By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — New Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz sees the fair as going well thus far, even if it isn't quite business as usual.
"It has been phenomenal," Schulz said. "The people I've talked to out on the grounds are very happy, so excited that the fair is back on and they are planning on being here all week long."
Schulz clarified that any restrictions on the fairgrounds are recommendations.
"What we're recommending is, if you're going into any of the buildings, we're recommending for our staff, for attendees, for volunteers going into buildings, that you're wearing a mask," Schulz said. "It's a recommendation. It is not required. It's a recommendation. When you're on the grounds, the same thing holds. If you feel comfortable wearing your mask, please do. We have 100,000 masks throughout the grounds, so if you need one, we've got it. When you're out on the grounds, maintain your six feet of social distancing and be aware of your surroundings."
The hope is that COVID is something the fair can put behind it in the coming years.
"I would love to say that there's nothing that can stop a fair," Schulz said. "Everybody's got it in their heart. It's a tradition, it's memories and things like that, but, you know, as we all know, last year's fair did get stopped because of it. We're just hoping that this is the last of it."
The Kansas State Fair continues through September 19.