A Family Guide to the Kansas State Fair


Thank you to the Kansas State Fair for sponsoring this guide and offering fall fun for the whole family!

>>GET YOUR TICKETS HERE<<

2019 Kansas State Fair
September 6-15
Hutchinson, KS

Click here for a 2019 Map of the Fairgrounds

Click here for the 2019 Fairgrounds Calendar

The Kansas State Fair is the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer with the whole family.

It’s that time of year when you can get your fill of deep-fried goodness. It’s that time of year when you can take a ride on Ye Old Mill, see racing pigs, giant pumpkins and beautifully crafted quilts. There is live music, livestock shows, buildings filled with wares and so much more.

People from all over our great state and beyond flock to the fair in September, which kicks off Sept. 6. No matter if this is your first time to the Fair or your first year with a toddler (or big kid ready to check out the rides) in tow or a seasoned Fair veteran, we want to help guide you through Fairgrounds. Here is our favorite must-see spots for your family.

GETTING THERE

Location

Hutchinson has been the site of the official Kansas State Fair since 1913. The Fairgrounds is located at 2000 N. Poplar, Hutchinson. 

Directions

If you’re coming from Wichita, it’s easy to get to Hutchinson:

1 – Take K-96 West until you get to the Yoder exit. Head north on Yoder road into Hutchinson, past the airport and it will turn into 17th Street. This road will take you right to the fairgrounds. If you want to avoid congestion during busy times, cut north to 30th Street and then come into the north side of the grounds on Plum or Main.

2 – If you’re aiming for the west or northwest side of the grounds, consider taking K-96 to South Hutchinson and continue north to downtown Hutchinson, where you can take either Adams Street or Main Street. This avoids congestion on 17th and 23rd.

 3 – Take I-35 North to Newton and head west on Highway 50 to the Yoder Road/Airport Road exit. Exit right and head north past the airport where it turns into 17th Street. This road will take you straight to the fairgrounds.

WHEN TO GO

Mornings and weekdays are much less crowded—perfect for kids 5 and under. Rides like the train and giant slide are open in the mornings with short lines. If you have older children focused on the midway, start in the livestock barns and exhibit buildings, as the carnival is not usually open in the morning—and sometimes not until later in the afternoon. Watch the schedule.

PARKING

There are a lot of places to park around the Fairgrounds.

  • Free lots: There are several businesses near the Fairgrounds that offer paid parking, but the Fair does offer FREE parking. Plus, it is easy to park and ride our free shuttle service to and from the gates, so there is really no need to pay the extra $5-$10 to park.
  • Parking Lots A and B: North of the Fairgrounds, these lots are the closest to the 4-H Centennial Hall and the Encampment Building.
  • Parking Lot C: East of the grandstand. Perfect for concerts, animal barns and the Midway. You can enter the Fair through either Gate 8 or Gate 9.
  • Matt Shuttle: On weekends, the Fair offers free shuttle trips from the Hutchinson Mall. Shuttles run continuously from the Hutchinson Mall to Gate 1. Look for signs in the southwest parking lot. Hours: Sept 7-8 and Sept. 14 — Noon to 11 p.m.; Sept. 15 — Noon to 8 p.m.

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS

  1. Dillon’s: All Kansas Dillon’s stores are selling advanced gate admission to the Fair, as well as regular-priced tickets during the Fair. Tickets can also be purchased at the Fair’s ticket office at 2000 N. Poplar. 
  2. At the Gate: Only a handful of gates will be selling tickets this year. Purchase your tickets at Gate 1, Gate 3, Gate 4, Gate 5, Gate 7, Gate 8 and Gate 9. Signs will be posted at gates directing patrons to where they can purchase tickets.  
  3. Military Discount and ticket outlet: Show your military ID for $4 gate admission anytime! A new ticket outlet at McConnell Airforce Base is also selling gate admission and Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand Concert Tickets.

