Geary County CVB scales back Kansas State Fair participation, will attend Kansas Days only
Summary
The county CVB director recommended canceling the two-week Kansas State Fair contract because of staff constraints and cost; commissioners approved paying a $100 cancellation fee and participating in the Kansas Days regional slot for about $200.
Raquel Sink, director of the Geary County Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB), told the county commission that the bureau should cancel its full Kansas State Fair contract for 2025 and instead participate only during Kansas Days or join the North Central Kansas booth.
Sink said the two-week fair plan would require a minimum $11,000 investment and would leave the CVB “severely understaffed for nearly two weeks,” given current staffing levels and a new marketing specialist on staff. "Given current staffing levels, timing, and budget constraints, participation would strain resources and reduce the CVB's availability to serve local stakeholders effectively during a critical tourism season," she said.
The CVB director presented alternatives including a geo-targeted digital marketing campaign, regional partnerships, sponsoring local events, or a reduced presence at Kansas Days with the North Central Kansas group for roughly $200 and a single hotel room. She recommended cancelling the full contract and paying a $100 administrative cancellation fee if the commission approved before July 1.
Commissioners discussed the tradeoffs between exposure at the state fair and the workload for a small staff. After brief discussion, a commissioner moved to cancel the current contract and participate only during Kansas Days; commissioners voted in favor by voice vote and the motion carried.
Clarifying details released at the meeting say the CVB's two-week attendance was estimated at a minimum of $11,000 (includes booth fees, travel, lodging, materials and staffing). The reduced Kansas Days option was described as a $200 fee plus one sleeping room for two nights. Sink said she had requested that the $100 cancellation fee be applied to Kansas Days but was awaiting a response.
The commission instructed the CVB to proceed with cancelling the two-week contract (if allowable under deadlines) and to return with results after Kansas Days so the commission can evaluate whether full fair participation would be worthwhile in 2026.
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