Hutchinson, Kan. – A record number of people attended the Kansas State Fair this year. The best-ever crowd took advantage of all the Fried N’ Joy to also set new record for Midway revenue and Kansas Lottery ticket sales. This year’s Fair took place September 11-20 in Hutchinson.
Fairgoers came from all over the state to enjoy the once-a-year tradition. And what a year it was. The audited audience for 2015 was 369,322, beating the previous record, set in 1995, by more than 7,500 attendees. Mother Nature was definitely on the Fair’s side, delivering pleasant, cooperating weather throughout.
Pat Repp, of North American Midway, said the 2014 Fair set the record for largest Midway growth, and the 2015 Midway surpassed that with another 8.1 percent increase.
“We had great weather,” Repp said, “When you combine that with the right entertainment to draw people to the Kansas State Fair, it was a win for all of us.”
With the help of a strong Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand entertainment lineup and talented performers at the free stages, the Fair continued to attract crowds throughout the grounds. Pumpkin growers got in on the act, too. The largest-ever pumpkin weighed in at 1,034 pounds – so big the judges had to call in a special scale in order to confirm its victory.
The Kansas Lottery has been a presence at the Kansas State Fair since the first lottery ticket was sold, and this year provided the most excitement yet. Players visited the Lottery building in large numbers to buy $1 Fried N’ Joy instant scratch tickets and other lottery products, driving sales to a new record. Adding to the fun was a first-ever Lottery event during intermission of the Outlaw Truck & Tractor Pull at the Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand. Ten finalists competed in front of an enthusiastic audience of thousands to win a 2015 Corvette Stingray. Jeff Busch of Olathe won the car by picking the right key to open a treasure chest containing the Corvette key.
“We are thrilled at the turnout for this year’s Kansas State Fair,” interim general manager Lori Hart said. “From the exhibitors and vendors to the competitors and Fairgoers, Kansas has so much to be proud of.”
Inspired by the record turnout, the Kansas State fair has already begun ramping up for next year. Mark your calendar and plan to be in Hutchinson for the 2016 Kansas State Fair, September 9-18.
ABOUT THE KANSAS STATE FAIR
It’s always a blast call at the Kansas State Fair. From the opening bell to the final grandstand blockbuster. So get on a stick and head for the world-class Midway, blue-ribbon animals and family-friendly activities. It’s pure Americana – an event not to be missed. Party with your pals and hear the hottest performers at the Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand. Tour the many agricultural and educational displays. Win prizes. Brave heart-pounding carnival rides. Sample some fried ’n’ joy – and other culinary delights. Enormous vegetables, odd artifacts, homemade crafts and the infamous butter sculpture provide something for everyone. Nonstop fun from Sept. 9-18, 2016, the event is the largest in the state of Kansas with crowds numbering more than 350,000. The fairgrounds are in centrally located Hutchinson, Kansas. Mark your calendars now and plan to join Kansans from across the state – along with visitors of true discernment from around the world. For more information, call 620.669.3600, toll free at 800.362.FAIR or visit www.kansasstatefair.com.
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