Hello and Happy New Year from the Kansas State Fair Board of Directors and Team!
We are just over seven months away from the start of the 2026 Kansas State Fair—September 11–20—and there is a tremendous amount of work already happening behind the scenes to make it a truly memorable event.
While the 2025 Fair presented its challenges, our focus is firmly on 2026, which will be a year marked by several significant milestones. These include the 250th Birthday of the United States of America, the 120th anniversary of 4-H, the 25th anniversary of September 11th, and the 35th anniversary of the Little Red School House which welcomes school-age kids to the Fair for educational fieldtrips.
With the Fair opening on September 11th,that day will feature several special events to commemorate and honor those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. That evening, Country music icon Trace Adkins, a dedicated military advocate known for his extensive support of veterans and service members, will take the Grandstand stage, along with a few special surprises. Tickets are selling quickly, so be sure to secure yours soon. At this time, Trace Adkins is the only confirmed Grandstand entertainment we can announce—but more announcements are coming soon.
Construction on the Bison Arena, Phase 2, is scheduled for completion by July and will provide approximately 13,000 square feet of usable space during the 2026 Fair. This area will play a key role in our 250th Birthday Celebration. We continue to fundraise for future phases to complete the Bison Arena Ag Innovation Center, and we extend a sincere thank you to Wiens and Company for their outstanding work on Phase 2.
We are also moving forward with several on-ground upgrades. A major year-long improvement project is underway at Ye Old Mill, which will include new boats, canal sealing, electrical upgrades, and a new roof. The estimated cost for this project is between $750,000 and $1 million. If you, your business, or someone you know may be interested in sponsoring a portion of these upgrades—or even a boat—please let me know. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated, and boat sponsors will have their name or company name displayed for all to see. Your support will help preserve this iconic Kansas State Fair attraction for generations to come.
Additional improvements are also being pursued for the Dairy Barn. I recently presented the Kansas State Fair budget to the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, chaired by Representative Lisa Moser, and requested $750,000 to begin upgrades that could include a new roof, electrical improvements, restroom upgrades, tie-outs, and other enhancements. While this request was removed during the Legislative Budget Committee’s pre-budget process back in November, Representative Ken Rahjes strongly advocated for the project to be put back in. He recommended allocating $400,000 toward these upgrades, contingent upon the Kansas State Fair securing a $400,000 match through cash and in-kind contributions. Our match must be in place by June 1, 2027. I will also be presenting our budget to the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee in the coming weeks and am hopeful this request will remain intact. If you know of any potential contributors who may be interested in supporting this effort, please let me know.
Additional lighting upgrades throughout the fairgrounds will also continue in the coming year.
We truly appreciate your continued dedication and support of the Kansas State Fair.
Hope y’all have a KANTASTIC day!
Bryan K. Schulz, IFMG, CFE
General Manager
Kansas State Fair