MANHATTAN, Kan. — It takes a lot of work to get the glowing Ferris Wheel spinning, just like it takes work setting up the Ye Old Mill, grooming competition livestock, making the thousands of funnel cakes and cheese curds and keeping the fairgrounds a clean environment for families to enjoy. But most people don’t think about the countless hours and dedication it takes to produce the stunning entries that you see at the Kansas State Fair.
The fair shut down the fryers and closed down the buildings on September 14th. Kansas Wheat sponsored several contests at the fair, including Wheat Photography in the Oz Gallery, Bread Sculpting in Domestic Arts and the Wheat Variety Plot 4-H award in the Education Building.
The 2019 Kansas 4-H wheat plot variety display winners were announced in the Showcase Building during the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. Participants plant and raise five varieties of wheat, and then create an educational display to showcase their wheat production and accomplishments. This year’s winner was Jacob Bell of Hugoton, with Maddy Nichepor of Ness City, Ryan Meyers of Minneapolis, and Truman Hooker of Goodland rounding out second, third and fourth places respectively.
Participants’ keen eyes for beauty were put on full display in the Wheat Photography Contest. From the tiny miracles of newly emerged wheat to picturesque views of local elevators, these contestants documented the full reality of the wheat’s life cycle and made it beautiful art. This year’s top winner was Scott Wiemeyer of Cheney.
Wilma Olds, Wilson, winner of the Bread Sculpture ContestThe Bread Sculpture contest was another rounding success with Wilma Olds of Wilson taking home the champion prize. Her creation featured a carousel crafted entirely out of bread and icing that even turned like its real-life inspiration!
Kansas Wheat hosted a special tribute to the wheat industry in the Pride of Kansas Building during the entirety of the Kansas State Fair. This year’s booth celebrated the National Festival of Breads, which is sponsored biennially by the Kansas Wheat Commission, King Arthur Flour and Red Star Yeast.
The Kansas Wheat booth showcased the success of the June 2019 event, which included a Kansas farm tour for the eight contest finalists from all around the nation, baking workshops and demonstrations, bread sculpture displays and much more. More than 3,500 people from at least 29 states and five countries attended the event that highlights Kansas wheat and the farmers that produce it.
— Kansas Wheat
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