HUTCHINSON – Attendance numbers for the 2016 Kansas State Fair were released Friday, and
they’re good.

Despite rainy weather that dampened several days of the 10-day fair, gate attendance reached 359,808. That’s the third highest in the fair’s 104-year history, according to a media release.

“The weather on the first Friday was less than desirable, but attendance was high over both weekends,” said general manager Susan Sankey. “Even the potential of rain can keep people away. We work to communicate the many alternate indoor venues and activities available before fairgoers make a change in plans.”

2015 was a record-breaking year for fair attendance with numbers at 369,322, beating the previous record set in 1995 at 361,647. Those years celebrated near-perfect weather throughout.

The Fair welcomed new schools and students with an increased focus on education components. “It was fun to watch the children’s excitement bloom as they experienced their first fair,” said Sankey. The increase in 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors and the birth of multiple sets of twin calves also helped entice the crowds.

Sankey accepted the position as general manager in November 2015, allowing ten months to learn the ropes and plan Kansas’ largest event. “The Kansas State Fair has a hard working board, staff and many volunteers who plan well in advance,” she said. “We started planning for next year’s fair before this year’s had ended. This approach matched with the outstanding support of our partners, sponsors, exhibitors and participants keeps the fair successful year after year.”

Mark your calendars for the 2017 Kansas State Fair, September 8-17 in Hutchinson.