By Jared Janzen
Local Yokel Reporter
If you read my column last week, you’ll know that the last time I attended the Kansas State Fair was around 25 years ago when I was a young kid.
I’m pleased to update you that after several trips to the fairgrounds in the past few days, I’m now a state fair aficionado.
As I made my way into the fairgrounds on Saturday morning, my immediate first impression was, where do you even begin?
I felt like I had done my research ahead of time, combing through the fair guide and website so I would know what I wanted to do. Even so, the fairgrounds are just packed with vendors, exhibits, rides and attractions. No wonder the fair lasts 10 days—that’s probably how long it would take someone to fully take in everything it has to offer.
I gawked at the butter sculpture and giant pumpkins and even did a cheesy touristy thing by dressing up in a vest and bowler hat for an old-fashioned photograph. I also indulged my inner child and went down the big slide.
The pig races, of course, are a must-see event. Hedrick’s Animal Farm from Nickerson does an outstanding job of entertaining the crowd with their humor.
I also made a stop at the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum, which is a special addition to this year’s fair. It’s a national traveling exhibit that was created as part of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday in 2026, and you can find it tucked away at the north end of the midway.
It’s free, it’s air-conditioned, and it’s ADA accessible, so if you need a break from the heat, you might check it out.
It gives an overview of our founding fathers’ quest for independence, but it also includes information on other notable Americans, like Mark Twain, Henry Ford and Robert Frost.
While you’re here, you can take a 10-question citizenship quiz. I passed, but the docent did throw me a lifeline on one question.
I also invested heavily in my stomach.
$15 for cowboy nachos? Check. $6 for a Pronto pup? Check.
$7 for fried Oreos? Check. $6 for a fried Snickers? Check.
$3 for a bottle of water? Check.
All the food costs twice as much as what you would normally want to pay.
By the time you’re reading this, the fair will be more than half over. I still have some things on my to-do list for this year.
I’m very tempted to hop on the chairlift that takes you through the air across the fairgrounds.
More fried food is calling my name. I’m going to stay away from the fried pickles, but I may need to give a verdict on the fried cookie dough.
I still need to find myself one of the 250 little rubber duckies that are being hidden around the fairgrounds. My understanding is they put out 25 each morning, so I suppose the best bet is to hit the grounds early. You know what they say: the early worm gets the bird.
There are entire buildings that I haven’t stepped inside yet. I haven’t even touched the west side of the grounds.
Who knows what kind of surprises still await me at the fair.