By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Tables are set in Hays for the 2024 Ellis County Community Fair, where local communities can learn about businesses and programs.
Hosted by the Ellis County Health Department at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine St., this year's fair offers guidance for everyone to find what they need.
Ellis County Health Department Director, Kimberly Reel, said her department often receives questions better addressed by other organizations.
"It's really important that everybody in the community know what we have available as far as businesses and what they offer," she said.
The second annual fair will consist of booths from High Plains Mental Health Center, Camber Children's Mental Health, Hays Lions Club and more.
Starting from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, the county health department will offer on-site sports physicals for the upcoming school year at $25 each along with other vaccinations that can be billed to insurance companies.
Anticipating about 800 Hays High School athletes for the next school year, Reel said she aims to get a head start on the long line.
"We'd like to get ahead of the game," she said. "We saw this as an opportunity to offer a clinic on a Saturday afternoon which is outside of our normal business hours..."
The Ellis County Health Department has also prepared movie night-themed and kid-themed basket giveaways. Sign-ups are open throughout the afternoon with the winner announced at the end of the fair.
While the fair is held inside Big Creek Crossing, attendees can find PFONZ Smokehaus & Catering, and other food trucks parked outside.
Reel said she is discussing future events and potential expansion with Big Creek Crossing, though no definite plans have been made.
"We would like to continue this every year," Kimberly said.
Businesses interested in joining the county fair can make arrangements at 785-628-9440 until the end of business today.
The Ellis County Health Department is open 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
You can find more information on the Ellis County Health Department here and follow them on Facebook.