“Cheers to 250 Years” is the theme of the 79th Annual Gasconade County Fair to be held Wednesday, July 29, through Saturday, Aug. 1, in Owensville’s Memorial Park. Season passes continue to be sold Wednesday at the gate for a discounted rate of $55.

Entertainment this year includes Alex Miller on the Main Stage Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Barely Covered in the Beer Garden Friday from 8-12 p.m. and Tyler Richton and The High Bank Boys on the Main Stage at 7 p.m. followed by The Frontmen at 8:30 p.m., and Centerstage from 8-12 p.m. Saturday with Feudin’ Hillbilly’s on the Main Stage at 7 p.m. followed by Rodney Atkins at 8:30 p.m.

The fair opens Wednesday with a switch — the 3 p.m. rabbit show followed by a poultry show at 5 p.m. and then the Opening Ceremony where Outstanding Community Service Awards will be given at 6 p.m. From 6-11 p.m., on Wednesday and Thursday, carnival rides will be provided by Fun Time Shows, with daily rides available from 1-5 p.m. and 6-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Attendees can check out the new Exhibit Hall from 6-10 p.m. The Gasconade County Fair Queen Contest follows the Little Mr. and Miss Gasconade County Contest at 6:30 p.m. The Lucky 7 Bump and Run will be held at 7 p.m.

Activities Thursday begin at 8 a.m. with the Market and Barrow Gilt Show followed by the Swine Show and then the 4-H Bucket Calf Show at 10 a.m. and the Pee Wee Bucket Calf Show. The Exhibit Hall will be open from 10 a.m to 10 p.m. daily Thursday through Saturday, except during the parade. Agri Tot Land will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, but is also closed during the parade. The Dairy Cattle Show will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday. The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. and with the 6:30 p.m. Replacement Heifer Show immediately following. The Steer Show and the Market Lamb and Goat Show are at 7 p.m. and the Demo and Lawnmower Derby at 7 p.m. at the Lower Field.

The Beef Cattle Breeds Show will start Friday’s activities at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Sheep and Goat Breeding Show at 9 a.m. at the auction pavilion. The Pedal Tractor Pull for ages 3-12 will take place at 6 p.m. following sign-ups at 5:30 p.m. Dirt Drags are at 6:30 p.m. at Lower Field.

Saturday’s activities include the GTA Car Show at 8 a.m., the 31st Annual Kingsford BBQ Cook-off at noon, cornhole tournament from noon to 6 p.m., the local farm pull at 2 p.m., youth livestock sale at 3 p.m., the Kiddy’s Quarter Scramble – up from a nickel – at 6 p.m. and Excalibur and Missouri Farm Pullers at 7 p.m. at the Lower Field.

The steer show and sale has been moved up an hour this year to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Daily admission to the fair is $15 on Wednesday, $20 on Thursday, $30 on Friday and $40 on Saturday. Children age five and under are free.