Some changes coming to the Kansas State Fair this year

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (KSNW) – Many Kansans have a tradition of attending the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, but there will be some changes this year.

The Kansas State Fair administration aims to reach 350,000 people over its 10-day run, breaking its pre-COVID numbers.

“During the fair, I have the opportunity to go around and talk to people. If somebody comes out here and they’ve been coming, you know, 50 years, 60 years, whatever it is, that kind of tells us that what we’re doing is going in the direction that they want. We also ask them, ‘How can we improve?” Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said.

They hope improvement leads to larger numbers, which calls for new features. One of those new features is a mobile app designed to keep things running smoothly with the potentially larger crowd.

“We’ll type in ‘Pronto Pup,'” demonstrated Schulz. “It’ll show you exactly where the closest one is, which we’re right here.”

Fairgoers can buy tickets, search maps of the grounds, check daily schedules and find concessions.

Friday’s grand opening will also coincide with a brand-new building, the 1861 Club.

“Anytime you have something new on the fairgrounds, I think it encourages people to come to the Fair if they haven’t been here in a while. We’re ready for the gates to open and for people to walk in and see this building,” said James Fisher, the executive director of the Kansas Fairgrounds Association.

Fisher says the 1861 Club venue will be available for more than just the fair, keeping its doors open year-round. One of his goals for the building is to generate additional revenue when the fair goes.

Matt Hall, Hutchinson native and owner of Hall Family Foods, has seven concession stands at the fair.

“85 to 90% of fairgoers, they want fair food. They want the corn dogs, the funnel cakes,” he said.

“Their job is to put the people on the fairgrounds. Our job is to make sure they have a fun and exciting time while they’re here,” said Hall.

For concessioners like Hall, they say they’re more than up to the challenge.

Schulz says that in addition to the big changes like the app and new building, they’ve made several smaller adjustments to encourage greater numbers. These include new lighting, sound systems and pavement.

The Kansas State Fair runs from Sept. 6-15 at the Fairgrounds, 2000 N. Poplar in Hutchinson. Head to the fair’s website to learn more.

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