Ag Expo to feature 118 booths, outdoor exhibits

One of the largest farm trade shows in the region, Ag Expo 2009, is scheduled for Jan. 23 through the 24 at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff, Mo. with free admission to the event.

The event has been sponsored by the Butler County University of Missouri Extension Council and the Ag Club of Three Rivers Community College for 23 years. The event hosts 118 booths available to visit and learn first-hand about agriculture and its importance to the economy. Outdoor exhibits will also be featured at the two- day event that gained a 12,000 people attendance last year.

The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24.

Entertainment and events include gospel, jazz, and contemporary music; agriculture seminars; beauty pageants; toy tractor pedal pull contests for youth ages four to nine; and a duck calling contest for youth and adults.

There will be tractor driving contests for FFA members; a petting farm; an old time auction; a milking contest; an ag photography contest; and a baking contest. All events are free of charge to enter except for the beauty pageant which is a $20 fee for entrance if pre-registered and a $25 fee if registered at the door.