SEDALIA, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri State Fair has started its 11-day run in Sedalia.

The event kicked off Thursday, with a parade among the festivities. The fair runs through August 23rd. It features the standard fair attractions — lots of livestock, carnival-style rides, concerts, shows and, of course, food. There also will be modern twists, including a robotics competition.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture used the fair’s opening day to announce a new agricultural stewardship program. Farmers and ranchers can receive verifications that they are using sustainable practices. The state verifications are designed to help producers gain access to new markets.