MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of Reno County’s largest and longest-running annual events returns this week as the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale takes over the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
Now in its 58th year, the two-day event begins Friday afternoon and continues through Saturday, drawing thousands of visitors to Hutchinson, Kansas for food, auctions and community fellowship—all supporting global humanitarian efforts.
Jim Robb, the Chairman for the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale says the sale has deep roots in the region, with most of its history tied to Hutchinson. Over time, the event has expanded to use much of the west side of the fairgrounds, accommodating a wide range of activities and vendors.
The sale serves as a major fundraiser for the Mennonite Central Committee, an international relief organization that supports projects such as disaster response, food security, clean water initiatives and refugee assistance.
Preparations for the event are already underway, with volunteers moving equipment, auction items and supplies into place throughout the week. The sale relies on a large volunteer base. Robb estimates that thousands of individuals contribute their time each year to make the event possible.
Activities officially begin at 4 p.m. Friday, highlighted by the popular “Feeding of the Multitudes,” which features traditional Mennonite dishes including verenika, borscht and New Year’s cookies. A silent auction and general auction will also open Friday evening.
Saturday’s schedule includes breakfast beginning at 7 a.m., followed by a full day of events such as the Run for Relief, children’s auction and large-scale quilt and vehicle auctions. Organizers say more than 190 quilts are expected to be auctioned this year, one of the event’s signature attractions.
The event concludes Saturday afternoon with a surplus auction, offering remaining food and goods.
Beyond the food and festivities, Robb emphasizes that the broader mission behind the sale—raising funds to support humanitarian work around the world while bringing the local community together.
The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale runs Friday and Saturday at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Activities begin at 4 p.m. on Friday and 7 a.m. on Saturday.