Kansas State Fair (Images of America)

The rich history of the Kansas State Fair comes to life in Images of America: Kansas State Fair through photographs from the 1860s to the present. The fair first opened its gates to visitors in 1863 and welcomed all to behold the "Pride of Kansas" until its untimely demise in 1875. In 1913, the Kansas Legislature revived the fair and selected the city of Hutchinson as the exposition's permanent home. Centrally located, Hutchinson has proved an ideal setting. Every year during September, hundreds of thousands of fairgoers flock to the grounds to compete in agricultural or livestock competitions, sell their wares, seek out thrills on the midway amusements, or learn more about the state and its resources. Whatever their motives, all fairgoers leave with a sense of fulfillment.

Though not a native Kansan, author Thomas C. Percy has grown very fond of his adopted state. After researching the origins of the Kansas State Fair in graduate school, he could not believe his good fortune at finding a position teaching at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas, the home of the Kansas State Fair.