SEPT. 6-15 HUTCHINSON, KS 2019 VISITOR GUIDE CELEBRATING ALL THINGS KANSAS GUIDE SPONSORED BY: GROUNDS FAIR FEATURED MAP SCHEDULE EVENTS A MESSAGE TABLE OF FROM THE GOVERNOR CONTENTS Welcome to the Kansas Please stop by our booth at the Fair, which will LIVESTOCK State Fair! feature highlights of rural Kansas and our new Office of Rural Prosperity, charged with creating This outstanding event a quality of life in rural Kansas communities that Grand Drive 8 has a rich and colorful is second to none. history, tracing its roots to Equine Experiences 9 the 1870s when a group of Of course, our State Fair always draws folks from businessmen organized a towns of all sizes — rural, urban and suburban. local fair in a small wooden It’s easy to see why. The State Fair offers fun and livery stable behind ATTRACTIONS interesting activities designed to help people of Hutchinson’s only bank. all ages better understand the heritage of rural Even though the second year of the local fair was communities and the state as a whole. Contests 10 scuttled by an epic invasion of grasshoppers, the In an era of so much competition for time, Explore KS Festival 22 townsfolk weren’t deterred. They pushed on, the Kansas State Fair remains an outstanding as Kansans do, and organized the First Annual Popular 24 attraction, and for good reason. Regardless of Reno County Fair. the year or even decade, it’s difficult to pass up Animals & Education 26 Some 40 years later, the local event blossomed the State Fair’s bounty of interesting exhibits, into what’s now known as the Kansas State Fair. outstanding entertainment and delectable treats. In the many decades since, the State Fair has Thank you to the many organizers and patrons created lasting memories for generations of SCHEDULES who make this event possible every year. Kansans and others who’ve headed here to take in a wonderful variety of events. Enjoy the Kansas State Fair! Daily Themes 12 Agriculture is the lifeblood of our state, and Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand 16 central to our identity as Kansans. Much of what you’ll see at the Fair is a reflection of the Free Concert Series 17 captivating beauty of our rural landscape and LAURA KELLY Midway / Rides 18 small towns. Governor of Kansas Kansas Talent 28 MAP & SPONSORS A MESSAGE Fairgrounds Map 14 FROM THE GM Fair Sponsors 20 Since its establishment in 1913, the Fair has professional tram service to make accessing served as a celebration of all things Kansas. the Fairgrounds easier. Meanwhile, the equine NEW IN 2019 Bringing people to Hutchinson from across the facilities (Expo and Expo ll) will have a new line state, the Fair is a unique way to experience of events that will be much more spectator KSF App 4 everything Kansas has to offer, all in one place. friendly. And, finally, our Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand entertainment is exceptional. Taste of the Fair 5 There are several changes this year that will Listen Up! 6 improve the visitor experience. First, a new In addition to a great lineup in the Grandstand, Kansas State Fair app will help you navigate we have moved the Tuesday and Thursday the Fairgrounds, find that new fair food and grandstand performances to Bretz and Young discover shows and events — such as activity Injury Lawyers Arena. This free concert series in the birthing center. Trams-R-Us will provide offers the chance to see — at the Kansas State Fair — rising stars you are sure The Kansas State Fair is a destination where to hear more from in the future. family and friends can come together to You will have seen them first at make lasting memories. We are excited ABOUT JENNISON the Kansas State Fair. about the 2019 Fair, and our Fair board, staff and volunteers hope you have a great time. Robin Jennison, a native of Lane County, There are plenty of traditions We are here to assist you in any way we can. Kansas, took the helm of the Kansas State that await you. Catch a show Fair in late September 2018. Jennison is a in the livestock barns, listen former state lawmaker and Speaker of to a Kansas entertainer on the Kansas House. He previously served our free stages, enjoy the 4-H as the Kansas Secretary of Wildlife, Parks activities and watch marching and Tourism. This will be his first official band competitions. Or, scope Kansas State Fair as general manager. out vendor booths and devour ROBIN JENNISON your favorite Fair food. General Manager, Kansas State Fair 2 2019 KANSAS STATE FAIR WWW.KANSASSTATEFAIR.COM Credit Union Membership. It just makes cents. We are a full-service financial institution offering a wide range of banking services including: • Consumer and Mortgage