The Kansas State Fair has started its annual 10-day at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. This is the largest single event in the state, and annually attracts approximately 335,000 people from all 105 Kansas counties and several and beyond.

It can be easier to navigate the streets of a major U.S. city than it is to navigate the fair midway and exhibit halls. But, despite the traffic, it is a lot of fun, from the sites to the sounds to the smells (good and bad).

The mission of the fair is a simple one: “To promote and showcase Kansas agriculture, industry and culture, to create opportunity for commercial activity, and to provide an educational and entertaining experience that is the pride of all Kansans.”

And this it does. The fair is pure Americana, but is so much more.

The present state fair had its beginning on Feb. 7, 1901, when a few men met to talk about organizing a fair association. The board of directors met on April 24, 1901, to elect officers. In 1903, the Central Kansas Fair was recognized by an act of the state legislature to give the fair association the license to legitimately call their event the Kansas State Fair.

With these deep roots, the fair is home to 1,000 commercial vendor locations, close to 30,000 entries in various competitive exhibit departments. It is part agriculture showcase, trade show and art gallery. Fair officials call it “Kansas’ Largest Classroom field trip program.”

There is also food (anything fried) and entertainment with strolling and stage performers.

This is a taste of Kansas and a chance to see the past reflected in the present.

The fair ends Sept. 18. Make a point to pay a visit.

Dale Hogg