Kansas State Fair: Visitor Attributes, Demographics, and Economic Impact Analysis

Abstract

he Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Reno County, Kansas is a busy place. The annual State Fair attracts more than 300,000 visitors, almost 700 concessionaires and exhibitors, and over 850 livestock exhibitors, close to 5000 4‐H and FFA participants, about 3000 children in school‐sponsored groups, and numerous other participants. In the off‐season, the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale, the Hutchinson National Auto Races, the Good Sam Camper Club Samboree, and over 300 smaller events make use of the Fairgrounds facilities and generate income for the Fair organization.

In 2008, The Kansas State Fair contracted with the University of Kansas, Institute for Policy & Social Research, to conduct a multifaceted study. Research questions included: What are the attitudes of visitors to and participants in the Fair and selected Non‐Fair events? What are the demographics of visitors and participants? What attitudes and opinions are held by people who have not attended the Fair? What are the economic impacts of the “tourism” expenditures of Fair and Non‐Fair event visitors? What is the economic impact of the Fair organization itself?