Category Archives: Fair

Area News, Fair

Heartland REC gives $5,000 grant to Bourbon Co. Fair Assn.

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The Welcome Sign at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative (HREC) has presented a $5,000 Concern for Community grant to the Bourbon County Fair Association to fund safety and accessibility upgrades across the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

The grant will pay for a new speaker system across four barns, the show arena and stands, and the pavilion, along with replacement lighting in the show arena and pavilion, four new bike racks to reduce tripping hazards in high-traffic areas, and electrician services for the installation. The Fair Association will complete all non-electrical work.

“This project touches nearly every corner of the fairgrounds — better sound, better lighting, safer walkways,” said Doug Graham, Communication Specialist at HREC. “It’s a great example of a fair board making practical improvements that benefit everyone who comes through the gate.”

Concern for Community is funded through capital credit retirements intended for former members that the cooperative was unable to reach. Rather than letting these funds sit unused, Heartland developed the Concern for Community grant program to return these dollars to the community.

Concern for Community grants are exclusively for capital projects such as construction, renovation, or durable equipment purchases. Due to overwhelming interest in the program, the HREC board decided to limit this year’s applications to area fair boards and 4-H groups.

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative headquartered in Girard, Kansas, providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service to 8,500 member-owners across 12 counties in southeast Kansas. As a cooperative, HREC is governed by a board of directors elected by and from its membership, and reinvests in the communities it serves through programs such as Concern for Community, Operation Round Up, and Future Foundations. In addition to electric service, HREC’s wholly owned subsidiary, Heartland Propane, serves propane customers throughout the region.

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Art, Bourbon County, Fair

Quilt and Fiber Arts Show returns Oct. 2-4 at fairgrounds

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The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Quilt and Fiber Arts Show returns this year with quilts and fiber art projects on display at the Meyers Building at the Bourbon County Fairground, October 2-4.

Area quilters and fiber artists are invited to enter items that have never been exhibited before in the show. Fiber art includes any work done with thread, yarn, fiber or fabric — weaving, rug hooking, spinning, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, needlepoint, cross stitching, tatting, needle felting, macrame and more.

In addition to the exhibits, fiber artists will be present at various times during the show working on their current projects. The public is invited to drop in, view the exhibits, talk to the artists, and bring their own needlework projects to work on.

“A quilt and fiber arts show is a wonderful place to come be inspired, encouraged, and tempted,” said Linda Rogers, this year’s show organizer. “You will see some fantastic quilts, some showcasing new techniques and contemporary colors, as well as more traditional quilts. And if you are thinking about taking up a new craft, or if you are in the middle of a needlework project and have hit a roadblock, maybe one of our quilters or artisans can make suggestions to help you.”

Quilting and fiber arts are examples of “what goes around comes around.” Generations ago, quilting and needlework were necessary skills, then became less important as mass production took over. During the craft revival of the 1970s, interest in unique handmade items resurged, and crafts like quilting and weaving were rediscovered. Now new generations have again “rediscovered” these “granny crafts.” Today traditional crafts continue in homes and studios by women and men who enjoy creative pursuits as a hobby, a source of income, or simply to fulfill a need to create art. In a hyper-connected, technology-driven world, both adults and youth are finding the simple joy and calm that comes from working with colors and textures to create something tangible with their own hands.

Show Details

Take-in (to enter items): Thursday, October 1, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There is no fee to exhibit items. The only award given is a “People’s Choice Award.”

Public viewing hours: Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, October 4, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admittance is free.

Item pickup: Sunday, October 4, 2:30 to 3:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Linda Rogers at 620-215-4905.

Fair, Uncategorized

Bourbon County Fair Board to receive Heartland REC Community Grant

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GIRARD, KS — August 28, 2026 — The Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative (HREC) Board of Directors selected six fair boards and 4-H organizations across southeast Kansas to receive a total of $28,700 in funding for infrastructure projects through the Concern for Community grant program.

HREC’s Concern for Community program was developed to return unclaimed capital credits to the cooperative’s member-owners and their communities. In response to overwhelming interest in the program, the HREC board chose to limit this year’s applications to fair boards and 4-H groups within the 12 counties the co-op serves.

