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The Mastodon Fair is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports students, teachers, parents, and the community in the development of the creative and scientific process to submit creative and novel projects in the annual regional competition held each March at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, MO; along with hosting community events to expand creativity and knowledge.
We hope to help students achieve the goal of submitting creative and innovative science and art exhibits that will help to further their education and inspire creativity.
With the help of sponsorships and donations, we assist with sending the top science students on to compete at international level events such as the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
We hope that by participating in our various offered events and activities, students will be inspired to strive for knowledge and apply that knowledge throughout their lives to benefit themselves and their communities.
Encouraging our community in art and science through competitive events and educational opportunities.
To provide stability, sustainability, and impact for our community and future generations.
To explore curiosity, promote creative solutions, inspire change, and support student education through art and science.
Inspiring creativity and knowledge.
Dorothy Boyer Heinze founded the Mastodon Art/Science Connection Fair in 1979 in conjunction with early fundraising events for the Mastodon Park, now called the Historic Site. The Mastodon Park Committee held the Fair from 1979-1993 at the Historic Site which was adequate for the 15-165 students that participated. In 1991, Eva Kirkpatrick became director of the Fair and due to the growth in participants, the Fair was moved to Jefferson College in Hillsboro. The Mastodon State Historic Site now displays winning projects for public viewing at the museum each year.
In 1992, the Fair became a 501(c)3 organization separate from the Mastodon Historic Site. We receive no state or federal funding, and all of the operating and award expenses must be raised each year. The Mastodon Park Committee continues to be a sponsor of the Fair.
I have been on the Board since February of 2017 in the capacity of Treasurer. My wife and I have two children. As a student I participated in the Fair and was a Blue Ribbon Winner in 1992. I enjoy working with the community and making a difference in people’s lives.
My history with the Fair spans over 25 years. I rejoined the Board in May of 2018 want to help promote the Fair throughout the community.
I am a member of Kiwanis, and have been with the Fair for ten plus years. My reason for being with the Fair is that I want the kids involved in the Fair to someday be able to come and work diligently and happily in a position like I am.
I came onto the Board in February of 2020. My position at Jefferson College has had my knowledge of the Fair close for 22 years. After having attended the Nite at the Races event for 10 or so years, it was just a matter of time before I became more closely involved. I believe the Fair is a good way to help our youth with scholarships. Helping the students involved in the Fair is important to me, that is why I am on the Board.
We strongly encourage feedback and would love to hear from you. We are going through a lot of changes lately and we want to ensure we meet the needs of our community.
We typically open registration as early as October, so please check back later. We’re working hard to take your feedback and build a bigger and better Art and Science fair. We look forward to seeing you there!
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