MANHATTAN (KSNT) – As the Kansas State Fair approaches, Kansas 4-H members from across the state are preparing to showcase projects they’ve worked on throughout the year.
Kansas 4-H, a youth development program housed at Kansas State University, oversees the 4-H divisions at the Kansas State Fair. According to Kansas 4-H Youth Development Program Leader Sarah Maass, many participants qualify for the State Fair through their local county fairs before advancing to the statewide competition.
The fair features a wide range of 4-H exhibits, including livestock, poultry, rabbits and static exhibits such as photography, art and other projects. Maass said the State Fair gives young people an opportunity to showcase what they have learned while connecting with fellow 4-H members from around Kansas.
“It gives a statewide opportunity for them to showcase their exhibits, but also come and meet others from around the state and come and volunteer and assist,” Maass said.
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In addition to exhibiting projects, some 4-H members volunteer during the fair and get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to organize and run the event. Maass said that experience can be a valuable learning opportunity.
One exhibit Maass is especially looking forward to this year is an item being brought by a Sedgwick County youth member: the head of an aquatic dinosaur estimated to be more than 80 million years old. The exhibit is expected to be displayed in 4-H Centennial Hall.
For Maass, one of the highlights of the fair is seeing young people experience the results of their hard work.
“The thing that I absolutely, positively love about our fair is seeing the youth come and see their exhibits and just their eyes light up with when they see the results,” Maass said.
Maass added that the State Fair provides another opportunity for youth to learn and improve their skills for the future. The 2026 Kansas State Fair begins Sept. 11 in Hutchinson.
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