Gate Admission Hours: 

11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 6 

7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 7-14 

7 a.m. to 6 p.m Sept. 15

GETTING AROUND

 New Kansas State Fair App

Want to find the nearest cheese curds? Need a bathroom in a hurry? Searching for a product — maybe a new mop or a fancy grill — to help make your life easier? Or, perhaps, you just don’t want to miss any of the Kansas State Fair action. The answers — plus more — can be found in the Kansas State Fair’s new mobile app. The app, sponsored by Mattress Hub, is free to download for both iPhone and Android devices. It will help plan your day at the Fair. It will also send real-time notifications — such as when the next calf at the birthing center is being born.

Trams

Trams will again circle the grounds during the 2019 Kansas State Fair thanks to a generous sponsorship from Westar Energy and Alliance for a Healthy Kansas. The new trams, rented from Trams R Us, are self-contained with company-provided drivers. These trams offer a safe way to navigate the Fairgrounds. Check out the new Fair map in the guide or on our app for tram stop locations.

Information Booths

Information booths will now be located at Gates 5, 8, and 9, plus next to the missile at the Visitor Center. 

A Family Guide to the 2019 Kansas State Fair

NEW THIS YEAR

The Fair is filled with tradition, but there are plenty of new activities for 2019.

Kansas State Fair App

This app, available for Android and Apple devices, provides a daily schedule, interactive map, and featured events all at your fingertips. App users also have the option to receive push notifications so they can be updated on interesting happenings around the grounds (such as a calf being born in The Birthing Center!), and any safety updates. There are also ticket giveaway contests so download early!

2019 Visitor Guide

This 32-page magazine-style guide will highlight all the fun at the 2019 Kansas State Fair. Pick up your free copy at any Kansas Dillon’s Store, or see it online here.

Explore Kansas Festival

This festival — the first weekend of the State Fair — will feature the treasures and attractions found in Kansas communities. More than 40 Kansas communities will be represented from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 7-8 in Gottschalk Park. Other communities and Kansas products are located in the Pride of Kansas Building to the west.

Outdoor Kansas Day

Discover Kansas trails, wildlife, fishing and more during Kansas Outdoor Day Sept 15! Among the Highlights: Learn about archery through the state’s Archery in the Schools Program. Also, Pheasants Forever will have its Daisy BB Gun Range. Plus, Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism will have displays all 10 days in two buildings. Among the attractions: a 3,000-gallon aquarium stocked with Kansas fish.

Bandaloni, the One-Man-Band

Back by popular demand is the one and only Bandaloni. This one-man band performs with bass and rhythm guitar, harmonica, kick drum, two high-hats, snare drum, cowbell and tambourine. And, he can sing. The magic doesn’t end there as Bandaloni is also known for his great sense of humor, audience interaction and novelty guitar tricks. Find him performing daily throughout the Fairgrounds.

Circus Performer

Jason D’Vaude (that’s Vaude as in Vaudeville) is a self-taught one-man circus. The Kansas City entertainer brings his comedic juggling, fire and clowning show to Fair audiences, delighting them with his charming humor and distinct but refined awkwardness. Watch him juggle sharp items, climb up precariously balanced objects, ride an extra tall unicycle and manipulate fire like a master. Look to the sky or spot the flames to find this roaming act on the grounds.

The Strong Man

The Kansas State Fair will have its own version of Superman. Strongman John Beatty can bend steel, flip over cars and pull one-ton pickups. Beatty can also turn a horseshoe into a heart, lift 10 kids in the air at once and drive a nail with his hand. Beatty has performed at world strongman competitions and muscled his way to the quarterfinals on Season 5 of America’s Got Talent. Find him at Grandstand Avenue/Fort Riley Boulevard intersection (by the Lair/Steckline Fountain).