“These fairgrounds are where our communities gather, and where kids learn responsibility through 4-H and FFA,” said Doug Graham, Communication Specialist at HREC. “We’re proud to be able to help these organizations make improvements that benefit everyone who walks through the gates.”

Applications were accepted from July 1 through August 14, and the winners were selected at the August 24 HREC board meeting.

2026 Concern for Community Grant Recipients

  • Neosho County Fair Association (Erie) — $5,000 to finish interior walls of the Neosho Valley Event Center indoor exhibit building.
  • Bourbon County Fair Association (Fort Scott) — $5,000 to replace the fairgrounds speaker system, repair non-working lights, add bike racks, and cover electrician services.
  • Southwind Extension Education Foundation (Iola) — $5,000 to rebuild deteriorated livestock wash racks at the Allen County Fairgrounds.
  • Cherokee County Fair Foundation (Columbus) — $5,000 to add concrete surfacing in and around the show arena and livestock areas, improving accessibility for wheelchair users and patrons with mobility issues.
  • Crawford County Fair Association (Girard) — $5,000 to install eight new security cameras and locking breakers at the 4-H horse barn, beef tie-out pens, and grandstand crow’s nest.
  • Kincaid Fair (Kincaid) — $3,700 to replace deteriorating roofing fasteners on the Exhibit Hall, update display cases, and install a new entrance sign.

Grant recommendations were developed by HREC staff and reviewed by the cooperative’s board of directors, with funding decisions based on the number of Heartland members in the project area, reasonableness of the budget, likelihood of project completion, level of community benefit, and time since the applicant’s last Heartland grant.

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned electric cooperative headquartered in Girard, Kansas, powering rural lifestyles for more than 8,000 member-owners across 12 counties in southeast Kansas. HREC is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service while investing in the communities it serves through programs like Concern for Community, Operation Round Up, and Future Foundations.

Fair, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Bourbon County Fair Association, July 16

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Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by the Bourbon County Fair Association

Thursday, July 16th | 8:00 a.m.
Under the Hubenett Pavilion at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds
2102 S. Huntington Blvd., Fort Scott, KS

Chamber Coffee hosted by Bourbon County Fair Association – Thursday, July 16th, 8am, BBCO Fairgrounds Hubenett Pavilion, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend this week’s Chamber Coffee hosted by the Bourbon County Fair Association on Thursday, July 16, at 8:00 a.m.

The Coffee will be held under the Hubenett Pavilion at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about this year’s Bourbon County Fair and the many activities taking place throughout the week.

The Bourbon County Fair continues through Friday, July 17, showcasing the hard work and dedication of local 4-H members and youth exhibitors. The Chamber extends its best wishes to all participants exhibiting livestock and projects they have worked on throughout the year.

Community members are encouraged to attend the fair, support local youth, and enjoy the week’s activities. Fair highlights include:

  • Fort Scott FFA Chicken Dinner on Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Uniontown FFA Cornhole Tournament at 7:00 p.m. in the Show Arena
  • Draft Horse Pull at 8:00 p.m.
  • Vendor Mart in the Merchants Building from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. nightly through Thursday
  • Youth Livestock Sale on Friday at 7:00 p.m.

2026 Bourbon County Fair Schedule of Events

A complete schedule of fair events is available on the Events Calendar at fortscott.com or on the Bourbon County Fair Facebook page.

For more information about Chamber Coffees or other Chamber events, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

Fair, K-State Extension

Bourbon County Fair 2026 Schedule

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Bourbon County Fair 2026 Schedule

Monday

  • 9am – 11am: Enter and Conference Judge All 4-H Indoor Exhibits
  • 2pm – 6pm: Enter Open Class Exhibits
  • 5pm – 8pm: Enter Poultry and Rabbit
  • 6pm – 8pm: Market Animal Weigh-In

Tuesday

  • 8am: Rabbit Show
  • 11am: Poultry Show
  • 12pm: Open Class Bake Sale @ Myers
  • 5pm – 8pm: Vendor Mart @ Merchants
  • 5pm: Sheep Show
  • 6:30pm: Meat Goat Show
  • 7pm: Draft Horse Pull