Loans • Savings, Checking, Certificates of Deposits, and IRA Accounts • FREE Online and Mobile Banking • FREE Bill Pay Service • FREE Debit Cards • FREE ATMs • FREE E-Statements Abilene Independence Montezuma Wichita 504 N Buckeye 123 E Main 301 North Alvarado 3100 E. Central Suite B Abilene, KS 67410 Independence, KS 67301 Montezuma, KS 67867 Wichita, KS 67214 Phone: (785) 263-2309 Phone: (620) 331-4060 Phone: (620) 846-2204 Phone: (316) 684-1500 ~ Columbus Drive-Thru: 200 East Main Salina 510 North East Ave Independence, KS 64301 2061 South Ohio Columbus, KS 66725 Phone:(620) 331-4060 Salina, KS 67401 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Phone: (620) 429-4688 Phone: (785) 825-4621 LENDER McPherson ~ Hillsboro 720 North Main 605 South Ohio 110 West D Street McPherson, KS 67460 Salina, KS 67401 Hillsboro, KS 67063 Phone: (620) 241-4181 Phone: (785) 823-9226 Phone: (620) 947-3933 www.greatplainsfcu.com GreatWWW.KANSASSTATEFAIR.COM Plains Federal Credit Union…Be More Than Just2019 KANSASA Customer STATE FAIR 3 WHAT’S NEW? PLAN YOUR FUN AT A LOT! YOUR FINGERTIPS! TRAMS You spoke. We listened. Trams will again circle the grounds during the 2019 Kansas Find your way. Save your favorites. Purchase tickets. Have more fun! State Fair thanks to a generous sponsorship from Westar Energy and Alliance for a Healthy Kansas. Want to find the The new trams, rented from Trams R Us, nearest cheese curds? are self-contained with company-provided Need a bathroom in a drivers. These trams offer a safe way to hurry? Searching for navigate the Fairgrounds. Check out the a product — maybe a new Fair map in the guide or on our app for new mop or a fancy tram stop locations. grill — to help make your life easier? EQUINE PARADE AND Or, perhaps, you just OPENING CEREMONIES don’t want to miss any The 2019 Fair will kick off with a draft and of the Kansas State miniature horse parade at 5 p.m. Friday, Fair action. Sept. 6, followed by opening ceremonies at 5:30 p.m. at Gottschalk Park. The answers — plus more — can be found in the Kansas State NEW BRAND Fair’s new mobile app. The Kansas State Fair unveiled its new The app, sponsored by sunflower blue ribbon brand in January. See The Kansas Mattress Hub, is free the new signage around the grounds, plus State Fair App is to download for both stop by our new merchandise booth at Gate sponsored by: iPhone and Android 9 to buy branded items and apparel. devices. It will help plan your day at the Fair. PRIDE OF KANSAS STAGE Hear from Kansans about the exciting things they are doing in their communities. What it includes: PHOTO WIN SOME The new stage is located in the Pride of HUNT KSF SWAG Kansas Building. ACCESS A scavenger hunt will take Enter to win prizes, THE DAILY fairgoers around the grounds including concert tickets, CONSTRUCTION CAREERS SCHEDULE to different locations where gate admission, T-shirts. ALLIANCE FOR KANSAS they can take photos and win Construction careers will be highlighted Stay up-to-date with all our free prizes. events, contests, free concerts REAL-TIME daily in an interactive exhibit in the and much more. NOTIFICATIONS Ad Astra Building. NEWS No need to worry & FAQ BUY TICKETS about missing TALKING TOMBSTONE Get the latest weather, the action in the Don’t have your Nex- TRAIN TOURS - parking and everything birthing center or that FRIDAY, SEPT. 6 Tech Wireless Grandstand else you need to know next pig race. We’ll send Travel back to the early days of the Kansas concert tickets purchased? when planning your trip. notifications on the day’s State Fair on the Talking Tombstone Train No worries! Purchasing tickets happenings, whether it is Tour. This unique event is in partnership through the app is easy! news about an upcoming PLAN YOUR DAY with Hutchinson’s Stage 9. Learn about concert or when the next Create daily schedules of four real people who were instrumental INTERACTIVE calf will be born. FAIRGROUNDS MAP must-see music, events, in building the Fair’s foundation while entertainment and more. riding the KSF Railroad. Purchase tickets in Navigate the grounds advance at the Fair's Ticket Office or call easily with our (620) 669-3618 to purchase tickets. GPS-based map. DISCOVER MORE FOOD FINDER new Fair features inside our guide Find those once-a- year Fair food favorites. Learn more about all the new and traditional foods on this year’s FREE CONCERT SERIES PRONTO PUP EXPLORE KANSAS menu. The new Tuesday and Thursday free concert EATING CONTEST FESTIVAL series features up-and-coming national Put your Pronto Pup eating Discover Kansas communities WHAT’S HOT entertainers that you can see first at the skills to the test. Learn more at this first-ever festival.