It's about time to load up the suitcases, strap the kids in, gas up the vehicle, and start the trek to Hutchinson. From before I can remember my mother and father would take my sister, brother, and me plus all of our 4-H projects and livestock down to the Kansas State Fair. It was the time of year we all looked forward to. The trip to Hutchinson was fun...although I'm sure my parents were less than thrilled to travel from Holton to Hutchinson with three small kids, lambs, pies and all the other projects that were going to be judged at the fair. The drive to Hutch would show us all the beauty that Kansas had to offer: from the rolling hills of green, green grass and trees of the northeast portion of the state, to the amazing flat grasslands of Western Kansas. We would travel through large cities with all the modern conveniences and then stop at the quintessential small Kansas towns with charming town centers and brick streets. Finally after 6 or more hours and countless stops later, we would pull into Hutchinson and see the amazing state fairgrounds.
The fair had everything, at least according to a grade school kid! From amusement park rides to tractor displays, food and ice cream booths at every corner, and live music, the fair was like a fairy tale. Since growing up and having children of my own, I have tried to take them to the fair to let them experience a little of what I lived as a child. Although life has changed since then, the heritage of a 133 year-old Kansas tradition has not. My children have been able to wander through the different exhibition halls to see beautiful agricultural displays and domestic arts. They have smelled the livestock and equine areas and smiled at rabbits, birds and many other small animals that children from across Kansas have spent the last year raising.
In addition to the rides, pig races, butter sculpture and home economic projects, the fair organizers have much in store for attendees. You'll be treated to high school marching bands from across the state, monster trucks, truck and tractor pulls, and the demolition derby. A large variety of nationally known musicians will be at the fair to fit everyone's musical tastes. These include Carrie Underwood, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sugarland, and the Steve Miller Band. For a complete list of all the activities and to find out about special prices on admission tickets, visit www.KansasStateFair.com.
I am happy to be attending the Kansas State Fair again this year with the State Treasurer's office. The Unclaimed Property department will have a booth in the Meadowlark building trying to reconnect you with your lost or forgotten cash and property. There is almost $175 million worth of Unclaimed Property being held by the state and you should have your money back! Even if you think you do not have any Unclaimed Property with my office, you should stop by our booth or visit www.KansasCash.com. Unclaimed property can be anything from inactive savings and checking accounts to uncashed pay checks. It can be insurance proceeds or safe deposit box contents. Searching for and claiming your cash and property is free and easy.
I am also happy to be involved in the Kansas 4-H Flame for the Future ceremony that will honor 100 years of 4-H in Kansas. The 4-H had a huge influence on my life as I was growing up on my parent's dairy fair. I am honored to be representing a county during this Sept. 9 ceremony. It will be held at 10 a.m. on the fairgrounds.
Another activity we are proud to be involved in at this year's State Fair is the "Get Caught Recycling Contest" co-sponsored by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The contest is designed to encourage individuals, families, businesses, classrooms, civic organizations, and clubs to show others how they recycle. Contest entries may include videos, photos, artwork, audios, essays.. any creative communication that best demonstrates the groups recycling! To participate in the contest, visit www.GetCaughtRecycling.org/contest.htm for the official entry form and additional information. Prizes and recognition will be awarded at the fair. They include:
- One, $2,500 grand prize Learning Quest College Savings Account, which can be used for qualified higher education expenses at any public or private university, college, or technical school. (Funds will be submitted in the winner's name to the Kansas Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Program.)*
- Ten, $500 Learning Quest College Savings Accounts, which can be used for qualified higher education expenses at any public or private university, college, or technical school. (Funds will be submitted in the winner's name to the Kansas Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Program.)*
- 105, $100 cash prizes---one cash prize will be awarded per county.
- ALL entries will receive an official Certificate of Recycling Recognition.
The Kansas State Fair will be held from September 8 to 17 this year. I encourage you to take a day or two and attend the fair. Please stop by our Unclaimed Property booth to say "hello" and search for Unclaimed Property. I hope I see you in Hutchinson!
