By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The 2025 Ellis County Fair drew thousands of attendees, providing the fair board with a boost for next year.
"We had over $100,000 in expenses. With the tickets that came in and our sponsor money, we broke even with a little bit left to start next year's fair," Ellis County Fair Vice President Jill Pfannenstiel said.
Pfannenstiel said more than 3,500 people attended the paid main events, with additional crowds drawn to exhibits and free attractions such as the five nights of rock.
She said the fair initially struggled to secure sponsorships, but extra community support made this year stronger than the last.
"If we don't have the community support and the sponsorships for the fair, we won't be able to have the main events, the petting zoo and the Midway bands," Pfannenstiel said. "A lot of that stuff is free for families."
Pfannenstiel said the 4-H livestock sale saw an increase of more than $16,000 from the previous year, and the sale generated more than $100,000 in premiums and payments to 4-H members.
The sale allows youth to auction off market steers, pigs, lambs and goats, with buyers either purchasing the animals for processing or paying a premium so participants can keep them.
There were 254 exhibitors and 1,744 entries.
Pfannenstiel said Midget Wrestling Warriors drew the biggest crowd among grandstand events this year. However, she said the event will not return in 2026.
"We're actually going to end the fair on a Friday this coming year instead of Saturday," she said. "Just to help the 4-H kids and families recover from a week-long event. It'll also be a cost savings for us not to have another main event Saturday night."
The 2026 county fair will run from July 14 to 17.
Other grandstand events from this year's fair included the RPM Speedway races, KPRA Rodeo and Ranch Rodeo, in addition to dozens of family activities throughout the week.