At CFM Insurance, our commitment to intentional, thoughtful, and impactful interaction with our shared communities isn't just a mission—it's ingrained in everything we do. While our crew typically operates behind desks, on phone lines, or visiting properties to restore losses, every August brings a rare and welcomed opportunity to join all of you in writing Summer’s Best Story at the Missouri State Fair.
Fair time is our favorite—ten uninterrupted days spent under the hot summer sun with community members and friends, spinning the famous CFM prize wheel, indulging in all the deep-fried, sugar-coated treats, shuffling excited little ones from ride to ride at the 'Greatest Carnival on the Planet,' celebrating the hard work of young folks across the state as they showcase their animals and crafts, and feeling equal parts invigorated and exhausted after attending all those late night concerts in the Grandstand. If you can relate, then you know - it truly never gets old.
Beyond Sponsorship: CFM's Enduring Connection with the Missouri State Fair
For the last 155 years, our partners, customers, and Fair fans have kept our Mutual mission alive and well because we show up when it matters most. Whether it's local fundraisers, festivals, or other vital events, CFM emphasizes our presence where support is needed most because community lies at the heart of our brand. As a Missouri Mutual owned by its policyholders, our commitment to service extends to the places they call home, ensuring that communities in the Show-Me-State thrive long-term.
Our support for events like the Missouri State Fair isn't just about sponsorship bragging rights or cutting a check; it's about nurturing connections and fostering pride in our rural traditions far beyond those 10 wonderful days in August. The future of our business relies on the strength and vitality of these tight-knit Missouri communities, compelling us to invest in their prosperity at every opportunity.
In this blog, we'll get to the heart of our longstanding partnership with the Missouri State Fair, highlighting how deeply it supports youth in agriculture, preserves beloved rural traditions, and bonds us with the folks we are so thankful to meet through this cherished annual event.
The Missouri State Fair: A Time-Honored Tradition
The Missouri State Fair holds a special place in the hearts of Missourians. It's an annual celebration that brings together families, farmers, and communities to honor our agricultural roots and showcase our state's finest. Established in 1901, the fair has evolved into a grand event featuring diverse attractions, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, thrilling rides, and entertainment for all ages.
As a Grand Champion Sponsor at the Missouri State Fair, CFM gets a front row seat to all the hard work and long hours put into making the beloved 10-day event a massive success.
We understand the Missouri State Fair is more than a premier agricultural event. As the Missouri State Fair Foundation puts it:
"It is a family tradition with more than 110 years of experience in providing Missourians a great way to re-connect with their roots, celebrate their heritage, and showcase their accomplishments. It is a place where memories are made and the future is cultivated."
Since our establishment in 1869, CFM Insurance has been synonymous with safeguarding Missouri’s farms and homes. Our Mutual was founded by a group of conservative farmers aiming to pool their resources and protect their crops and equipment from the threat of fire. Since then, just as fertile ground fosters plentiful crops, CFM Insurance has nurtured growth within the communities it serves. Our commitment to preserving Missouri’s rural history and values aligns seamlessly with the mission of the State Fair and Missouri State Fair Foundation.
We proudly participate in the Missouri State Fair, supporting key exhibits and events that highlight the best of Missouri agriculture and rural life. From sponsoring livestock competitions, Show Mom Appreciation events, and the Grandstand everyone knows and loves for all-things concerts and tractor pulls, we strive to enhance the fair experience and celebrate our shared adventures along the way.
Connecting With the Communities We Serve
During the Fair, various members of our departments volunteer to step away from the office for a day or two and dedicate some time at our booth outside the Grandstand entrance. As mentioned earlier, this event is the best chance we get throughout the year to physically see new and familiar faces.
So, be sure to stop by our booth to learn more about our insurance solutions tailored for farmers and rural residents alike. And if you haven't spun the CFM Prize Wheel offering freebies that fit each day's theme, you're missing out!
Everyone knows the MSF wouldn't be complete without a few great photo opportunities to capture all the memories. This year, we're proud to sponsor up to 20 Selfie Stops all over the fairgrounds, rewarding fairgoers daily for snapping pictures by the CFM stop signs using the hashtag #MyMSFSelfie. We'll be releasing helpful instructions on how to enter to win exclusive prizes for selfie participants. More info is coming soon!
Additionally, there will be a larger-than-life photo backdrop at our booth this year for visitors to take pictures at. Make sure you follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts for all the details and fun MSF teasers. 
We thoroughly enjoy engaging with attendees through various initiatives and promotions outside of booth life, too. We offer exclusive insights into protecting your agricultural investments and preserving your way of life. Our partnerships with other proud sponsors at the MSF, like the Missouri Cattlemen's Association, Missouri Soybean Association, and Missouri Pork Association, offer another round of volunteer and promotional opportunities each year. When you visit the Beef House at this year's Fair, you might even find one of our CFM staffers volunteering as a server - order up!
Consider this your formal invitation to attend this year's fair, August 8-18th. Meet our team, tap into their expertise for all your coverage questions, share about a cause in your community that could use support, and discover how CFM Insurance can safeguard what matters most.
Investing in the Future of Ag & Rural Missouri
As a company, we firmly believe that farmers and farm families are the pulse of our many wonderful communities in Missouri, providing far more than just food on our plates. These humble, local heroes demonstrate the impact that hard work, ethical behavior, and leadership can have in our state and globally. Therefore, supporting this enduring legacy year after year through events like the Missouri State Fair, organized in part with the Missouri State Fair Foundation, remains a top priority for us.
We understand the challenges facing farmers and rural communities and actively work to provide solutions that ensure their prosperity. Through educational programs with local FFA Chapters, advocacy efforts, and community partnerships, we strive to empower agricultural producers and strengthen our delicate rural economy.
During our time at the Missouri State Fair, we emphasize the importance of safeguarding farming practices and legacies, innovation in agriculture, and the preservation of rural traditions through funding and awareness. One of the MSF events we eagerly anticipate each year is the Sale of Champions. It's truly remarkable how much preparation each Youth in Agriculture member dedicates to raising, showing, and parting with their animals at the Sale of Champions auction.
CFM's Marketing Manager, Ben Goodman, reflects on his memorable experience at last year's Sale:
"The Sale of Champions is truly one of the best traditions of the State Fair in my opinion. Witnessing the pride and dedication that young participants have for the animals they've raised throughout the year is incredibly moving. The collective passion for the continued development of agriculture in Missouri, evident among all participants and attendees in that show barn, is truly inspiring."
Help us Write Summer's Best Story
As we wrap up our exploration of the Missouri State Fair and our deep-rooted involvement, we invite you to join us this year and witness firsthand the unwavering commitment of organizations and volunteers across our state to agriculture, community, and tradition.
At CFM Insurance, we recognize the significance of supporting events where traditions are honored, agriculture thrives, and lasting memories are created. That's why we proudly stand alongside the State Fair—a unique experience that embodies the heart and soul of rural Missouri.
We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to the 2024 Missouri State Fair, where families gather to create Summer's Best Story in one of the Show-Me State's most iconic venues. It's an event that offers something special for everyone.
Join CFM Insurance at the Missouri State Fair this year, and together, let's continue celebrating the essence of rural Missouri. We can't wait to see you there!
For more information on planning your trip to the 2024 State Fair, click here.
To lock in your tickets for shows hosted at the State Fair Grandstand presented by CFM Insurance, click here.
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