EVENTS

DEMOLITION DERBY

The McPherson County Fair has had a demolition derby as part of its activities since 1982. The derby, held the last Sunday of the fair each year, is a huge attraction.

After years of decline in the number of Demolition Derby entries, the fall of 2017 brought a new event to the McPherson County Fairgrounds and revitalization to the derby at the fair. The “Demo Clean-up Derby” came to life during late October. This event brought contestants from all over Kansas, some from Oklahoma and Nebraska, and others from as far away as Texas. This new event resulted in an increase in contestants at the Demolition Derby at the Fair in 2018. The contestants were extremely impressed by the facilities and the way the derby was run.

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The name changed in 2019 from the Demo Clean-up Derby to the Halloween Hangover and the date was set for the first weekend in November following Halloween. The numbers of contestants grew exponentially and have maintained ever since. With the success of this fall event has come competition from other areas trying to replicate this "gold mine" of revenue and family entertainment. Mark your calendar now so you do not miss this event!

Stay up-to-date on demolition derby information and schedule by VISITING THE DEMOLITION DERBY FACEBOOK PAGE.

RODEO ROYALTY PAGEANT

The McPherson County Fair Association (MCFA) Rodeo Royalty Pageant takes place each July during the McPherson County Fair. It is open to girls ages 8-18 from anywhere in the state of Kansas. The Queen Contest started in 2003 crowning Meghan Smith as the first Queen. A Princess Contest was added in 2018 crowning Faith McMannis as the first Princess.

Contestants compete in four categories: Written Test, Horsemanship (rail work and pattern), Personal Interview, and Impromptu Questions. Winners in each category receive prizes. Queen and Princess winners receive a crown, belt buckle, sash, breast collar, and other prizes. They also receive a pair of perpetual chaps to wear during the year of their reign. Winners in the categories of Congeniality, Photogenic, and High Ticket Sales also receive prizes.

The 2024 pageant is July 18 and 19, 2024, at the McPherson County Fairgrounds on the north side of Canton. Application forms, medical release, color photo, and $25 nonrefundable entry fee must be received by July 1, 2024.

For more information and entry forms for the MCFA Queen and Princess pageant, CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE MCFA RODEO ROYALTY WEBSITE.

CENTRAL KANSAS YOUTH RODEO ASSOCIATION

The McPherson County Fair Association (MCFA) welcomed the Central Kansas Youth Rodeo Association (CKYRA) eight years ago. There are 10 summer rodeo events (five weekends) at the fairground's 17-acre campus in the Tom Miller Arena. From mutton busting to barrels and everything in between, the youth of central Kansas come to have fun filled, challenging weekends with family and friends.

In 2013, when Heartland Youth Rodeo (HYRA) decided not to continue their summer series, a new organization, the CKYRA, formed. The first season had 48 members with an average of 150+ entries a day. In 2014 there were 57 members and an average of 212+ entries a day. The organization, led by a board of directors, continues to improve the status of the association by acquiring new events, activities and adding to awards given at the finals. 2014 saw the addition of the “Breakaway Steer Roping” for 2nd to 4th graders and “Ribbon Roping” for 5th to 8th and 9th to 12th grade divisions. In 2015 9th to 12th graders added “Bull Riding” and in 2016 5th to 8th graders added “Bareback Riding and Saddle Bronco" on steers. All other events remain the same.

The CKYRA is open to kindergartners through 12th graders but does occasionally accept younger aged participants. For the finals, participants must attend six rodeos, compete in the finals both days, and meet all obligations. All events are held at the Tom Miller Arena at the McPherson County Fairgrounds in Canton.

For more information on CKYRA, CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE CKYRA WEBSITE.

KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL RODEO ASSOCIATION

Many years ago, the McPherson County Fair Association (MCFA) approached the Kansas High School Rodeo Association (KHSRA) about holding a rodeo at the fairgrounds in Canton. MCFA went through an application process and received approval. That year, a spring event and later, for the following school year, a fall rodeo was hosted. The rodeo students travel from all over Kansas to participate. Most rodeos in existence at the time were in far western and eastern areas of the state.

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With the central location of the McPherson County Fairgrounds and access to major highways it was an easy spot for high school cowboys and cowgirls to reach from across the state. For a few years, the MCFA did not host a High School Rodeo, and now only hosts one per year, usually in the fall. During that time, the McPherson County Fairground's 17-acre campus is filled with horse trailers, both high school and junior high school cowboys and cowgirls and their families. It is with immense pride that the volunteer MCFA members help to put on this event. If you are interested in helping with this event, contact the MCFA.

For more information on KHSRA and KJHSRA, CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE KHSRA WEBSITE.