The Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo opened Wednesday with a bustling of activity as exhibitors completed set-up and greeted early visitors to their booths. A midmorning opening ceremony and ribbon cutting made it official. Jared Schlegel, famed rodeo announcer, was on hand to act as master of ceremonies, and introduced Darren Dale, promoter of the event for eight years now. The entire Dale family was in attendance, including the two youngest, daughter Taia, who presented awards, and son Taos, who acted as ribbon cutter.
Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Director Jan Peters recognized a slate of local elected officials: City Administrator Kendal Francis, representatives from the offices of Senators Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts, as well as Farm and Ranch Expo chairpersons, Chamber ambassadors and staff, and members of the Farm and Ranch Expo board.
Schlegel spoke about the featured entertainer at this year’s show, professional horse trainer JD Wing. Wing is a third-generation horse trainer and ranch foreman at the T-Cross ranch in Colorado. He will present daily horse training demonstrations through Friday in the Expo III arena.
Jerry Renk, executive vice president of American State Bank, was introduced. The bank is a major participant and sponsor of the show, and is the sponsor of the annual vendor dinner the night before the show. Renk talked about the importance of the show to the a community over the past eight years. “We’ve had a great time being a part of this for the eight years that Darren and Tanna have done it,” he said. “It’s a great event for the city.”
An emotional recognition
Schlegel recognized veteran Leroy Weathers for his continuing support of the show and its predecessor, which spans back 25 years, when it was the 3i Show. Weathers served his country for 35 years in the Army, retiring a 1st Sergeant, Schlegel said.
Darren Dale then took the floor. He recognized veterans and active service people, thanking them for their service. He thanked many Great Bend citizens by name, all who helped to make the show the success that it has become. He also shared how each member of the family, including himself, his wife, and four of their children, all help to make their family business a success.
Referring to the 75-year-old runways outside the Expo building built when the area had been home to a B-29 training facility during World War II, Dale spoke about the importance of being intentional.
“When they had to build the runways, they poured that concrete with intention. They wanted it to hold. They were doing it to win a war. Anytime that we do something as meaningless as eating and moving, when we do it with intention we’re doing it for the right reason. That’s why Great Bend is so strong, because I look through here and everybody is here for the show and their community. When we do it with intention, only good things can come out of it.”
Dale, noting that he was feeling emotional, then asked the gathering crowd to observe a moment of silence for two Great Bend men lost over the preceding year. Les Hopkins from John Deer was huge when they started the show; and Blake Sullivan, a Great Bend High School graduate and Kansas State University student.
“Two incredible people, who, if you knew them, you learned something from them,” Dale said.
Praise for the community, volunteers
Members of the Fenolio family, major vendors at the show, were introduced. Michelle Fenolio acted as the company spokesperson. Nokona, Texas is where Fenolio boots are made. The city’s claim to fame since the 1920's has been boot-making. Most companies left in the 1990s, she said, but Fenolio remains. The boot company employs 60 craftspeople who turn out two lines of boots plus custom boots on a daily basis, she said.
Owner Robert Fenolio is the mayor of Nokona, Texas. It’s a much smaller city than Great Bend, he said.
“I’ve driven your streets, and I’m so impressed with your community and all of your volunteers,” he said.
Dale announced awards on behalf of the Expo to people in the community he felt had embodied a spirit of intentionality.
Two Volunteer of the Year awards were presented, one to Aaron Andress, and one to Gaila Demel.
A special volunteer award was also presented to Marty West of the television station KSN, along with a certificate for a custom pair of Fenolio boots. An award for Ag Supporter of the Year went to Doug Barrett at Lang Diesel.
Award winners, Chamber Ambassadors and board members joined the Dale and Fenolio families and local officials on the stage then for the ribbon cutting. The Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo will continue through Friday. Thursday hours will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday the show opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. It is being held at the Expo Complex west of Great Bend on 10th Street. Admission and parking are free.
