By changing its name and choosing an earlier calendar date, Mexico Jaycees hope their annual AgriFest will become the official sign of summer in Mexico. In its second year, organizers say this year's two-day festival has more family-oriented activities, entertainment, vendors and excitement than the first go-round.
Slated July 10-11, the 2009 AgriFest will again be held at the 4-H Center, located 1 mile south on Highway D, in Mexico. Gates open at 4 p.m. both nights, with agendas lasting until midnight. Admission is free, except for the rodeo event.
"Of course, the one thing that we're hoping for is more attendance this year," Jaycee president and festival chair Jennifer Wilburn told The Ledger. "We've done more advertising, and tried different avenues to help get the word out, because we want the community to come out, and have a good time."
For multiple years, the Mexico Jaycees sponsored the Soybean Festival, which was generally held in the fall of the year. In 2007, the group decided to change the name of the festival, and move the event off the Village Square.
"The name change still has a lot of impact on our attendance. People are still used to it being called the Soybean Festival, not AgriFest" she explained. "We invite the public to come out, meet the Jaycees and see the new things we are doing and what we're about.
"It may not be the Soybean Festival, but it's the same type of event – only a whole lot better."
Crafts and concessions will be set up throughout the grounds, from 4-11 p.m. both nights by the Pork Producers and Knights of Columbus. However, more vendors are being sought, Wilburn said.
"We haven't had a lot of luck attracting vendors, but they are always welcome," she said. All the information must be turned in prior to the festival, she said.
Saturday night is when most of the family fun begins – with the Little Mr. and Miss Rodeo competition, a baby show and a variety of kids' games. Turtle racing, a hula hoop contest, face painting and a three-legged race are among the games scheduled. All games are free, and open to all ages. Preregistration forms for the Little Mr. and Miss Rodeo contest can be picked up at the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce, 100 W. Jackson, prior to the event.
The highlight of the festival will be the MRCA Rodeo, put on by Outlaw Rodeo Productions out of Columbia – which performs annually at the Mark Twain Lake.
"We're really excited about coming back this year, and believe that it's going to be an even bigger crowd for cowboys and cowgirls than before, simply because it's double-sanctioned with participation from both MRCA and the United Rodeo Association," said president and founder of MRCA Sharon Clark. "Outlaw Rodeo offers a really nice show, with fireworks and its various acts.
"They were one of the first contractors with MRCA, and one I know the people will enjoy."
A VIP Room has been set up for the sponsors of this year's AgriFest. Included in the package are tickets to the rodeo, appetizers, beverages, and some giveaways. The room is air conditioned, and located in front of the rodeo arena. Banners with the sponsors' names will also be displayed in the stands.
A beer and wine garden will be offered on the fairgrounds both nights, opening at 4 p.m. A Missouri Wine 101 Tasting will also take place Friday, beginning at 6 p.m.
"We had a good turnout on Friday night last year for wine tasting with about 50-70 people attending. So, we thought we'd bring it back again this year," Wilburn said.
Each night, a different entertainer will be invited to the stage to close out the AgriFest activities. On Friday night, The Olin' Wiser Band will perform, and the Little Dixie Band will take the stage on Saturday.
"We're really looking forward to this year's event, and hope the community will back us in our efforts of providing good, wholesome fun for everyone."
Portions of last year's proceeds were divided among three local organizations. This year's benefactor will be the Handi-Shop, Inc., Wilburn said, "simply because of what they do for the community."
For more information about the 2009 AgriFest, call the Chamber of Commerce at (573) 581-2765. To register to be a vendor, contact either Ashley Hulse at (573) 823-5323, or ahulse@mhcpc.-com, or Tony Robertson at (573) 581-2381 or tony_robertson@-fnbaudrain.com or fax information to (573) 581-1478.
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By changing its name and choosing an earlier calendar date, Mexico Jaycees hope their annual AgriFest will become the official sign of summer in Mexico. In its second year, organizers say this year's two-day festival has more family-oriented activities, entertainment, vendors and excitement than the first go-round.
Slated July 10-11, the 2009 AgriFest will again be held at the 4-H Center, located 1 mile south on Highway D, in Mexico. Gates open at 4 p.m. both nights, with agendas lasting until midnight. Admission is free, except for the rodeo event.
"Of course, the one thing that we're hoping for is more attendance this year," Jaycee president and festival chair Jennifer Wilburn told The Ledger. "We've done more advertising, and tried different avenues to help get the word out, because we want the community to come out, and have a good time."
For multiple years, the Mexico Jaycees sponsored the Soybean Festival, which was generally held in the fall of the year. In 2007, the group decided to change the name of the festival, and move the event off the Village Square.
"The name change still has a lot of impact on our attendance. People are still used to it being called the Soybean Festival, not AgriFest" she explained. "We invite the public to come out, meet the Jaycees and see the new things we are doing and what we're about.
"It may not be the Soybean Festival, but it's the same type of event – only a whole lot better."
Crafts and concessions will be set up throughout the grounds, from 4-11 p.m. both nights by the Pork Producers and Knights of Columbus. However, more vendors are being sought, Wilburn said.
"We haven't had a lot of luck attracting vendors, but they are always welcome," she said. All the information must be turned in prior to the festival, she said.
Saturday night is when most of the family fun begins – with the Little Mr. and Miss Rodeo competition, a baby show and a variety of kids' games. Turtle racing, a hula hoop contest, face painting and a three-legged race are among the games scheduled. All games are free, and open to all ages. Preregistration forms for the Little Mr. and Miss Rodeo contest can be picked up at the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce, 100 W. Jackson, prior to the event.
The highlight of the festival will be the MRCA Rodeo, put on by Outlaw Rodeo Productions out of Columbia – which performs annually at the Mark Twain Lake.
"We're really excited about coming back this year, and believe that it's going to be an even bigger crowd for cowboys and cowgirls than before, simply because it's double-sanctioned with participation from both MRCA and the United Rodeo Association," said president and founder of MRCA Sharon Clark. "Outlaw Rodeo offers a really nice show, with fireworks and its various acts.
"They were one of the first contractors with MRCA, and one I know the people will enjoy."
A VIP Room has been set up for the sponsors of this year's AgriFest. Included in the package are tickets to the rodeo, appetizers, beverages, and some giveaways. The room is air conditioned, and located in front of the rodeo arena. Banners with the sponsors' names will also be displayed in the stands.
A beer and wine garden will be offered on the fairgrounds both nights, opening at 4 p.m. A Missouri Wine 101 Tasting will also take place Friday, beginning at 6 p.m.
"We had a good turnout on Friday night last year for wine tasting with about 50-70 people attending. So, we thought we'd bring it back again this year," Wilburn said.
Each night, a different entertainer will be invited to the stage to close out the AgriFest activities. On Friday night, The Olin' Wiser Band will perform, and the Little Dixie Band will take the stage on Saturday.
"We're really looking forward to this year's event, and hope the community will back us in our efforts of providing good, wholesome fun for everyone."
Portions of last year's proceeds were divided among three local organizations. This year's benefactor will be the Handi-Shop, Inc., Wilburn said, "simply because of what they do for the community."
For more information about the 2009 AgriFest, call the Chamber of Commerce at (573) 581-2765. To register to be a vendor, contact either Ashley Hulse at (573) 823-5323, or ahulse@mhcpc.-com, or Tony Robertson at (573) 581-2381 or tony_robertson@-fnbaudrain.com or fax information to (573) 581-1478.
