Governor Mike Parson helped break ground Friday on the pavilion that will host his ham breakfast in five months during the Missouri State Fair. State and local officials celebrated the beginning of construction of the new permanent structure that will replace the tent. Director Mark Wolfe says the pavilion will not only host the Governor’s Ham Breakfast, but also other events throughout the year.

State lawmakers authorized its construction as part of an eight-million dollar improvement project they approved last year. However, Wolfe says a new arrival to Sedalia, Nucor Steel, helped make the new pavilion possible.

The new pavilion will stand along the road that runs from the Centennial Gate west to the State Fair Coliseum.