Fall Festivals and Fairs

It is almost fall, and this my most favorite time of year.  Why, you ask?  In addition to the leaves changing beautiful colors, wearing warm cuddly sweaters, and sitting on your porch, drinking hot apple cider while reading your favorite library book, there are also so many fantastic fairs and festivals that accompany the autumn season.

The Tall Corn Festival takes place in Rossville, Ks.  This festival has been happening since 1929 and orginated as a time to recognize the hard work of the community during harvest. It is a great example of some of the best things about small town Kansas.  Events include a tall corn contest, a corn-on-the-cob eating contest, turtle races and a talent show.  In addition to those and many more activites, folks look forward to the Main Street Grand Parade and the Saturday night street dance with live music.  The street dance does have an admission charge of $10 for ages 4 and up.  This festival is held on the second weekend in August every year, and take it from someone who has been and knows, it is well worth the 20 minute drive west.

About 3 hours south of Topeka you can catch the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo in Coffeyville, Ks.  This year marks the 105th year of this fair and rodeo and it is a huge draw for people from all over southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.  This fair also takes place the second week in August.  In addition to the standard carnival rides that most fairs have to offer, the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo's big draws are the demoltion derby, the live music festival, and of course the 4 nights of PRCA (professional rodeo cowboys association) and Ranch rodeo's.  This year's live music line up includes Jerrod Niemann and Tracy Lawrence.  There is an admission charge for the demo derby, live music and all the rodeo's.

 

These are just a couple of my personal favorite fall time events.  There are many more festivals and fairs in the fall, all throughout Kansas.  Here a just a few:

 

Topeka Railroad Festival: August 17, Topeka- Great Overland Station

Shawnee County Allied Tribes Traditional Pow Wow: August 30-September 2, Topeka- Lake Shawnee

Huff 'N Puff Hot Air Balloon Rally: September 6-8, Topeka- Lake Shawnee

Kansas State Fair: September 9-15, Hutchinson- Fair Grounds

Cider Days: September 21-22, Topeka- Ks Expo Centre

What festival/fair do you look forward to all year?