One week from this morning, many of us will be huddled into the Heartland Credit Union Pavilion to open the 2026 Kansas State Fair.
Following the 11 a.m. grand opening and the approaching noon hour, fairgoers will probably be seeking their favorite eating establishment for a relaxing lunch.
This time of year makes the fair junkie somewhat nostalgic. My first experience attending the State Fair, a few days in advance of my ninth birthday, was love at first sight, and have missed few since that distant time. We entered through the north gate, which then was located about 200 feet north of the Bison Building. The first people we saw were two of our closest neighbors.
The Kansas State Fair creates memories that last a lifetime. Former Governor John Carlin fondly remembers exhibiting cattle at the fair as a youngster, when he was not even 10 years old.
For me, my most sobering memory was 9/11, which was coincidentally Governor’s Day. Governor Bill Graves who grew up in Salina was no stranger to the fair and arrived composed as always and fulfilled his responsibilities. Before departing, Governor Graves and the Fair’s board of directors reached a decision that the Fair would continue, and it did.
My favorite memories include some of the grandstand shows featuring the greats and near greats of the entertainment world. In 1991, Garth Brooks was an Oklahoma State University Psychology graduate that was on the way up. The State Fair booked him and two years later, after he had hit the pinnacle when it came to singing, Garth returned for an encore performance.
Who could forget a 1988 show by Comedian Red Skelton, the funniest man I have ever seen on a stage. Halfway through his two-hour performance when one of his jokes failed to create audience reaction, he turned to look at the back of the stage and yelled out “start the car” and then everyone roared in laughter.
I must admit to having attended the 1961 Fair, which occurred during Kansas’ centennial. The Today Show was broadcast each morning from the grandstands and fairgoers were more than a little startled to see Hugh Downs and Barbara Walters, who cohosted the show, walking the midway.
Naysayers are heard to say Fairs are the same from year to year, which is inaccurate. There are always new exhibits, farm equipment, more options for lawn mowers than I can count along with the opportunity to reconnect with old friends who are taking in the Fair.
Let’s all plan to attend the Fair this year and create some new memories to pass along to our families and friends who will take our lead and create the next generation of fairgoers.
See you at the 2026 Kansas State Fair.
-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.
