Marina
The Kansas State Fair has seen record-breaking crowds, but heavy rainfall and flooding created major disruptions for parking.
To ensure visitors still have smooth access, fair officials have announced new overflow parking areas, extended shuttle services, and maintained dedicated handicapped parking zones.
These proactive steps are designed to keep the fair experience safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.
Parking & Shuttle Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Overflow Parking Opened | Southwest corner of the Hutchinson Uptown Mall, south of Hutchinson Vintage Market (Bold 3PL – East parking lot at 1529 E. 17th Avenue). |
| Lots Closed | Hutchinson Sports Arena and Stringer Fine Arts Center lots reached full capacity and were closed. |
| On-grounds Availability | On-grounds parking closed due to flooding, except for designated handicapped areas. |
| Handicapped Parking | Available near Gate 5 on State Fair Road and Gate 9 on Plum Street, with valid placard required. |
| Shuttle Service | Running through 10 PM daily, with the last shuttle leaving from Gate 9. Longer wait times expected. |
| Shuttle Types | – HCC Charter & Dragon Bus: Uptown Mall route – HCC Charter Bus: Bold 3PL route – Durham School Bus: Sports Arena route only. |
| Will Call | Located at Lot C on Plum Street, remains open and fully accessible. |
| Livestock Exhibitors | Exhibitors with Purple & Tan Lot passes continue to have access. |
| Duration | On-grounds parking will remain closed for the next 48 hours, pending weather improvements. |
Overflow Parking Opens
As primary lots quickly filled and others became inaccessible, officials opened overflow parking in the Bold 3PL East lot, conveniently located at the southwest corner of the Hutchinson Uptown Mall. This move has helped absorb the surge of fairgoers and prevented major traffic delays.
On-Grounds Closures & Handicapped Access
Flooding forced the closure of all on-grounds parking for general visitors. However, officials prioritized accessibility by keeping handicapped parking zones open near Gate 5 and Gate 9.
Only vehicles with official placards are permitted in these areas to maintain availability for those who need it most.
Shuttle Connectivity
To bridge the gap between remote parking and the fairgrounds, shuttles are running throughout the day, with extended schedules until 10 PM.
The final shuttle leaves from Gate 9, but visitors are urged not to wait until the last minute, as demand is heavy and routes are longer than usual.
Shuttle routes include:
- HCC Charter & Dragon Bus: Uptown Mall route
- HCC Charter Bus: Bold 3PL route
- Durham School Bus: Sports Arena route only
Continued Access for Will Call & Exhibitors
The Will Call office remains operational at Lot C on Plum Street, ensuring visitors can still pick up tickets without disruption.
Meanwhile, livestock exhibitors with pre-purchased Purple & Tan Lot parking retain uninterrupted access to their reserved areas, ensuring competitions and showcases continue smoothly.
Temporary Measures & Expectations
Officials have confirmed that on-grounds parking will stay closed for 48 hours, with conditions being reassessed after weather improvements.
Despite the parking challenges, the fair’s full schedule of entertainment, exhibits, and livestock events continues without change.
Why These Updates Matter
- Safety First: Closing flooded lots ensures visitor and staff safety.
- Accessibility Maintained: Handicapped guests, Will Call visitors, and exhibitors retain priority access.
- Adaptability: Adding overflow parking and shuttle routes demonstrates fast, effective problem-solving.
The Kansas State Fair has adapted quickly to overcome the challenges caused by heavy rain and flooding.
By opening extra parking lots, extending shuttle services, and maintaining priority access for handicapped visitors and exhibitors, officials have kept the fair accessible and safe.
While visitors should expect longer wait times, these measures ensure the excitement of the fair continues uninterrupted.