By Brenna Eller
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair on Monday, July 29 announced the recipient of the State Fair’s first-ever Fairified Golden Ticket contest.
Julie Bugner Smith, of rural Barton County (Pawnee Rock), received the call last week that hers was the winning entry out of the 9,603 participants.
“I really didn’t expect to win,” Bugner-Smith said. “I didn’t know if I didn’t answer the call if it would go to the next person or not. I was really excited, and they’re a really fun group.”
Included in the Fairgoer Prize:
- Season Passes for four people for all 10 days
- Tickets for four people to 2 concerts
- Premium Parking Pass
- Four Unlimited-Ride Midway Wristbands
- Four Fairground 5-Ride Punch Cards
- Merchandise and gift certificates from: Energy Ion, Treasure Chest Gun Shop, RJ Win Concessions, Chunky Chets, Custom Engraved Name Jewelry, Grand Staff Ministries, Toppers Plus, Polished Coupe, Hawaiian Moon, Specialty Tools, Dusty Road Leather, All Around Products, Cutco Cutlery, Rickey’s Jerky, 2Y Enterprise, D&J Pronto Pup, Key West Island Wear LLC, Carrie’s Beer Garden, Get Blingy, Christian Tee’s and More, and B S Concessions
Because they don’t live in Hutchinson, Julie shared that she and her husband Mark don’t get to the fair as often as they used to but like to go as often as they can.
“Our children were 4-H’ers, so we’ve been to the fair just so many times,” she added. “And we go to concerts. Every year is just a little different.”
There were several options to choose from as far as concerts this year. Bugner-Smith decided on Broadway’s Rock of Ages Band on Sept. 12 and the Riley Green with Ella Langley concert on Sept. 14.
The Smiths plan to bring their grandchildren with them to the fair this year as well.
“It will be fun to see through their eyes,” Bugner-Smith said.
Bugner-Smith is the Program Coordinator for the Larned Chamber of Commerce and knows how much work goes into the planning of events like these. She wanted to give the event planners credit for all they have done to make the giveaway happen.
“It’s hard to put on events,” Bugner-Smith said. “This is really a neat concept they’re doing.”
The giveaway was announced June 27 by Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz.
“It’s really phenomenal,” Bugner-Smith said. “All the vendors and the food, concerts and rides.”
The VIP parking pass was a favorite among the giveaway prizes she received Monday.
“I’m very excited about that,” Bugner-Smith said.
Overall, Bugner-Smith was thrilled to be the first ever winner of the Fairified Golden Ticket.
For the schedule of events or more information for the 2024 Kansas State Fair, visit www.kansasstatefair.com.
