Kansas State Fair The NJCAA National Basketball Tournament NJCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship

Kansas State Fair


“IT’S A WILD RIDE, BABY” for 10 straight days each year when Fair time rolls around. From racing pigs to a spectacular midway, it’s wholesome, traditional family fun with all of the excitement of current trends has made it one of the 8 Wonders of Reno County. The 2009 Kansas State Fair runs September 11 through 20.

While there are still plenty of the attractions patrons have come to know and love, The Fair’s recent renovations and upgrades present a variety of new experiences. Cottonwood Court offers tasty fare from food vendors in an air-conditioned setting, and an interactive fountain provides fairgoers of all ages with a fun way to beat the heat.
 

Hot contemporary, as well as top country acts and classic rock, can be found at the grandstand evening shows while free entertainment keeps toes-atappin’ over at the three free stages.

Although it’s never difficult to find fun and frivolity at The Fair, it also offers vast opportunities for learning. Kansas’ Largest Classroom is an innovative education program that allows teachers to integrate the unique scope of The Fair into a learning experience like no other.

The NJCAA National Basketball Tournament

A 61-YEAR TRADITION in Hutchinson -- the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Championship in Men’s Division I basketball. Every March, 16 teams gather here and compete in the double elimination tournament conducted in Hutchinson’s Sports Arena for the national title. It presents an opportunity to not only see great action, but also to preview players who later star at the Division I college level and even in the NBA.

The 2008 tournament is March 17-21. For ticket availability and other information, go to www.njcaabbtrny.org .

NJCAA Outdoor Tack & Field Championship

HUTCHINSON’S GOWANS STADIUM is hosting the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship May 20 - 23, 2009.

This national event had it’s start in 1939. To this day, some of the most competitive track and field athletes in the world participate at NJCAA colleges. For example, there were numerous NJCAA student-athletes representing the U.S. at the 2008 Olympics including four from Kansas community colleges, with two of those becoming medalists.

The Championships here will undoubtedly feature future national and international standouts in the potential field of over 1,900 student-athletes.