The Barton County Fair Association today announced it has signed a contract with Wichita-based WEEE Entertainment to provide a carnival for the 2023 Barton County Fair. The fair will run Wednesday through Sunday July 5-9 at the Great Bend Expo Complex with the carnival performing three nights, Thursday Friday and Saturday.

The fair last had a carnival in 2019. However, COVID-19 brought that to a grinding halt.

“Since the pandemic limited the number of carnivals available, we have been working hard to try and secure this type of entertainment for the public,” said Charles Atkinson, association president  “Working with other entities throughout the county we are blessed to be able to bring WEEE Entertainment to our county fair.”

“In November of 2022, WEEE Entertainment informed the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce that scheduling conflicts would keep them from bringing a carnival to our Annual Labor Day Celebration in September 2023,” said Karen Baldyga Hoisington Chamber executive vice president. “Despite the disappointment of not having them at our event, the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce is pleased that Barton County residents will still be able to enjoy the fun and excitement associated with a carnival while attending the Barton County Fair this summer.”  

While attending the Kansas Fairs and Festivals Convention in Topeka last weekend, association board members were able to meet with Chris Williams, owner of WEEE Entertainment, and work out the final details. According to Atkinson, the carnival is going to bring in 17-18 rides for this year’s fair and they are very excited to come to the Barton County Fair for the first time. 

“As they always have, we hope the communities of Barton County will continue to come out and support the fair, but this year we will be adding the lights and sounds of the carnival,” Atkinson said.

He said this cooperation fits the fair’s theme for this year – “Country Pride – County Wide.”