Free Concerts

There is a lot to do and see for the price of gate admission — including two free evening concerts with up-and-coming country acts. Mason Ramsey, the 12-year-old “Little Hank Williams,” will perform Tuesday, Sept. 10. Lindsay Ell, this year’s Country Music Association’s Newcomer of the Year nominee, will take the stage Thursday, Sept. 12, with special guest Madison Kozak. Both concerts are at Bretz and Young Injury Lawyers Arena and start at 7:30 p.m. Ell’s concert is sponsored by First Choice Communications, an authorized AT&T Retailer.

Draft and Miniature Horse Parade

The parade will circle the grounds beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6.

 

DEALS & STEALS

Deals can be found galore when coming to the Kansas State Fair. No matter the size of your family or your budget, there are a wide variety of ways to save throughout the run of the Fair.

Best Deal of the Fair – the Season Pass

One of the best-kept secrets of the fair: the Season Pass! Each pass gives you 10 gate entries on a credit-card style card. You can use 1 entry each day of the Fair, 10 entries all at once, or in any increment.

Season Passes are $40 (a $100 value). Limited quantities available through Sept. 5: http://bit.ly/AdvanceGate

Dillons Dollar Day

Admission on Monday, Sept. 10, is only $1 for everyone. However, it is FREE if you show your Dillons card. Note, each physical card gains one free admission, and you must have the plastic card with you — mobile devices do not count. All carnival rides are also just 1 ticket all day, as well.

Friday Free Morning

The Fair kicks off Sept. 6, and you can get in free if you enter the grounds before 11 a.m.

Family, couples and kids packages

Ticket packs are fantastic deals. Packs must be purchased by Sept. 5, but they usually sell out before the Fair — when they’re gone they’re gone!

  • Family packs are $75 ($135 value) and have 4 adult gate admission tickets, $20 in food tickets, 2 midway sheets of 20 ride tickets and 2 of the 4-ride punch cards good for 1 ride each for the following: State Fair Railroad, Ye Old Mill, Boat Ride on Lake Talbott and the Giant Slide.
  • Kids packs are $20 ($31 value) and have 1 child gate admission ticket, $10 in food tickets, 1 coupon for a ride on the Midway and one of the 4-Ride Punch Cards good for 1 ride each for the following: State Fair Railroad, Ye Old Mill, Boat Ride on Lake Talbott and the Giant Yellow Slide.
  • Couples packs are $40 ($75 value) and have 2 adult gate admission tickets, $20 in food tickets, 1 midway sheet of 20 ride tickets and 2 roundtrip Sky Ride tickets.

Midway Wristbands

Wristbands are $30 and get you unlimited rides on the following days — Sept. 6, 10, 11, 12,13 and 15. As a comparison, ride sheets with 20 tickets are $20 and most rides take 2-4 tickets (except on Dillons Dollar Day, when all rides are 1 ticket).  

$2 Tasting Tuesday: 

Pro-tip, skip Dollar Day and go to the Fair on Tuesday instead. Always wanted to try a deep-fried Oreo? Every State Fair food vendor on the grounds will have $2 mini portions of select items all day on Sept. 10.

 

 

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Pronto Pup Eating Contest

Here’s an excuse to eat all the Pronto Pups you physically can in 10 minutes. And we’re giving out awesome prizes! The $15 entry fee covers your T-shirt and all the Pronto Pups you can eat. Or, come watch the action. The contest takes place at noon, Sunday, Sept. 15 on the Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott. Sponsored by D&J Pronto Pup. 

Legislative Showmanship

Come watch our Kansas legislators and other esteemed guests take a crash course in showing market steers under the mentorship of 4-H and FFA exhibitors. The showmanship takes place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at Prairie Pavilion. Sponsored by Kansas Fairs and Festivals Association.

Celebrity Goat Milking 

Watch local celebrities squeeze their way to the top. Teams include local media, Kansas Highway Patrol and the Kansas State Fair Board. Returning to defend their title and keep the coveted “Golden Goat” trophy is Phil Thompson and Mark Good with 104.5 The Fox. Competition begins at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 at the Sheep, Swine, Goat Building.

