By JAYLINN PFEIFER

For Hays Post

EquiFest of Kansas, the state’s premier All-Breed Horse Fair and Exposition and one of the largest trade shows in the Midwest, will be Friday through Sunday in Topeka at the ExpoCentre.

The weekend events include the Jumper Classic, a Top Versatility Competition, but all of you rodeo fans out there, there is going to be a ranch rodeo both Friday and Saturday nights. The K-State Swinging Spurs western dance group will perform and teach dance lessons.

The Mall of EquiFest is a great way to visit clinicians and shop. New this year to EquiFest is the Heritage Hall that will host the Cowboy Art Gallery along with cowboy music and poetry.

“EquiFest is something for everyone to enjoy, and I hope that a lot of people will take the chance to come out and experience it,” said Kristi Koch, contact for rodeo royalty.

If your kids need some play time and you want to do some relaxing, there is also a Kiddie Corral sponsored by the Kansas Farm Bureau. Activities in the corral include: roping dummies, cowboy dress-up, face painting, coloring, arts and crafts, and educational games. The K-State Rodeo Club will teach the kids how to swing a rope and ride a horse (stick horse that is).

There is also a silent auction for the Kansas Horse Council Foundation to help raise money for college scholarships. Since 2006, the Kansas Horse Council Foundation has awarded more than $114,000 in scholarships with funds primarily coming from the silent auction at EquiFest.

Daily passes are $20, and weekend passes are $45 and can be purchased online.

For more information, tickets and a schedule of events, visit https://equifestofks.com/