HUTCHINSON Kan. (July 15, 2025) – The Kansas State Fair Board met this morning to address a range of updates and approvals ahead of the upcoming State Fair, scheduled for September 5th through the 14th. Key discussions included enhancing public safety, exciting new merchandise offerings, and a crucial infrastructure assessment.
The Board approved the Outside Entertainment Policy, pending revisions from the Kansas Attorney General. This new policy aims to bolster safety for both performers and the public. Under the revised guidelines, entertainment vehicles will be limited to two per act and will not be permitted to drive through the fairgrounds unescorted. This measure seeks to prevent overcrowding around vendor booths and ensure a safer environment for fairgoers.
Livestock enthusiasts can mark their calendars as the schedule for the Kansas State Fair livestock competitions has been finalized. Updates and detailed information are available on the “Kansas State Fair Livestock Competitions” Facebook page. Events include the Wild Horse Youth Challenge Reunion Show, a jackpot obstacle speed challenge, stick horse races, and the highly anticipated Grand Drive shows featuring cattle, sheep, swine, and goats. All judges for the Grand Drive have been slated. The regular entry deadline for the grand drive is midnight tonight. Late entries will be accepted until noon on July 25th, though a late fee will apply, and no entries will be accepted after this time.
In exciting news for fair attendees with a sweet tooth, salt water taffy is making a triumphant return! James Fisher of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation announced that due to its popularity as the second most inquired-about item at the merchandise table, 10,000 eight-ounce bags of taffy will be available for purchase at the official Kansas State Fair Merchandise Booth. Fisher also revealed a significant change to T-shirt logistics. This year, State Fair T-shirts will be print-on-demand, offering greater customization. Printing presses will be set up on-site, allowing visitors to select their preferred T-shirt, hoodie, or long-sleeved tee, choose their logo, and have their personalized shirt printed right there.
The Fair Board also approved a contract change with Nex-Tech Wireless, granting them permission to add T-Mobile to their existing tower on the fairgrounds. While this addition will not generate additional income for the fair, as Nex-Tech Wireless operates on a flat monthly fee, it will enhance wireless service for fair attendees.
Beyond the fairgrounds, Salt City Racing is gearing up for an action-packed weekend. The USAC Silver Crown Salt City 100 will take place this Friday and Saturday, with at least 20 Silver Crown cars expected to compete. Racing legend Ken Schrader will also be in attendance, participating in a meet and greet on Saturday and bringing his A-mod for Friday’s race.
Finally, the Kansas State Fair Board approved an expense of $105,000 for Landmark Architects to conduct a comprehensive building facilities assessment. This assessment will encompass 30-40 buildings and aims to provide the Fair Board with crucial information for accurate budgeting, helping to prevent unexpected expenditures. Landmark Architects is expected to present their findings to the board at the March meeting.