Miniature butter sculptures

The butter sculpture in the Pride of Kansas Building is legendary. But this year, you can test your skill at butter sculpting. This first-ever contest takes place at 1 p.m. Sept. 7 in the Pride of Kansas Building. The fair will provide a pound of butter and a few plastic utensils. Participants can bring an additional item such as wire, tubing or special carving tools.

THINGS TO DO

New Education Cener: ***New! With more than 12,000 students visiting Kansas’ Largest Classroom each year, the Fair is expanding its education initiative — creating a learning hub in the middle of the Fairgrounds. Previously called Do-Art, the new Education Center features a variety of activities, including lessons on the importance of pollinators and the growing Kansas dairy industry. Kansas Cosmosphere’s Dr. Goddard’s Lab can be found here. Hours/Location: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at the intersection of Bison Boulevard and Lake Talbott Avenue. Sponsored by Kansas Farm Bureau.

Sudsy’s Barn: ***New! After wandering through the Fair’s livestock areas, stop at Sudsy’s barnyard handwashing station that promotes healthy lifestyles and makes hand washing fun! Hours/Location: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at the corner of 20th and Fort Riley Boulevard. Brought to the Fair by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation.

Birthing Center: Celebrating 25 years, the birthing center is one of the Fair’s top attractions. This one-of-a-kind agricultural education exhibit is the birthplace of calves, lambs, goats, chicks and piglets. Learn about the birthing process from Kansas State University veterinary students — plus gain insight about animal agriculture, food production, veterinary medicine and responsible pet ownership. Hours/Location: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at 20th Avenue and Fort Scott Boulevard.

Moo U: Moo U Barn Tours are guided, 45-minute walks through the world of poultry, beef, dairy, sheep, swine and rabbits. Learn interesting and little-known facts about livestock, such as the many ways animal by-products are used in everyday life. Hours/Location: 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily at the northwest corner of the Fair’s Livestock Annex on 20th Avenue. Sponsored by Kansas Farm Bureau.

Milking Parlor: Witness firsthand how milk makes its way from the farm to your home. Kansas dairy professionals talk about the milking process and answer questions. Hours/Location: Demonstrations are at the top of the hour from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. and at 6 p.m. Located on 20th Avenue between the Dairy Tie Barn and Prairie Pavilion. Sponsored by Southwest Dairy Farmers.

Butterfly Experience: Visit an enclosed butterfly garden and feed the hundreds of butterflies fluttering around — all while learning more about the butterfly life cycle and habitat. Hours/Location: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, east of Lake Talbott.

Pollinator Gardens: What might appear to be just pretty flower gardens is really an attempt to keep the Earth in balance. Several new pollinator garden plots have been planted across the Fairgrounds this year. These gardens are full of native Kansas wildflowers and grasses, attracting butterflies, bees and even bats. With habitat destruction causing declines in monarch butterflies and other pollinating species, the pollinator gardens are part of the Fair’s educational curriculum. Sponsored by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever and Kansas Farm Bureau. 

Dulcimer Petting Zoo: Erin Mae, a mountain dulcimer teacher and folk musician from Wichita, along with friends from the Great Plains Dulcimer Alliance & Hutchinson Mountain Dulcimer Players, will bring an instrumental petting zoo to the Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at the Fair’s House of Capper. Kids (and the young at heart) will have the opportunity to “pet” a variety of acoustic instruments, including mountain dulcimers, autoharps, banjos and more. Come meet the instruments, learn how sounds are created and try to play a tune. Then, make your own noise-making instrument to take home.

Lecompton Bleeding Kansas Reenactors: These reenactors, part of the Fair’s new Explore Kansas Weekend Sept. 7-8, will depict a 1850s town hall meeting, reflecting the sentiments of that time regarding slavery in Kansas and the eventual vote settlers would take to determine if their new state constitution would allow or prohibit slavery. The 30-minute performance is educational, entertaining and includes audience interaction. The Lecompton Reenactors will perform two days at the Fair — Sunday, Sept. 8 and Monday, Sept. 9. 

