NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said they are on pace for what used to be a usual fair crowd prior to the pandemic, as they had over 180,000 in attendance through Wednesday.
"Our numbers continue to go up," Schulz said. "With a little bit of the wind yesterday, I think carnival was down a little bit, but overall, I think they are staying a little bit ahead of what they did last year, which was a record breaking year. I think the rain that we had overnight and this morning was a Godsend for everybody. It cleaned up all the dust on the grounds. We're there. We have three days left to go and it's going to be phenomenal."
The grandstand shows thus far have brought diverse audience, and they have been profitable, speaking generally.
"We look at the cost that we have to pay for that," Schulz said. "That's why at the meetings, I say it's so much percentage, 150%, that means that we've paid for the band and the rest is over and above that. Just about every one, except for one so far, has paid for itself and then added. We know that our motorsports are walkups, but they've always paid for themselves. Tonight, with Tech N9ne and Blane Howard, the Lottery event and the Chiefs, I think that's going to be a big draw, tomorrow with Chingy and T.I., again, a great walkup crowd and then Sunday with racing, I think that's going to be a great way to close out the Fair."
The KC Chiefs Rumble drumline will be performing on the grounds Friday afternoon starting at 4:45 p.m., thanks to Sleep Shoppe and Furniture Gallery, along with KC Wolf and then they will head in to play for the grandstand crowd that is here for Tech N9ne and Blane Howard.