September 11, 2026
Kansas State Fairgrounds – Hutchinson, Kansas
Honor Overview:
The Kansas State Fair Hometown Hero honors military veterans who have or are proudly serving our nation.
As a special tribute, the Kansas State Fair is seeking nomination for these special Hometown Heroes. From the pool of nominees, five (5) Hometown Heroes will be selected to be recognized for their dedication, sacrifice, and continued contributions to their families, communities, and the State of Kansas.
On September 11, 2026, the five (5) Honorees will be recognized through special access opportunities to the Kansas State Fair and grandstand event (featuring Trace Adkins) where public acknowledgements and commemorative recognition will be awarded.
Honor Objectives:
- To publicly recognize and thank veterans for their military service
- To highlight the positive impact veterans have within Kansas communities
- To provide meaningful Fair experiences for veterans and their families
- To engage Fairgoers in honoring military service, sacrifice, and patriotism
Eligibility Rules:
To be eligible for the Kansas State Fair Hometown Hero, nominees must meet all the following criteria:
- Be a United States Military Veteran, honorably discharged or retired from one of the following branches:
- Army
- Navy
- Air Force
- Marine Corps
- Coast Guard
- Space Force
- Be a Kansas resident or have significant ties to a Kansas community.
- Have demonstrated:
- Exceptional military service, and/or
- Continued service to their community, profession, or fellow veterans.
- Be available to attend the Kansas State Fair on the assigned recognition date (September 11, 2026).
Nomination Guidelines;
- Veterans may be nominated by others or may self-nominate.
- Family members, friends, employers, veteran organizations, civic groups, and community leaders are encouraged to submit nominations.
- Each nominator may submit multiple nominations, but a separate application must be completed for each nominee.
Selection Process:
- All complete applications will be reviewed by a Kansas State Fair selection committee.
- Honorees will be selected based
- Dedication
- Service history
- Continued contributions to
- Family
- Communities
- State of Kansas
- Five (5) Honorees will be selected
- Selected veterans as our Hometown Hero will be notified no later than August 14, 2026.
Recognition & Benefits:
Selected Hometown Heroes may receive:
- Official recognition during the Kansas State Fair on September 11, 2026
- Complimentary Fair admission for the honoree (and guest, if applicable)
- Special on-ground recognition (Grandstand stage acknowledgment ceremony, featuring Trace Adkins.
- Commemorative item or certificate
- Optional media recognition through Kansas State Fair marketing channels
Specific benefits are subject to availability and Fair scheduling.
Accessibility & ADA Accommodations:
The Kansas State Fair is committed to providing equal access and reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Honoree and guest who require ADA accommodation, including but not limited to mobility assistance, accessible seating, or other reasonable modifications, are encouraged to request accommodation in advance.
- Accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis to ensure meaningful access to honoree activities and recognition events.
- Requests for accommodation should be submitted no later than two (2) weeks prior to the requested Fair attendance date, when possible.
The Kansas State Fair will make reasonable efforts to accommodate all qualified individuals. Late requests will be addressed to the extent feasible.
To request ADA accommodation, please contact:
Tammy Wanamaker, Special Events Coordinator
Kansas State Fair
2000 North Poplar Street
Hutchinson, KS 67502
Phone: 620-669-3624
Email: tammy.wanamaker@ks.gov
Important Dates:
- Application Opens: June 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: July 3, 2026
- Notification of Honorees: August 14, 2026
- Recognition Date: September 11, 2026