On this the first Friday of March, and after what seems like a long, cold, and snowy winter, we have much to anticipate two weeks in advance of the first day of spring March 20. 

Gardeners have only 10 days to prepare a spot for planting potatoes March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, which for centuries has been deemed the optimum time to put spuds in the ground, reputedly an assurance the planter will reap a bountiful crop. Then, in May, it will be time to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, pumpkins, and other edibles we hope to harvest in July or later. 

With the advent of spring, most people feel energized and make March resolutions for returning to healthy habits, which may have been put on hold during the winter months. What better time to take a brisk walk on the nearly 300 acres of the Kansas State Fairgrounds and observe the manicured grounds. You might even witness one of the approximately 600 non-fair events taking place, including everything from wedding rehearsal dinners at the 1861 Club to horse shows and health fairs. And, during the walk, look at all the flowers peeking through the ground as if to confirm spring has officially arrived. 

What our forefathers created (the official Kansas State Fair) in 1913 remains unbroken 112 years later, and getting better with age. Hutchinson, assisted by great staff personnel and a few thousand volunteers, have kept our end of the bargain for an event that gets better with age. 

On a recent visit to Topeka for meetings at the Kansas Legislature, during a conversation with a pair of lawmakers whose districts are far from Hutchinson, both inquired about the latest happenings at the Kansas State Fair. The only answer I could give was “plenty all the time.” Both legislators told of great family times spent at the fair, which created lifelong memories. 

So, let us enjoy these spring days, and don’t forget to change the oil in the lawn mowers and sharpen the blades at the same time. 

Perhaps, most importantly, we are only six months away from the start of the 2025 Kansas State Fair; so mark your calendars for 11 a.m., Friday, September 5 for the opening ceremonies at the Peoples Bank and Trust Arena.

-Richard Shank