Pride of Kansas Building: Check out this year’s butter sculpture, the state’s largest pumpkin, Agriland and phenomenal apple dumplings a la mode at the Wheatland Café.

Agriland: Kids can weigh themselves on a livestock scale, milk a cow, drive a combine and learn about the soil under their feet. Located in the Pride of Kansas Building.

Interactive Children’s Activities: Build-your-own stick horse, stick horse races and storytime with Brandy Von Holten, author of “Adventures at the Von Holten Ranch.” 11 a.m. and 1 and 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 at the Expo Center.

4-H Centennial Hall: Check out exhibits by youth from across Kansas, including photography, bug and rock collections, arts and crafts and woodworking.

Other Interactive Adventures:

State Fair Square-Dancing Festival

The State Fair Promenaders and Hutchinson High School will entertain and teach fairgoers square dancing at House of Capper Monday, Sept. 9. 

Toddler Games Driving School and Art Fair: Activities for the wee ones, including a driving course with Little Tykes cars. Administration Building parking lot, Sept. 8, 9am-2pm.

Lair Steckline Fountain 

Bring a towel! Kids love the fountain at the center of the grounds.

 

RIDES

Midway

North American Midway Entertainment is back with both thrill rides and family-friendly favorites. Note the Midway opens at different times each day and is not usually open in the morning. Click here to see the hours.

State Fair Railroad

Perfect for little ones — and the young at heart — and if you’re lucky, the kettle corn folks will be tossing samples halfway around the loop. Depot is north of the Administration Building. Tickets are $3 per person.

Sky Ride

Get a bird’s eye view of the Fair. Hop on near the Oz Gallery or by the Expo Center. $6 round trip. 

Ye Old Mill

Since 1915, Ye Old Mill has provided entertainment to the masses. More than likely, in fact, the Kansas State Fair icon is among the oldest working carnival rides in the state. Today, riders entering the 1,000 feet of channels are greeted with scary props and people jumping out of dark corners. $3.50 a ticket.

Giant Yellow Slide

All ages enjoy this Fair favorite. Tip: your kids will want to go more than once. One slide costs $2.

daily

ANIMALS

Rabbit and poultry barns

More than 2,800 coops with a variety of birds and rabbits

Livestock Barns

4-H/FFA members will be competing for a spot in the coveted Grand Drive the first weekend of the Fair. Showmanship contests for goats, pigs, sheep, and beef take place the first weekend of the Fair. Other contests, from llamas to cow/calf competitions to dairy cattle and horse shows, take place throughout the week, as well.

Rub-A-Dub-Dub, What’s-in-the-Tub and Grab-Some Grub

Learn more about Kansas agriculture and where your food comes from by watching the Fair’s grand champion livestock get a bath. Fairgoers can ask the FFA members questions about feeding and caring for the animals while the youth bathe and feed the top sheep, cattle, goats and hogs. Called “Rub-a-Dub-Dub,” there are several demonstrations each day. Hours/Location: Located at the Agriculture Education Exhibits Building on 23rd Avenue near Gate 5. Demonstrations are at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9 – Sunday, Sept. 15. Watch feeding time at 2 p.m.

Exotic Animal Petting Zoo

Find some of your favorite animals at our petting zoo where exotic meets domestic. Fun for the whole family, this petting zoo allows fairgoers to interact with all their furry friends and even get the chance to feed them. Hours/Location: Open daily, the petting zoo is free with gate admission.

Pig Races

Watch the speed and agility — and yes, cuteness — of our famous racing pigs. And, what is not to like? Little piglets dressed in fetching racing silks run for the championship title and a coveted Oreo cookie. Pig-related puns come with the show. Some pig champions of past years include Sylvester Sta-loin, Kevin Bacon and Hamma Montana. Hours/Location: Located by Bison Arena near Gate 5, races take place at noon, 2:30, 4 and 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6; and 10 a.m., 2:30, 4 and 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 15. The pig races are sponsored by Mattress Firm.

