Ag Expo to feature more than 118 exhibits

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- More than 118 agriculture exhibits will be on display at Poplar Bluff in late January as the Butler County University of Missouri Extension Council and the Ag Club of Three Rivers Community College sponsor the 2010 Ag Expo.

The Expo, which is in its 24th year, is scheduled for Jan. 22-23, at the Black River Coliseum. On Friday, Jan. 22, the Expo will be open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Saturday, Jan. 23, the Expo will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and admission is free. The 2009 Ag Expo drew a crowd of more than 12,000 people, according to the University of Missouri Extension.

As in previous years, booths and outdoor exhibits will be presented for event-goers to learn first-hand about agriculture and its importance to the economy.

Entertainment will also be provided and will feature gospel, jazz, and contemporary music; line dancing and clogging; agriculture seminars; pageants; and toy tractor pedal pull contests for youth ages 4 to 9.

On Friday, Twin River - Qulin fifth and sixth-graders will dance at 1:30 p.m., followed by a performance from the Poplar Bluff Junior High Jazz Bands, under the direction of Gary Garner, at 2:30 p.m. At 4 p.m., the Beckers from the Rolling Shoals Farm in Williamsville will perform and the Bluff City Twirlers will dance. From 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tim the Magician will command the stage, followed by the duck calling contest from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On Saturday, Tim the Magician will kick off the entertainment at 9 a.m., followed by the Singing Seniors at 9:45 a.m. Todd Inman will then perform at 10:15 a.m., followed by The RSVP Chorus at 11 a.m. At 12-noon, the stage will be turned over to the old time auction. Then at 1:30 p.m., County Fire Cloggers from Ellsinore will stomp their way on stage.

Future Farmers of America members will be able to compete in a tractor driving contest, as well as partake in other events, including a petting farm, an old time auction, a milking contest, an ag photography contest, and a baking contest.

The home baking contest will be offered both Friday and Saturday. Bakers may enter their goods any time between 1 p.m., and 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 22. Judging will be held on Saturday morning and exhibits will be left in place until 2 p.m. Bakers will have the option of several categories, including yeast breads, quick breads, cakes, pies, cookies, and candies.

A duck calling contest will once again be held for both youth and adults.

An added feature to this year's Expo is the Pesticide Applicator Training, which will be held at 9 a.m., Saturday morning.

The event features something for the entire family and booths are still available for rent.

For more information, to purchase booth space, or to register for the beauty pageant, contact the University of Missouri Extension Council at (573) 686-8064, butlerco@missouri.edu, or visit the Web site at extension.missouri.edu/butler.

For rules and regulations for the Ag Expo's contests, click HERE.

*Some information in this article was provided by the University of Missouri Extension Council.