Shawnee County Fair Kicks Off With New Events And Youth Activities

Shawnee County's annual fair is set to kick off on Thursday, July 24, with an exciting lineup of events that promises to engage the community and showcase local youth talent. The announcement came during the Shawnee County Commission meeting, where 4-H youth development agent introduced the 2024 fair king and queen, Cameron Thompson and Megan Lattebeck, who highlighted the fair's new activities, including a watermelon feed and a bull riding event.

The fair will feature a packed schedule, starting with youth judging on Thursday, followed by a swine show that evening. Friday will see a dog show and the much-anticipated watermelon feed. Saturday is packed with events, including a pancake feed, livestock sales, and a pedal tractor pull. The fair will conclude on Sunday with senior recognition, scholarship awards, and the crowning of the new fair royalty.

In addition to the fair discussions, the meeting also recognized Ed White for his 14 years of organizing the Spirit of Kansas car show. White shared that the event has raised thousands of dollars for local nonprofits, including the Boys and Girls Club of Topeka and the Shawnee Heights Fire Department. He expressed gratitude to sponsors and the Parks and Recreation Department for their support, noting that this year’s show attracted over 170 cars and hundreds of attendees.

The fair and the car show highlight Shawnee County's commitment to community engagement and support for local youth and organizations, setting the stage for a vibrant summer season.