Who we are

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.

Counties we currently support

Our Mission

Encouraging our community in art and science through competitive events and educational opportunities.

Focus

To provide stability, sustainability, and impact for our community and future generations.

goal

To explore curiosity, promote creative solutions, inspire change, and support student education through art and science.

Vision

Inspiring creativity and knowledge.

History

1979

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.

1992

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.

1997

After negotiations with the Greater St. Louis Fair, the Mastodon Fair received their Regional Charter on August 7, 1997. The affiliation with the Science Service in Washington, D.C. followed in September, 1997. Vera McCullough, Eva Kirkpatrick’s daughter, became director of the Fair in Spring 2000. During her directorship, the Fair integrated technology solutions enabling the processing of each of the 2000+ students in one day as well as sending the first ever observers to the International Fair. In Spring 2002, there were a total of 2500 entries with 1700 Art projects and 800 Science projects entered into the Fair.

2002

The transfer of the director position to Jill (Thomas) Malcom, an original participant in the Fair in 1979, occurred in the Spring of 2002. By 2005, the Fair held the status of being the largest combined Art and Science Fair in the United States and started using an invented online registration system to automate the entry process. In order to sustain the growth, full-time leadership was needed, and on July 1, 2006 the Fair hired Jill Malcom as the first full-time paid Executive Director position. Previously, from 1979 to 2006, the Fair had been completely run by volunteers.

2006-2007

In 2006, the name of the Fair was changed to the Mastodon Art/Science Regional Fair to pave the way for expanding the Fair’s service area. In 2007, the Fair invited 9-12th grade students from Washington, Franklin, and Crawford counties to participate and officially expanded our ISEF affiliation.

2010

2010 had almost 3,000 students participate in both art and science, with K-12th grade students from Franklin, Washington, Crawford and Jefferson Counties being invited.

2016

In 2016 Mastodon Fair Winners Nick Wamsley and Luke Little represented our region at the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), an international science fair with 70 countries top projects represented. Little won an Honorable Mention for his project and Wamsley won First Place in Microbiology! This is a first for a Mastodon Fair student and put the Fair on the map for the quality of projects students from our region produce! See more about these projects HERE.

2020-2021

The 2020 Fair unfortunately was cancelled due to COVID-19. In July we were able to hold a Seniors Only Event. All other projects will be invited to the 2021 Fair. 2020-2021 welcomed six new Missouri counties: Callaway, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, and Phelps.

Meet The Board

Officers

Bill Johns

I became a Board Member in February of 2017. My wife and I have three sons; recently I retired from Jefferson County Parks Department. Currently I volunteer with the Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts for over 10 years, the Elks, and also as a martial arts instructor. My previous involvement with the Fair was judging science in the late 90’s and helping wherever needed. I became a part of the Fair to assist in the day to day operations of the Far.

Jane Breeze

I became a member of the Board in March of 2019. My husband and I have four sons. My sons have participated in the art division for several years. I became involved with the Fair to help continue its legacy and promote growth in the areas of art and science.

Lindsay Marlow

My tenure with the Board started in May of 2018. I have volunteered at many places over the years and it is a passion of mine to help. My daughter has been in the Fair several times over the years. We loved Family Day and looked forward to coming to the Fair each year. I am on the Board because I love to volunteer and I love kids! This is a great way to help and make a positive impact on a large number of kids and the community.

Jacob Ginger

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.

Samantha DeClue

I started with the Fair in February of 2018. Previously I volunteered with the Crystal City Elementary PTO, Girls Scouts, and Cub Scouts. My children participated several times in the art division. I enjoy being able to see the creativity these students have and oversee the opportunities the Fair has to offer them.

Members

Rick Fischer

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.

Sharon Greco

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.

Anthony Merseal

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.

Hal Neisler

I joined the Board in April of 2024.

Meagan Zimmer Breeze

I became a Fair Board Member in February of 2022. My youngest daughter won in her division several years ago and we have been volunteering on and off ever since. I love the idea of having Jefferson County budding artists and scientists come together for one event. We have so much talent in our County!

Fair Committee

Brandy Phipps-Stamps

In December of 2018 I stepped on as the Art Director to get back into working in the arts and to help in my community. Since then, I have fallen in love with what I do. Enjoyment is the word that comes to mind when I think of the fair. I enjoy working with fellow passionate artists and community leaders.

Vera McCullough

Lindsay Marlow

My tenure with the Board started in May of 2018. I have volunteered at many places over the years and it is a passion of mine to help. My daughter has been in the Fair several times over the years. We loved Family Day and looked forward to coming to the Fair each year. I am on the Board because I love to volunteer and I love kids! This is a great way to help and make a positive impact on a large number of kids and the community.

Art Review Committee

Kira Baker

Sonja Ecton

Science Review Committee

Diane Rockwell

Charles Freeman

Shane Gordon

Feedback

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.

Oh no!

Registration is closed

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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