesses Offer Free Meals, Special Deals for Veterans Day