By ROD ZOOK and NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two world wars, The Great Depression, and 9/11 could not stop the Kansas State Fair from continuing each year. In 2020, the pandemic has won out. On Monday, the fair board decided to cancel the fair.
"I got a couple of letters that were just really frustrated that we would make a decision about the state fair over finances, when it's really about the 4-H and the kids coming up here," said Fair General Manager Robin Jennison Monday. "That's great, but people need to understand that what makes it possible for us to do all of that are the vendors and the sponsors that are in partnership with the Kansas State Fair. When we don't have those, it's really going to limit our ability to do some of those things."
Although the fair felt it could run the event in a safe manner, many vendors opted not to attend since many area fairs were canceled. It is the intent of the fair to still have some sort of livestock show and the fair board wants to see other 4-H related exhibits go forward as well, but details are still to be worked out.
"We're going to have to have help and finances," said Fair Board Chairman Harmon Bliss. "We're entertaining those. We want to do those things. It's just, as time permits, how are we going to put those things together, so, by all means, if you've got ideas, contact Robin, contact staff."
Word the fair would be canceled was first reported on Thursday, but action by the board Monday morning made it official. The Fair Board will have its next meeting August 4th via Zoom to work on any reduced scope proposals brought forward.
All gate admission tickets, packages and food tickets already purchased will be valid for the 2021 Kansas State Fair. Staff is currently working to reschedule the 2020 Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand lineup. If rescheduled, those tickets also will be honored at next year’s Fair. How to obtain refunds will be announced soon.
More information is posted on the Fair’s website - kansasstatefair.com.
The 2021 Kansas State Fair is Sept. 10-19.