Can you Scout the Wheat at the Kansas State Fair?

Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

From bread-making demonstrations to virtual combine rides to wheat foods competitions, wheat is one of the core ingredients of Kansas State Fair traditions. Whether coming for carnival rides, concerts or contests, scout out everywhere wheat is featured at the fair, which runs this year from September 8 to 17. 

Check Out Bread Baking Demonstrations & Contests

Cindy Falk, Kansas Wheat nutrition educator, gave her first Kansas State Fair presentation on “Neat Wheat Treats” as a spokesperson for the Kansas Wheat Commission 35 years ago on a similar state in the Pride of Kansas building. Falk will demonstrate the winning recipe from the 2023 National Festival of Breads. Join her on Wednesday, September 13, from 11-11:30 a.m. in the Domestic Arts building to learn how to make the Cheese Lover’s Barbecue Bread developed by Gloria Piantek West Lafayette, IN. 

“The creative ingredient combinations, the circular twisted shape and the undeniable taste made this recipe rise to the top,” Falk said. “Join me to learn how to shape the dough and make this cheesy comfort food for your next tailgate party.” 

Joining Falk, Wilma Olds from Wilson, will also demonstrate her submission for the 2023 National Festival of Breads – Nutty Peanut Butter Cinnamon Braids. Her recipe earned an honorable mention in the Go Nuts category. Stay for samples, recipes and a gift bag from the Kansas Wheat Commission, Home Baking Association and Red Star Yeast.

In addition to the formal demonstrations, the Kansas Wheat Commission is also sponsoring the open-class division – It’s All About Bread. The category includes entries of sourdough bread, holiday bread and whole wheat quick bread. Check out all the entries in this division in the Domestic Arts building. 

Wheaties have collected the annual Kansas Wheat recipe book at the Kansas State Fair for decades. This year’s booklet features Piantek’s winning recipe and the other finalists from the 2023 National Festival of Breads. While the booklet will not be available at the fair, collectors and anyone interested in checking new, innovative recipes developed by the nation’s best amateur bakers can request a copy at kswheat.com/2023recipebook or check out the recipes online at nationalfestivalofbreads.com/recipes. 

Find Farm Fun for Kansas Kids in Agriland

For more than 30 years, Kansas agricultural organizations have shared interactive, hands-on activities with the younger state fair attendees in Agriland in the Pride of Kansas building. The educational exhibit will be open for the length of the state fair. Stop by to take a ride in a virtual combine (our favorite), sift different types of grain between your fingers or milk a mechanical cow. 

“Kansas Wheat is proud to help sponsor and work this hands-on educational exhibit,” Falk said. “Stop by the Pride of Kansas building to check out this farm-to-fork education for fair-goers.” 

Teachers who visit Agriland can sign up for free lesson plans provided by the Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. These lesson plans connect classrooms to Kansas agriculture by learning more about food, fiber and fuel, why agriculture is so important to Kansas and the opportunities for careers in agriculture. Can’t make it to the state fair or Agriland? Check out KFAC’s virtual version at https://www.ksagclassroom.org/resource/agriland/. 

Check out other Wheatie-favorite exhibits around the fair, including the market wheat show, 4-H Wheat Variety Plot Display Awards, Kansas wheat photography contest and wheat weavings. Make your plans to visit the Kansas State Fair at kansasstatefair.com.