The 2024 Kansas State Fair has concluded producing its share of happy memories to last a lifetime.
Opening of the 1861 Club was a watershed moment in the history of the fair and the public response exceeded all expectations.
An out-of-town builder was observed during the first weekend of the fair circling the building’s interior gazing at the beams which give strength to the structure. Inquiring about his curiosity, he responded the club was like what they build in Europe to last 1,000 years or more. That statement is a great testimonial to the small group of individuals who drew the blueprint for this gem on the fairgrounds.
And, who could not be impressed with the 80 high school bands from across Kansas, some of which arose in the wee hours of the morning to travel 250 miles or more, mostly on two-lane highways to perform at the Fairgrounds. As one band director said, “We need to be back on the road to arrive home in time for football practice late in the afternoon.”
These hearty band members were supported by their parents and grandparents who traveled the same highways and bi-ways to watch their family members showcase their talents to fairgoers.
As a judge for outdoor exhibits, it was refreshing to see the new farm equipment options, lawn mowers and small buildings on display. It was reaffirmation of how much farming has changed in mechanization since my youth, growing up on the family farm near New Cambria.
Customers to the Kansas Fairgrounds Merchandise Store seemed prouder than ever to take home a shirt emblazoned with a pig, dog, or other animal somehow synonymous with their attendance at this year’s fair.
One fairgoer, commenting on multiple innovations on the fairgrounds including enhanced lighting to new paved streets, complimented the leadership of the State Fair and said, “it is more apparent every year that the Kansas State Fair is headed in the right direction.”
What I presume the fairgoer was saying is that the Kansas State Fair has “momentum” to take us through the challenging times ahead.
Now is no time to rest on our laurels, but as the old expression goes, “put the pedal to the metal and proceed to the next level of excellence.” Let us all plan to meet at 11 a.m., Friday, September 5, 2025 to open the 112th Kansas State Fair. The best is yet to come.
-Richard Shank