Mustang Days

Youth get the opportunity to train wild yearlings in the Mustang Beginnings Youth Challenge. Youth work to break the Bureau of Land Management wild horses over the summer then demonstrate their training skills Sept. 14-15.

Draft Horse Costume Contest

Sept 7. All entry fees will go to the Cancer Council of Reno County. Stand in awe of the draft horse and miniature horse shows on Saturday, Sept. 7 in the Expo Center. The 4-H horse show is on Saturday, Sept. 15. And don’t miss the Texas Trick Riders (mentioned in “what’s new”).

SHEEP SHEARING DEMONSTRATION
Sheep Swine and Goat Building, Sept. 8 at 11am, 3pm and 5pm, Sept. 9-12 at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm

RABBIT AND POULTRY BARNS
More than 2,800 coops with a variety of birds and rabbits

LIVESTOCK BARNS
4-H/FFA members will be competing for a spot in the coveted Grand Drive the first weekend of the Fair. Showmanship contests for goats, pigs, sheep, and beef are in the afternoon on Sept. 7, and the market shows are all morning on Saturday, Sept. 8. Later in the week farmers and ranchers bring their animals: sheep on Tuesday/Wednesday, goats on Wednesday, pigs Friday-Saturday, and beef Wednesday-Saturday.

PIG RACES
Cheer your favorite swine in this entertaining Fair tradition. North of Bison Arena, daily 10am, 12pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm all days (no 10am race on Sept. 7).

EXOTIC ANIMAL PETTING ZOO
Daily 10am to 9 pm, with exception of opening at 2pm on Sept. 7.

Food

With over 100 food vendors, the Kansas State Fair has legendary favorites, hidden gems, and items that are just plain wacky.

Places to Sit

  • Cottonwood Court – Air conditioned, tables that seat 8-10 people comfortably, clean restrooms and a breastfeeding room. Tip – don’t be afraid to share a table with strangers. It’s a great way to meet other Kansans!
  • Wheatland Café in Pride of Kansas – Look for the classic red and white checkered table cloths
  • Park north of administration building – Lots of trees = lots of shade. The benches here are a great spot to people watch and wait for the next train (the depot is located there too)
  • Lake Talbott stage seating – Live entertainment and a lovely view
  • Livestock arenas – Take a load off and enjoy the hard work of young Kansas livestock showmen
  • Krehbiel’s – Picnic tables covered with an open-air tent. A great place to take a break in the shade
  • Dairy Bar in the grandstand – This adorable parlor is decorated like a classic ice cream shop.
  • Wine & Beer Gardens – Both indoor and outdoor seating are available at a number of locations.

 

Places to get cheap drinks

  • Bracket Concessions – $1.50 – 32-ounce iced tea. Look for the little pink sheds.
  • Root Beer – $1.50. Look for the root beer kegs.
  • Several vendors sell souvenir cups that can be refilled at a discount price. It’s a great deal who come to the fair multiple days.
  • You are allowed to bring in your own water, drinks, and snacks. There are water fountains if you bring your own water bottles.

 

Cheap Eats

  • Tuesday, Sept. 10 is $2 Tasting Tuesday. Try a $2 sample-sized portion at all of the fair’s vendors. It’s the perfect child-sized portion!

 

Favorites 

  • Pronto Pups –What would the State Fair be without the Pronto Pup? This State Fair classic can be found at several locations across the fairgrounds. Look for the yellow sheds, and don’t miss the chance to take a picture with the giant Pronto Pup near Bretz and Young Arena.
  • Roasted Corn – multiple locations. If eating corn off the cob is too messy for your crew – be sure to ask for it in a cup with a spoon.
  • Stuffed Cucumbers – Pride of Kansas Avenue. Comes with the option of chicken or tuna salad, and more.
  • Dairy Bar – Located under the grandstand. The facility was recently updated, and it features ice cream made from Kansas Dairies, including K-State Call Hall. They introduce a new flavor this year voted by their fans. This year’s flavor is Peach!
  • Chicken & Noodles – South Hutchinson United Methodist Booth inside the Cottonwood Court. A State Fair tradition for more than 50 years!
  • Bierocks and Apple Dumplings at the Wheatland Café in the Pride of Kansas Building
  • Krehbiel’s – Amazing smoked meats from McPherson, KS. Located at the corner of Pride of Kansas Avenue and Bison Boulevard.
  • Moink ball – Moo + Oink = Moink. Five savory meatballs wrapped in bacon on a stick. What’s more State Fair than that? Find these at the red stage coaches.

