Nothing successful happens overnight nor without a lot of effort from a lot of folks. 

At a recent Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Ambassador luncheon, Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo promoter Darren Dale addressed the annual show, the fourth installment of which wrapped up Friday. “I am humbled by the passion of the people here,” he said. 

The expo has continued to thrive since Dale took over. But, he attributes that growth to the army of volunteers who step up and make it happen.

Dale and his Star Enterprises operate farm shows in McCook, Neb., and Wichita Falls, Texas. But, he has said again and again that the support he receives in Great Bend surpasses any he gets elsewhere.

Perhaps he’s being too modest. He has worked well with local expo organizers and been a galvanizing presence.

Back in the spring of 2011, things looked dire for Great Bend. After decades of making a biennial visit to Barton County, 3i Show promoter Eddie Estes announced the long-running exhibition would cease alternating between Great Bend and Garden City. Instead, it would permanently stay in Estes’ hometown of Dodge City.

The 3i Show filled local hotels and restaurants and became a boom for local business people. What would the city do now to make up for this loss?

Enter the  Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and other dedicated residents who refused to say die. They sought out alternative and found Bird City resident and long-time farm show promoter Darren Dale.

Tapping his resources, Dale attracted about 700 exhibitors from around the United States and abroad for the three-day event that ended Friday. The 3i usually brought in about 500.

Now, the boom that came only every other year came every year. Dale and his Great Bend team had saved the day.

The show draws farmers, ranchers and agribusiness people in droves. However, it is hoped that the event attracted many of the rest of us as well.

First, those not in agriculture might have learned a thing or two about this key industry. Second, they would see just how their community could pull together.

Both are good lessons.

Dale Hogg