By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The Barton County Fair is ready to embark on a new journey in 2021. Going to a mostly virtual event last year because of COVID-19, the fair board is bringing the event back to in-person with a few twists. Along with traditional features, this year’s fair will include a family bike ride and a sand volleyball tournament.
Fair Board President Charles Atkinson noted the theme
for this year’s fair is “A New Beginning” in honor of the 200th
anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail.
"One of my fair friends that passed, the late Karen Neuforth, told us we had to tie this in to the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail," said Atkinson. "The theme of 'A New Beginning' fits because it is a new beginning for all of us and the folks coming from the Santa Fe Trail were looking for a new beginning as well."
Because of all the cancellations last year due to the pandemic, Atkinson told
the Great Bend City Council that 50% of the carnivals in the United States went
out of business, including Barton County’s carnival host. Barton County will
not have carnival rides this summer as most hosts are booked a year or two
years in advance.
"A couple that said they were interested in coming now may not even be able to provide entertainment to fairs they're locked into because they can't get their employees into the country," said Atkinson. "Also, because of the legislation in Kansas, some of the carnivals have left Kansas because of the fees."
Atkinson did note he is working now to secure a carnival for 2022. The fair
board is looking at building their own carnival games this year and will have
the return of live musical entertainment.
The Barton County Fair Board did a learn a lot from last year with the COVID-19 effects. They will continue disinfecting after between each livestock show because it helps keep the number of flies down. There will still be a virtual option for some events because the board found out that elderly and homebound citizens could enjoy the fair that way.
The Barton County Fair is July 7-11. Find out more at bartoncountyfair.com.