The Wyandotte County Fair will feature two free concerts this year, instead of just one.
The fair, which starts Tuesday evening, July 21, will last through Saturday, July 25, at the fairgrounds at 137th and Polfer Road in Kansas City, Kan.
Amy Crouse, who is on the Wyandotte County Fair organizing committee, said about 12,000 people attended the fair last year, and she is hoping it will be closer to 15,000 this year. The weather last year was a factor affecting attendance, as the fair had all hot days except one rainy day.
The bands for the fair this year sound like they’re going to be excellent, she said.
Arena events
Crouse said Tuesday evening will feature the Backroad Express, an old-time country group, in a free performance at 7 p.m. in the arena.
A second free concert will be by Crabalocker, which plays originals and classic rock, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, in the arena, she said.
Other arena events at the fair will include the Renegade Pullers Hot Rod Tractor Pull at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23, she said. This event has an admission price of $4 for adults and $1 for children 12 and younger.
Another major event at the fair will be a mud run by the Midwest Mud Boggers at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 25, in the arena. Tickets will be $12 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Crouse said 150 trucks are entered this year.
Go-kart races at the fair this year
On Friday, July 24, there will be something new to the fair — go-kart races. The races will be held on a new go-kart track at the fairgrounds, Crouse said. They will be free to the public to watch. There is an entry fee of $10 for persons who want to enter the race.
Crouse said fair officials added the new go-kart races after learning that a go-kart course in the Wolcott area had closed. An area go-kart club may be interested in holding its monthly races at the fairgrounds, she added.
The fair will not have its usual demolition derby this year, Crouse added. The event was not well-attended last year, as the Platte County Fair had a demolition derby on the same night, she said. Officials decided to go in another direction this year, she said. Again this year, the Platte County Fair is running the same week, July 22-25.
Hours and details of fair
Admission to the Wyandotte County Fair is free, while parking will cost $5 per vehicle, she said.
As usual, the annual fair includes a carnival, free stage shows, food from vendors, booths from vendors, 4-H exhibits and open class exhibits, the livestock auction, animal shows, a petting zoo, magic shows, camel rides, martial arts demonstration, National Guard display, helicopter rides and entertainment on the grounds, besides the arena events. There is a charge for the helicopter rides.
Carnival wristband nights will be Tuesday and Wednesday, with all carnival rides for $15 those nights.
Free Hernandez magic shows will take place at the Red Barn throughout the fair.
There are more free concerts scheduled during the week at the free stage.
Free tethered hot-air balloon rides will be offered from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday night, weather permitting.
There will be additional food vendors this year, with barbecue foods, traditional fair favorites, snow cones, funnel cakes, burritos, tacos, fried cheesecake, peach cobbler, popcorn and kettle corn, she said.
A lot of vendors are coming in from out-of-state this year, Crouse said.
The fair is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, July 21-24, and from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 25. There will be a morning for senior citizens and also a daycare day.
Open-class entries in exhibit categories are being accepted this weekend on Sunday afternoon from noon to 3 p.m., and from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday.
More new attractions at the fair
• Bubble Soccer – Among the new attractions will be Bubble Soccer, Crouse said. “People will get into a plastic bubble and play soccer,” she explained.
• Band concert – A band concert is planned at 7 p.m. Wednesday night with area high school band participation.
• Barrel racing – Barrel racing is planned at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, in the Horse arena, Crouse said. In the barrel race, horses will run a pattern around four barrels in the arena. This is an open race with a $200 prize. There are entry fees for participants. There is no admission charge.
• Community contest – Made from Recyclable Material – Entries will be accepted from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, at the Red Barn. Size: 20×15. Prizes will be awarded of $25, $15 and $10.
Other community contests
Other special community contests at the fair will include:
• Legos Contest – Enter from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday at the Red Barn, size 20×15. For ages 1 to 12. Prizes: $15, $10, $5.
• Pie Contest – Enter your 8-inch fruit pie from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 21. Judging is at 5 p.m. Prizes: $100, $75, $25.
• Home Grown Sunflower – Largest full head. Enter from 7;30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday, Juy 21. Prizes: $25, $15, $10. Sponsored by Torry Maintenance.
The new fairgrounds
Crouse said occasionally she hears that some persons don’t know the Wyandotte County Fair is back and operating at 137th and Polfer Road.
The fairgrounds is still relatively new, and still doesn’t have an air-conditioned building. Only one person got sick from the heat last year, she noted.
Also, she is receiving calls about public transportation. Buses do not run as far as the fairgrounds at 137th; the routes stop around the Legends area around 109th and Parallel Parkway. The lack of transportation cuts down on attendance, she believes.
Crouse noted that buses will be running for seniors day at the fair on Friday, with some pickups scheduled for senior citizens at high rises and nursing homes.
The Wyandotte County Fair Association has ideas for expansion of the fairgrounds, as outlined on the website, www.wycofair.com, and at some past public government meetings. Air conditioning, a horse barn, exhibition hall, shooting park, walking trails, and athletic fields were just some of the ideas for expansion. The expansion has been awaiting funding.
For more information about the Wyandotte County Fair schedule and events, visit www.wycofair.com.