The Bates County Fair, like most everything else, suffered immensely from the Covid-19 pandemic but this year the board promises to come back bigger and better than ever with all types of animal shows and judging, the Super Teen competition, a big parade, a dodge ball tournament, barrel racing, a baby contest, the bash and a street dance.
Whew. And that’s not all. As the fair begins on Saturday, July 8th with a horse and mule show, the week will end with a full roster of festivities on the following Saturday July 15th including motocross races (yes, there’s a professional track on fairgrounds) along with the much touted American Royal BBQ hosted by the Bates County Memorial Hospital board which runs Thursday afternoon through the weekend.
The enticing aroma of delicious BBQ will emanate from the fairgrounds as Smokin’ in the Electric City kicks off July 13th as part of a “Triple Crown Event” for the State of Missouri. The sanctioned event is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and it’s guessed that participants will travel quite a distance to participate.
Proceeds from Smokin’ in the Electric City will be donated to the BCCHF to benefit and raise awareness for the Proposed Regional Activity Center and more information including how to sign up can be found on the hospital website here www.bcmhospital.com/smokin-in-the-electric-city