 

What’s New

  • Kansas’ Big Pork Shank – The pork shank is smoked to perfection with a sweet Caribbean seasoning. Find it at Y-2 Enterprises, 306 Cottonwood Ave.
  • Dole Whip – The perfect mixture of creamy and fruity is served from a soft-serve machine, creating a refreshing treat the entire family will love. It’s also non-dairy. Find it at the Carousel Café
  • Fried Cheesecake Bites – A new twist on cheesecake! Deep friend and bite sized. No mess, just deliciousness. Topped with powdery sugar and cherry drizzle. Located at Brackett Concession’s cookie dough stand, 303 Fort Riley Boulevard.
  • Krispy Kreme Hot Dog – Just when you thought Carousel Café’s Krispy Kreme hamburger was quirky. Behold, the Krispy Kreme hot dog covered in bacon. A fresh jelly-stuffed Krispy Kreme donut is used as the bun. It’s filled with an Angus beef hot dog topped with more jelly and finished off with thick Applewood smoked bacon.
  • Papa Pup – Just when you thought life couldn’t get any better… the 10-inch Papa Pup is here! This giant of a Pronto Pup is hickory smoked and cooked in the original batter. Located at D&J Pronto Pups’ five yellow booths stationed around the Fairgrounds.
  • Honey Bun Burger – Fresh beef patties from Yoder Meats are sandwiched between two warm Honey Buns, then topped with fresh veggies, often served with a slice of melted cheese. To top it off, you can add Applewood smoked bacon OR chocolate covered bacon, which serves as the perfect compliment to this sweet and salty burger. Location: Carousel Cafe

LOST & FOUND

The administration office is home to the lost and found department. If you get separated from any member of your family, or leave behind your purse or backpack, the people at the lost and found office will help reconnect you. This is also where you’ll find the first aid station in case of a medical emergency.

NURSING ROOMS

Our favorite is in the 4-H Encampment Building near gate 5, providing multiple rockers, a changing table, and a large private bathroom. The other is a single-use private room inside the Cottonwood Court women’s restroom. Both are air-conditioned.

STROLLERS

You can bring your own strollers to the fair, but there are also two places to rent a stroller, wagon, wheelchair or mobility cart: Gate 5 on the north side of the fair, and

Gate 9 on the east side of the grounds near Parking Lot C.

BEATING THE HEAT

Cottonwood Court, the Fair’s indoor food court, is air conditioned and has lots of seating and nice restrooms. The commercial exhibit buildings (Meadowlark, Sunflower, Pride of Kansas) are air conditioned, as is the Oz Gallery. The splash fountain and park near the administration building are shady and have lots of benches.

Water fountains are found in most exhibit buildings, including the Sunflower and Meadowlark buildings. Water can also be found in the breezeway East of the Oz Gallery, and in the Encampment building.

 


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3 COMMENTS

  1. FYI, you can’t park on side streets off of Main St. anymore. As a resident of Hutch, they have signs up specifically discouraging Fair parking on side streets for the residents sake.

    • Just to clarify, only certain streets are setup as no parking, presumably so that the fire trucks can get through. There are lots of streets west of Main that you can park on.

  2. Love this! As Hutch residents we love getting to visit the Fair as many times as we can each year! Plus dinner tonight = whatever fried goodie you want 😉 It’s only once a year!:)

Comments are closed.