Golden Sky Farms asks Pratt County for temporary right‑of‑way parking for October agritourism event; commissioners urge KDOT signoff

Harold Schultz, owner and representative of Golden Sky Farms, told Pratt County commissioners he is planning an agritourism event Oct. 4 and asked for permission to use county right‑of‑way for overflow parking if attendance exceeds expectations.

"I'm Harold Schultz. I'm representing, Golden Sky Farms south of town," Schultz told the commission, saying the event would include tours of a new small cheese‑making facility, local music acts and that he expected about 100 visitors but wanted a contingency plan for larger crowds. Schultz said proceeds from admission donations would support the Honor Flight program.

Schultz asked to use a driveway and county right‑of‑way near Highway 281 for overflow parking, and said he had requested signs and possibly lights from the Kansas Department of Transportation and had spoken with an emergency‑management contact, referred to at the meeting as BJ, about generators or lights. He also said the City of Sawyer was helping to advertise the event.

Commissioners and staff raised liability and safety concerns, especially pedestrian crossings on Highway 281, and urged Schultz to obtain KDOT approval before any county gate or right‑of‑way was opened. One commissioner suggested the fairgrounds as a safer alternative and recommended arranging transportation from a safer parking area. Schultz said his insurance company would not cover transporting attendees, so he preferred on‑site or nearby parking if approved by KDOT.

The commission did not take formal action at the meeting. Commissioners instructed Schultz to return after he hears from KDOT and to coordinate with county staff on safety measures and any required permits or traffic control.