Kansas State Fair GM Bryan Schulz continues to work to find ways to keep the event strong after the pandemic left many things that are part of the fair in limbo. That still shows with some lower participation numbers in various exhibits. But Schulz says some of that may be more of a changing of the guard with how entries have come into the fair since the pandemic.
“There are some areas like our FFA area, we’ve had 10 (entries) in the past, we have over 500 this year,” Schulz said. “In talking with fairs across the country, and they're kind of seeing that because some of these areas, quilting and crocheting . . . is kind of an art that is maybe losing a little bit.”
Schulz says this means trying to get youth more involved in things that they can take an interest in. As far as the major exhibitors, logistical and supply issues have either reduced or forced some of the mainstay exhibitors to stay away from the fair this year.
“There are still supply chain issues out there,” Schulz said. “We had a couple say, 'I can’t get product still.'”
That and the new fire station means new spots have had to be invested for some exhibits.
“We were able to take some of the ones that were where the fire station is going,” Schulz said. “We’ve moved that to different places, more on the outer bounds and we’re able to fill in those big spots.”
Most of the spaces in the vendor and display buildings are mostly filled up, although the numbers are still recovering from 2019 levels.