In 1873, the Reno County Agricultural Society (RCAS) was founded in Hutchinson, the new county seat. The same year, the society hosted its first agricultural fair—a modest event in a small, wooden stable near Hutchinson’s bank. In 1874, the RCAS proposed a larger fair, but it was canceled because of a grasshopper plague. 

During the downtime, the Agricultural Society purchased fairgrounds, preparing for their next event. The new festival, the Annual Reno County Fair, was hosted in September 1875. As a county fair, the RCAS began to offer premiums, divided into 20 classes. The prizes proved attractive, and the Annual Reno County Fair relocated in 1878.

In 1885, the Reno County Agricultural Society became the Arkansas Valley Fair Association, and the fair returned to its original fairgrounds. It continued to expand with new facilities throughout the rest of the 19th century. Eventually, the fairgrounds included a half-mile racetrack, praised as one of the finest in the state.

At the dawn of the 20th century, the Arkansas Valley Fair Association rebranded to the Central Kansas Fair Association. Subsequently, the event relocated to its current fairgrounds, initially part of an undeveloped park in Hutchinson. In 1903, the state legislature recognized the Central Kansas Fair, which became the Kansas State Fair. 

After adding 112 acres in 1912, the fair’s budget was tight. A bill was introduced in Topeka to provide the Kansas State Fair monetary support in exchange for the fairgrounds. The law was passed in 1913, granting the fair an official recognition of the state—something that was marketed in that year’s event. 

The bonanza of the 1920s inspired a substantial expansion of the fair’s facilities and entertainment offerings, solidifying its place as a Kansas tradition. Despite the Great Depression (1929 – 1939) and the diminished crop yield in Kansas during the 1930s, the festival continued, receiving thousands of visitors yearly. The Kansas State Fair became known for its tenacity because it was one of the few state fairs still held during World War II. 

At the end of the millennium, the popularity of the Kansas State Fair declined. The fairgrounds underwent significant renovations in 2003 to revitalize the event. The improvements were successful, and the fair recovered. Currently, the Kansas State Fair remains one of the most significant events in the State of Kansas.  

What is the Value of your Kansas State Fair collectibles? V​iew more in our Kansas State Fair Price Guide.

Paper ephemera is a major component of Kansas State Fair memorabilia. Some notable examples include event posters, advertisement covers, souvenir programs, racing programs, train passes, complimentary tickets, photographs, postcards, matchbooks, and scrapbooks.

Souvenirs related to the Kansas State Fair are also available for collection. This varied category features the many available objects sold or gifted during the fair. Souvenir items include pinback badges, belt buckles, embroideries, quilts, pennants, tokens, and apparel.

To a lesser extent, Kansas State Fair awards are sold at the secondary market. Fair awards are usually medals, belt buckles, trophies, and ribbons. Collectors should distinguish award belt buckles from souvenir belt buckles. The latter are sold to fairgoers, while award buckles are usually granted in the context of a contest.

Find the Value of your Kansas State Fair collectibles. WorthPoint is the largest resource online for identifying, researching and valuing antiques. Explore over 425 Million “sold for” prices with item details and images.

The visual identity of the Kansas State Fair has changed over the years. The current logo has a blue and gold ribbon with “Kansas State Fair” written over it. 

Fair memorabilia items are often not distinguished by a maker’s mark. Items are generally identified by their relationship to the individual fair. A trustworthy, detailed provenance is often the best method of authentication.

Identify your Kansas State Fair Symbols.

Books and Periodicals

A history of the Kansas State Fair, 1863 – 2006 by Thomas C. Percy.

Kansas State Fair by Thomas C. Percy.

Web Resources

History of the Kansas State Fair www.kansasstatefair.com.

Kansas State Fair www.kshs.org.