Wabaunsee County Fair Association

Goal: $15,000.00

Specific Need

Match Day funds will be used to continue to update and improve Fair facilities, and establish a fund to ensure its sustainability. We have made huge strides over the last several years, including the new KanEquip Arena and the Bar MC Beef Pavilion at the Wabaunsee County Fairgrounds, and additions/upgrades to the MCM (Midwest Concrete Materials) Swine Pavilion. We have put a new roof, lights and electrical as part of the Bryan E. Wohler Pavilion and put a new roof and poured concrete pens in the Gnadt Family Sheep & Goat Pavilion. The Beef barn expansion provided additional housing for that growing project area, as well as improved livestock flow for all species. Additional concrete was poured, linking all our buildings and providing better access to all to our facilities. Native stonework flanks the entrance to the newly-named Mary Reed Drive on the fairgrounds. We also launched the Wabaunsee County Fair Associaion Scholarship program to recognize our 4-Hers.

Mission

The Wabaunsee County Fair is an educational and celebratory event in July every year. The Fair showcases nearly 200 local youth and their 4-H projects, as well the talents of other community members. Wabaunsee County 4-H is the premier youth development program in the region and continues to grow as youth learn and practice responsibilty, citizenship and leadership while developing memories that are never forgotten and friendships that are never replaced.

Profile

The Wabaunsee County Fair Association is a group of dedicated community members and volunteers that lead the ongoing Fairground Improvement Project.

***Upcoming Planned Projects***

The Wabaunsee County Fair Association is currently engaged in the creation of a fund that allows sustainable development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Our goal is to sustainably invest funds into the present and future of the fairgrounds.

***Completed Improvements & Renovations***

Wabaunsee County Fair Association Scholarship Launch- 2023

New KanEquip Arena & Livestock Buildings Renovation

KanEquip Arena - All new insulated arena/event center (2021), HVAC, bathrooms, water bottle filling station installed (2022), concrete pad for new Beef tie-outs & wash racks & improved access on east side (2022)
Bryan E. Wohler Pavilion (former arena) - New roof & gutters, updated electrical, general renovations (2023)
Gnadt Family Sheep & Goat Pavilion - New roof, concrete in pens, updated electrical (2023)
Covered connection between KanEquip Arena & adjacent barns (2023)
MCM Swine Pavilion expansion - Additional pens, new roof, updated electrical (2022)
Mary & Carl Ice Beef Pavilion - All new exhibition & tie-out areas (2021)
Improved exhibition & judging spaces for all projects (2021-23)
Brands of the Flint Hills - Announcer stand & photo backdrop highlighting Wabaunsee County’s rich history of past & present ranches, businesses & individuals (2020-23)
Native stone landscaping (2021-22)
Improved parking (2022-23)

Flint Hill Jr. Shooters (North) & Marlow Lietz (South) Exhibit Buildings

Completed renovation of FHJS Exhibit Building: HVAC, insulation, painting, new tin inside, lighting, roll-up door (east), walk-through doors (east & west), bathrooms (2019-2021)
Renovation of FHJS Exhibit Building lean-to: concrete floor, roll-up door, insulation, new roof, gutters, storage space (2021)
Concrete approaches to both buildings, improved access (2021, 2023)
Concrete pad added to M-L Exhibit Building patio & its ceiling structure enclosed (2020)
Native stone landscaping (2021-23)
Flint Hills Jr. Shooters practice year-round in the FHJS Exhibit Building, and the KanEquip Arena hosted the Kansas 4-H State Shooting Sports Spring Match (2023) and other large competitions