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President's Report
As I write this newsletter article, the month of August is nearly over. The city swimming pool has closed, students are back in classes, both in USD 400 buildings and at Bethany College. The fall rhythm of life continues.
Along with this time of year comes the Kansas State Fair, something that I truly knew little about before my initiation into Kansas Tourism. When I began in this office, I would volunteer time at the Kansas Tourism booth, both sharing about Lindsborg and learning more about the state from state staff that were always happy to share space and their knowledge of all things Kansas. I met Kansas tourism partners sharing about their communities and handing out candy, pens, pads of paper, and spatulas. (Yes …Sally Fuller has the BEST spatulas in the world. One of my family members recently melted mine in the dishwasher and I was ready to skin them.) I knew the Pride of Kansas building well, but was not involved with anything outside of tourism and the long walk from the building to the parking lot at the end of the day, legs and feet already tired from standing for hours on concrete.
Today, as the TIAK representative to the Kansas State Fair Board, I have learned SO MUCH MORE about the Fair and the daily workings that involve 4-H, agriculture boards, the music industry, vendors, and more. Last week, members of the board and the fair manager trekked to the Iowa State Fair, one of the best in the nation, both in size and offerings, to learn more about what makes this fair so popular. Would you believe that 88% of Iowans will go to the Iowa State Fair at least once in their lifetime? Pretty amazing. We toured facilities with Iowa State Fair Board members, reviewed their security practices, ate dinner with the board and guests from Scotland and Germany, and tried many new and novel fair foods (Sangria infused waffles with fresh peaches and lemon ricotta was my fave). I left with more questions in my head about what we do, not only at the Kansas State Fair, but also in our Kansas communities. I know we are always working toward making strides in these areas at the Kansas State Fair, but what could we do better? Does my community truly search for entertainment and food vendors that are cultivating new and novel things for people to enjoy? Or do we just fill slots? I am scheduling time to share my experiences and my thoughts with those planning upcoming festivals and events. These things truly matter.
In closing, I hope to see you at the Kansas State Fair, September 6 – 15. Know that I am frequently available to take you from Point A to Point B when your feet are tired, and that I know where the best food is, whether you want fried fair food, or something a bit healthier. I have grown to love the Fair as I have grown to love all things Kansas. Thanks for letting me represent you.
To the Stars…
Holly
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