We launch the month of June slightly more than three months in advance of the start of the 2026 Kansas State Fair.
In the meantime, combines will roll across Kansas’ wheat fields harvesting this year’s crop of the golden grain. And, next month, we will pause to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Some say, the happenings in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776 signaled the founding of the greatest nation on earth.
These historic events make one wonder what prompted the origin of fairs. It comes as no surprise that fairs saw their origin soon after the nation’s start.
From my research, state fairs started as agricultural gatherings. Early in the 19th century, fairs showcased livestock and agricultural innovations. Soon thereafter, carnival rides were added along with live entertainment. And, don’t forget fairs offered multiple dining options, some healthy and others unhealthy.
Now, if you want to get into ancient trivia, the first known fair in North America was held in Novia Scotia, in 1765, and exists to this day.
In 1841, New York held the nation’s first State Fair in Syracuse. Eight years later, Michigan got into the act hosting the second State Fair in Detroit.
Throughout existence, state fairs adapted to unforeseen circumstances including war and economic downtowns. During the Great Depression, fairs cut expenses in order to survive. And, during World War II, fairgoers were urged to purchase war bonds.
In times of war, the military needed scrap metal to produce everything from guns to tanks. During World War II President Franklin D. Roosevelt put out a call for Americans to donate their scrap metal. So, during the early 1940s, farmers could be seen arriving at the Kansas State Fair with pickup loads of iron and metal to aid the war effort.
The only states that do not host a state fair are Rhode Island and Connecticut.
As we know, the first official Kansas State Fair was held in Hutchinson in September 1913. From what is written, Hutchinson was picked following a contentious debate at the Kansas Legislature.
The success of the first 112 Kansas State Fairs is reaffirmation that those pioneer lawmakers, with a lot of push from Hutchinson’s Senator Emerson Carey, made a wise choice in picking the Salt City as the permanent home of the Kansas State Fair.
A recent drive through the fairgrounds is proof that no one is standing still with multiple enhancements to buildings and grounds in progress.
As the old expression goes, our greatest days are yet to come.
-Richard Shank
Kansas State Fair Ambassador
Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board Member
About the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Founded in 2003, KFF’s mission is to further the renovation, construction, preservation and beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds with a vision of inspiring excellence and understanding of Kansas agriculture, industry and culture through the Kansas State Fair, activities, educational programs and opportunities. The Foundation exists to enrich the unforgettable memories and traditions people experience only at the Kansas State Fair and at the 500+ events on the Fairgrounds year-round.
