The Central Kansas Free Fair began October 18 and 19, 1870. The early fairs featured horse racing, bicycle races and foot races. In 1906, the current fairgrounds were purchased and the fair continued to grow and add additional classes.
The first 4-H clubs in Dickinson County were chartered in January 1924. That is also the year that the Central Kansas Free Fair (as it is known today) was organized.
“4-H is the heart of the Central Kansas Free Fair,” Justin Lefert said. He is the vice president of the Central Kansas Free Fair Board. “It’s the reason most of our volunteers are here. Sure we have the carnival and the rodeo and other entertainment, but 4-H is the heart of the fair.”
“Of course,” he added. “That’s just one fair board member’s opinion.”
The Central Kansas Free Fair and 4-H just seem to support one another. Central Kansas Free Fair provides the setting for the 4-H competitions, and the 4-Hers often bring family members and friends to the fair.
While in 4-H, 4-Hers have the opportunity to serve as superintendents or assistant superintendents for specific areas or departments. If they work four or more hours, they receive a free pass to the grandstand entertainment for one night. Those working as superintendents are responsible for delegating jobs and assistant superintendents help with entries, watch exhibits and help with other department related tasks. Although these tasks teach responsibility and other skills, it is also excellent preparation for eventually becoming a Central Kansas Free Fair volunteer.
“Many of our volunteers were involved in 4-H at one time and now bring 4-H values to their volunteer work,” Lefert said.
4-Hers not only have the opportunity to learn skills during the fair, they also can show what they’ve learned throughout the year.
“The fair is a time to come together and celebrate the goals 4-Hers have set,” said Jill Martinson, 4-H agent for the Dickinson County K-State Research and Extension.
“4-Hers look forward to the competitive aspect of it, seeing their friends and meeting new people,” Martinson said. “Families look forward to it and use their vacation time during fair.”
“The fair and 4-H go hand-in-hand,” Lefert said. “It’s like ‘you can’t have one without the other.’”
“It’s a great package,” Martinson said.
Although there are many areas where the public can observe 4-Hers in action, here are a few specific events:
• The 4-H food sale will be Thursday, Aug. 5, in the large room of Sterl Hall.
• The decorator bucket calf class will be at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, in the small livestock arena.
• 4-Hers participate in judging contests throughout the fair to learn more about a specific project. Dairy judging will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, in the large livestock arena. Horse judging will be at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, in the large livestock arena. Livestock judging will be Sunday, Aug. 8, in the large livestock arena.
• Round Robin Showmanship will be at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8 in the small livestock arena.