KU at the State Fair

KU spotlights new addition to Kansas State Fair booth

KU will put a big smile on the faces of Jayhawk fans at the 2005 Kansas State Fair Sept. 9-18 in Hutchinson. "Many of the 300,000 visitors to the KU booth at the Kansas State Fair have asked why we didn't sell Jayhawk merchandise," said Margey Frederick, director of special events. "Consequently, this year we asked the KU Bookstores to set up shop beside our informational booth and they agreed.  We are thrilled because the demand for KU items in central and western Kansas is huge. We will also use this opportunity to showcase our new KU logo."

Besides gathering printed materials, fairgoers will receive free Jayhawk face stickers, new Jayhawk trading cards, bookmarks, athletics posters and schedules, and "Be a Jayhawk" fans.  Frederick said many people have told her they have collected the fans for years.  "They make a very festive display on someone's wall. We love the constant presence of  Jayhawks in homes and classrooms."  She believes the new Jayhawk trading cards will be the biggest hit, though, along with the ability to purchase Jayhawk items in the KU Bookstores' booth.

Daily drawings at the booth will feature five "Be a Jayhawk" T-shirts.  The bright blue T-shirt will also be worn by the 120 University faculty, staff, and alumni who volunteer to work the booth, handing out materials and answering questions about KU's programs and events.  The KU Bookstores booth will be staffed by bookstores employees.

In the past, KU has taken its Marching Band, Spirit Squad and mascots, and various school dignitaries to the fair to host a Jayhawk Pep Rally.  This year, because of home football games on the two Saturdays of the fair, the pep rally will not be held.  Frederick hopes the rally will return next year, once the 2006 KU football schedule is determined.

For more information, e-mail Margey Frederick at mfrederick@ku.edu.