The Barton County Fair is the 2023 fourth-quarter recipient of more than $10,000 in charitable donations from members of the 100+ People Who Care in Barton County group.
Established in 1899, the Barton County Fair has played an integral part in promoting agricultural and our community, providing competitive venues for youth and adults to showcase their interests and talents, and attracting visitors through entertainment and educational activities. The fair has also been recognized by the International Association of Fairs and Expositions with 34 awards for its creative themes and programming.
The Barton County Fair moved to the Great Bend Expo complex in 1992, and recently undertook the large responsibility of caring for this complex. Staffed by a small group of dedicated volunteers, the Barton County Fair began brainstorming events and activities that will provide funds for the upkeep and monthly maintenance fees for these buildings, which are a valuable resource in encouraging vendors and events to come to our community and a venue that can be utilized and rented for personal use. They have updated electrical hook ups for camping on the fairgrounds and have refreshed buildings with paint using their own minimal funds. The monetary gift provided by the 100+ People Who Care in Barton County will allow the fair to purchase updated tables and chairs for personal and family events held in Expo 1 and 2. Funds generated by renting the facilities for weddings, class and family reunions, graduation parties, and professional meetings and events will allow the fair to make needed repairs and updates to the complex.
The Barton County Fair (bartoncountyfair.com) can be found on Facebook.
The next giving meeting for the 100+ People Who Care group will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, at the Best Western Angus Inn Courtyard, 2920 10th St. At that time, representatives from the Barton County Fair will return to provide an update on how the organization is utilizing the $10,000+ gift. Members will also vote to select and nominate local, charitable organizations to receive future funds. More details can be found on the group’s website, www.100bartoncounty.org, or on its Facebook page.