Wednesday

  • 9am: Dairy Cattle
  • 9:30am: Dairy Goat Show
  • 9am – 11am: Judging Contests @ Cloverleaf – Crops/FCS/Hort/Photo
  • 5pm – 8pm: Vendor Mart @ Merchants
  • 6:30pm: Bucket Calf Show
  • 7pm: Beef Show

Thursday

  • 8am: Chamber Coffee @ Hubenett Pavilion
  • 9am: Swine Show
  • 3pm: Round Robin Showmanship
  • 5pm – 8pm: Vendor Mart @ Merchants
  • 6:30pm: Bucket Calf Show
  • 6:30pm: Uniontown FFA Corn Hole Tournament

Friday

  • 9am: Livestock Judging Contest
  • 12:30pm: Barnyard Olympics
  • 3pm – 5pm: Check Out 4-H Exhibits (Static and Non-Sale Livestock)
  • 5pm – 8pm: Check Out Open Class Exhibits
  • 5:30pm: Buyer’s Supper @ Hubenett Pavilion
  • 7pm: Livestock Sale

Saturday

  • 9am – 10am: Check Out Open Class Exhibits
  • 9:30am: Dairy Goat Show
  • 9am – 10am: End of Fair Clean-Up

Building Hours

  • 9am – 8pm: Open Class Exhibits @ Myers
  • 9am – 9pm: 4-H Exhibits @ Cloverleaf

Bourbon County Fair 2026 Schedule

Bourbon County, Fair, Food, Youth

2026 Bourbon County Fair Started Today: Join The Fun

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Today was the start of the county fair, the culmination of the work that 4-H’ers put into their projects.
Most of the action was in the Myers Building, with people bustling to have their items entered into the competition.
Each 4-H Club creates a diorama for competition which is on display in the Cloverleaf Event Center.
Another 4-H diorama.
Another diorama in the Cloverleaf Event Center.
The Myers Building was busy with people entering their exhibits on Monday afternoon.

Open Class exhibitors enter their art work.

People went to different stations in the Myers Building to enter their items.
Exhibitors of all ages were entering their projects in the Myers Building on Monday afternoon.

 

All indoor exhibits and open class exhibits were entered, in addition to 4-H and Open Class Market Animals, Poultry and Rabbits.
Judging was completed on the indoor exhibits in the Clover Leaf Event Center.
Karlee Hereford, Northeast Scott 4-H Club Member, readies her goats for the Bourbon County Fair on Monday afternoon.
Karlee’s Dad, Jake Hereford hands his daughter a bale of hay for feeding to her goats. The 17-year-old has been in 4-H for eight years.
Market animals were weighed, ready for the judging to start this week.
The following schedule for tomorrow’s activities is provided by Emelia Whiteaker, vice president of the Bourbon County Fair Association.
Tuesday, July 14th at the Bourbon County Fair, located on Horton Street in Fort Scott.
The tables are ready for fairgoers and participants to enjoy a meal in the Clover Leaf Event Center.
7 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Uniontown 4H Club Concession Stand in the Cloverleaf Event Center
8 a.m. – Rabbit Judging
9 a.m. – Open Class Judging – Myers Building is Closed
9 a.m. – Southwest/Southland Dairy Mobile Classroom with presentation at 9:30 am and 10:30 am
10 a.m. – Poultry Judging
11 a.m. – Operation Wildlife Eagle Presentation
12 p.m. – FCE Bake Sale in the Myers Building
12 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Myers Building Open for viewing
1 p.m. – Bourbon County 4H Council Afternoon Matinee in the Cloverleaf Event Center
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Merchant’s Building Open – over 15 vendors
5 p.m. – Sheep Show
6:30 p.m. – Meat Goat Show
Food Vendors:
7 a.m. to 2 p.m.  at the Uniontown 4H Club Concession Stand in Cloverleaf Event Center
All Day – Lemonade Lagoon
5 p.m. – Jonny O’s Food Truck
Some of the flyers on the doors of the buildings, telling of some of the week’s fair events.
A draft horse pull is July 16 at 8 p.m. at the fair.
On July 14 from noon to 2 p.m. is the selling of the prize winning foods judged in open class in the Myers Building.
There will be a free pancake breakfast on July 15 from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Cloverleaf Event Center, provided by Landmark Bank.
Bourbon County, Business, Fair, Fort Scott

