As the Four State Farm Show celebrates 50 years, perhaps a bit of history is in order.
The first Four State Farm Show (known then as the Tri-State Farm Show) was held in March 1975 at the National Guard Armory in Pittsburg, Kansas, as an effort to bring agricultural production and agribusiness together. It was sponsored by the agriculture committee of the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Farm Talk Newspaper. The small show of about 60 exhibits drew a big crowd and the staff at Farm talk Newspaper realized their biggest problem and blessing were the same: growth.
From 1976 to 1979, the show was held in Miami, Oklahoma. In 1980, the show moved to Parsons, Kansas. The 1981 and 1982 shows were once again held in Pittsburg. 1983 saw a move back to Parsons.
From 1984 to 2019, the show was held on a 300-acre Pittsburg farm as an outdoor show.
In 2020, the show moved to Pittsburg State University where the show could offer indoor booths in the Robert W. Plaster Center as well as its traditional outdoor exhibits. As a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the 2020 show was postponed and then cancelled.
In late 2020, the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds & Event Center acquired the assets of the show and signed a multi-year agreement with Pittsburg State University to host the show in coming years.
Returning to the campus of Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS, this year’s event will be held March 9-11. Show hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. “Show visitors will enjoy shopping in the climate controlled comfort of the Plaster Center” said Four State Farm Show co-manager, Lance Markley. ‘In addition, all the outdoor booths are located in close proximity to the indoor venue” Markley added. All outdoor booths and parking opportunities are on hard surface.
While many of the booths highlight the latest technology in farm machinery, construction equipment, livestock handling and feed and seed, a number of rural living displays will be incorporated into the offering. Those shopping opportunities include clothing and jewelry, furniture, healthcare and home improvement. This vendor mix assures items of interest for all in attendance.
A variety of tasty food truck style concessions will once again be available at the show. Maui Wowi Hawaiian Smoothies returns bringing a taste of the tropics. The smoothies are an all-natural fruit and yogurt based blend that are sure to have you dreaming of the beach. Cowboy Kettle Corn is made in an old-fashioned cast iron kettle using premium mushroom popcorn and is stirred by hand with a wooden paddle. Lakeside Concessions from Shawnee, Oklahoma will offer delicious chicken on a stick, cheese fries and other favorite fair foods.
Admission to the show is free and visitors can access free parking in the Brown Lot east of the football stadium, at the Kansas Technology Center parking area, or on numerous other PSU parking lots throughout the campus. Buses will be available to shuttle attendees to the booth areas and (2) 40 passenger trams will travel continuously through the show during show hours. “Plan to use the various campus transportation options to eliminate many of the walking concerns” stated show co-manager Libby Nelson.
Pittsburg State University policy prohibits any moving ATVs or UTVs on the show grounds by exhibitors or spectators. Golf carts may be rented from the show supplier by calling 417-883-9393.
A limited number of indoor and outdoor booths remain available. Contact Markley for details at 620-423-2355 for details.
Additional show information is available at www.fourstatefarmshow.com or by calling the show promoter, Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 417-833-2660.