New Mural Celebrates Sedalia’s Aviation & State Fair Legacy
A new mural honoring the historic 1910 Wright Brothers flight over the Missouri State Fairgrounds is now nearing completion at 608 S. Ohio Avenue in Downtown Sedalia. Selected by the Sedalia Main Streets Design Committee in partnership with the building owner, this mural replicates a vintage postcard image commemorating one of Sedalia’s most iconic moments.
In 1910, the Wright Brothers famously exhibited their flying machine over the Missouri State Fairgrounds — an event that captivated crowds and secured a place in local aviation history. The mural not only pays tribute to that early aviation milestone but also highlights Sedalia’s long-standing connection to the State Fair and its roots in Missouri’s agricultural and railroad legacy.
The artist behind the mural is HAVRE Graffiti, selected through a collaborative process between the building owner and the Sedalia Main Streets Design Committee. Final approval for all mural projects comes from the Sedalia Main Streets Board of Directors, following program guidelines established by the Missouri Main Street Connection.
“We’re proud to work with building owners, talented artists, and our community partners to bring vibrant public art to downtown,” said Lucas Richardson, local artist and Chairman of the Sedalia Main Streets Design Committee. “These murals connect us to our past while adding creative energy to the spaces we share every day.”
Located on the south-facing wall of Ohio Hair Company, the mural is part of the broader beautification and revitalization efforts led by the Sedalia Main Streets Program. The building was selected after successfully completing the program’s multi-step application and review process. Other recent murals have helped energize the Historic Downtown District, with more installations planned for the coming year.
The Sedalia Main Streets Mural Program is one component of a comprehensive revitalization strategy guided by the City of Sedalia’s Downtown Strategic Plan, first developed in 2010 under the D.R.E.A.M. initiative. Projects currently underway include alley activation, streetscaping, bench installations, and expanded community art efforts — all designed to create a more vibrant and welcoming downtown for residents and visitors alike.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the mural’s completion will take place at 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, just in time for the opening week of the Missouri State Fair. Community members are encouraged to attend and help celebrate this new addition to Sedalia’s historic downtown. Ohio Hair Company, the host location, will also be recognized for their participation in the program.
Downtown business or building owners interested in submitting a Downtown Mural Application are encouraged to contact the City of Sedalia’s Planner and Downtown Specialist, Malinda Geiger, at mgeiger@sedalia.com for more information.