For more than a quarter of a century, Great Bend, Kansas, has been known in the agricultural community for its quality facilities, dedicated volunteers, and outstanding exhibitors who have participated in the biennial farm show held every even numbered year at the Great Bend Expo Complex. The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development is now pleased to announce its plans for a new, annual show called The Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo to be held the second week of every April.

Show chairperson Jan Westfall is optimistic about moving forward with the new format. "What has made the Great Bend farm show so successful in years past is a combination of things," Westfall says. "We have an established base of volunteers who know what it takes to put on a first-class event. We also have a facility that allows for expansive indoor exhibit space with essentially unlimited outdoor space. And now we also have the opportunity to make some much-needed improvements to the format of the event."

Darren Dale, who has been selected as the new show manager for the Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo, has several years experience coordinating two similar farm and ranch shows in Texas and Nebraska. "I am excited to continue the storied history of an ag show in Great Bend," Dale says. "I look forward to this new opportunity, with anticipation of vendor numbers exceeding all records."

The 2012 Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo will be held Wednesday through Friday, April 11-13. These new earlier dates are aimed to better accommodate the busy summer schedules for farmers and exhibitors. Dates for the 2013-2017 events have also been released on the farm show's new website. PD

—From Great Bend Chamber of Commerce news release