The Kansas Junior Livestock Show will continue to host one of the state’s top livestock shows at the Kansas State Fairgrounds through 2023.
KJLS, Visit Hutch and the Kansas State Fairgrounds announced the three-year contract extension Monday. The show has called the Fairgrounds home since 2015 and has showcased thousands of youth exhibitors and their livestock.
“We have enjoyed the Kansas Junior Livestock Show being in Hutchinson the past five years and are so excited to continue this partnership," said LeAnn Cox, Vice President of Operations and Tourism for Visit Hutch. “The leadership of KJLS, the Fairgrounds staff and Visit Hutch are continually working together to make sure the show remains successful.”
“The Kansas Junior Livestock Show is looking forward to another three great years at the Kansas State Fairgrounds and in Hutchinson,” said Betsy Anderson, KJLS coordinator.
Each year, the show brings nearly 4,000 attendees to Hutchinson and surrounding areas. In addition to the championship selections, the show also includes various showmanship contests, the club calf show and sale and the LEAD Challenge. The LEAD Challenge is an opportunity for exhibitors to use a competitive environment to present knowledge of current industry-related issues.
Nathan McClanahan, the Fair’s facility rental coordinator, called the extension a unified process.
McClanahan gave a “big thank you to the dedication of everyone for being patient while we worked out a deal.
“We are pleased that we’re now able to move forward and give Hutchinson and the surrounding areas the state's premier junior livestock show for years to come,” he said. “This contract is a vital step forward in the continued financial health of our community and maintains our dedication to the industry.”
The final show under the existing contract is Oct. 2-4, 2020. Future KJLS dates are Oct. 1-3, 2021, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2022 and Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2023.
For more information on KJLS, including sponsorship opportunities, contact Betsy Anderson at rbkjls@gmail.com.