Tri-Rivers Fair back in Salina in August

Charles Rankin, Salina Journal
·3 min read

Agriculture is a key part of rural American life, and along with it comes fair season, which is back in central Kansas, including the Tri-Rivers Fair, happening in Salina next month.

Taking place mainly at the grounds in and around the Saline County Livestock and Expo Center and Tony's Pizza Events Center (TPEC), the Tri-Rivers fair is coming to Salina from Aug. 8 to Aug. 12 with activities for people of all ages throughout the week.

Though fair judging begins earlier that day, things really get underway for the public with the Tri-Rivers Fair Parade at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8 along Santa Fe Avenue in downtown Salina.

What can people expect to see at the fair?

A goat peeks above the pen in the Saline County Livestock and Expo Center during a previous Tri-Rivers Fair. Events like the petting zoo and livestock sale are back for the 2023 edition of the fair.
A goat peeks above the pen in the Saline County Livestock and Expo Center during a previous Tri-Rivers Fair. Events like the petting zoo and livestock sale are back for the 2023 edition of the fair.

The Tri-Rivers Fair has events and activities scheduled to show of the importance of agriculture, with exhibits, presentations and classes on a variety of topics, issues and having fun.

Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 9, the fair opens as early as 7:30 a.m. with exhibitors spread throughout the fairgrounds at places including the 4-H Building, Ag Hall, Kenwood Hall and the Great Plains Manufacturing Hall at TPEC. Each day, these exhibits are open until at least 9 p.m.

Other events throughout the week are highlighted by the FFA petting zoo, open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday to Saturday in Barn No. 1, presentations by local producers such as AJ Honey Farms, silent auctions and contests spread throughout the week.

A crowd favorite, the demolition derby is back again this year at 7 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Salina Speedway, 2841 S Burma Road. Tickets for this are $10 for adults and $4 for children ages six to 12.

Also back is the corn hole tournament, which will take place beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 11 in the fair's beer garden, located south of Ag Hall.

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Of course, no fair would be complete without carnival rides and food and the Tri-Rivers Fair is bringing back WEEE Entertainment this year. Carnival prices begin at $4 for single tickets all the way up to wristbands costing $30.

Finally, new events are included this year at the fair, with a kids storytime provided by the Salina Public Library at 3 p.m. on Aug. 10 at the south circle drive and the showcase and sale of local artists' work happening from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday in the TPEC lobby.

More information online and Facebook

For more information about the Tri-Rivers Fair, including a schedule of events, list of exhibitors, map of the fairgrounds and more, visit the fair's website at tririversfair.org/.

More information about the fair and highlights of some of the activities, events and fun are also updated on the fair's Facebook page which can be found by searching for Tri-River Fair.

Finally, anyone looking for further information can contact the fair office by calling 785-827-4425, emailing fairoffice@salinecountyks.gov or filling out the contact form on the fair's website.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Salina celebrates agriculture and more at Tri-Rivers Fair