Christmas Fair Tomorrow at The Fairground

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The Bourbon County Fair Association is having a Christmas Fair tomorrow December 13th from 10 am to 3 pm at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, across from Fort Scott Community College on South Horton.
Fifth Annual Jingle Bell Mart featuring local vendors:
Kos Kreations
Tracy Smith – handmade jewelry
Carell Collective
Locust Hill Lamanchas Goat Milk Products
Sally Kraft – hand-sewn items
Flying P Ranch
WriteOn!
Happy Little Candle Factory
Donna Jo Beerbower – homemade fudge
Kitty’s Kreations
Gran’s Denim Recyclables
Mmm Flavor Shop
Blessed B Creations
Uppa Creek Ranch – local, raw, honey
Christmas Display Competition – Come vote for your favorite Christmas Display.  Votes are $1 each, with a portion of the sales going to the winners and the Cloverleaf Event Center.
A Hot Beverage Bar will also be available for a Free Will Donation with all donations going to the Cloverleaf Event Center.
Bourbon County, Fair, Food, Fort Scott

Christmas Party To Improve Bourbon County Fairgrounds Cloverleaf Event Center Is December 12

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Local businesses are joining together for a Christmas Party to raise money for improvements to the Cloverleaf Event Center at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, on South Horton Street in Fort Scott.
Submitted graphic.
Cohn’s Cafe on Main Street will cater the event.  A tasting menu will include:  Bourbon Maple Burger Sliders, Bacon-wrapped Chicken Bites, Meatballs in Marinara, Twice-Baked, BBQ Brisket Potato, Spinach Dip and Chips, and a Seasonal Soup.
The menu will feature locally sourced products.  Blue Dog Wine Company will be providing wine samples that pair with the menu.
Submitted graphic.
For those who do not prefer wine, Mmm Flavor Shop will have a Tea Bar with a variety of herbal and black teas.  Mmm Flavor Shop will also have a Spiced Up Dessert Bar.
  These desserts will be easy to replicate at home.  Some of the offerings will be Saffron Coconut Cake, Spicy Brownies, and Chai Angel Food Cake.
Submitted graphic.
Sunshine Boutique will be having a Christmas Centerpiece Class to start the evening.  Attendees can also make a customized pen with WriteOn!.
Submitted graphic.
This event will be Friday, December 12th starting at 6 pm.  Tickets are $75 and will be available for purchase until November 30th.  You can reserve your tickets at the included link.
Fair

It’s County Fair Time

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As we get to the middle of July, it is county fair time. The Bourbon County fair closed their Fair-y Tale County fair on Saturday, July 19, but Woodson County starts the Barn in the USA County Fair on Friday, July 18th. Come out and catch all the wonders of the county fair, from the beef cattle or dairy cattle to the watermelon feed and free breakfast on Sunday, July 20th.

At Neosho County’s Boots and Bling: it’s a Mardi Gras Thing; Families can watch Ty Ellis and the Flatliners band on Saturday, July 26th at 8 pm or come try their luck at the Horseshoe Tournament on Sunday, July 27th at 10 am. Each time you visit Friday, July 25th and Saturday, July 26th, bring a canned food item to contribute to the canned food drive, a community effort led by Neosho County 4-H Clubs in partnership with the Farm Bureau.

Next, hop on over to Allen County’s Tropical “Fair”adise. You can come see all the baby animals in the Baby Barnyard, open from 8 am to 10 pm Thursday, July 24th to Friday, July 25th. Come out and support the 4-H youth exhibitors and their projects. From Barn in the USA, Boots and Bling to a Tropical “Fair”adise or to a County FAIR-y Tale: You can catch all the wonders from a livestock show to grand champion art works. Come out and make memories.