Kansas State Fair Honors Transportation Team Member's 50-Year Legacy

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair recognized a longtime transportation team member for five decades of service during a special ceremony at the Nex-Tech Grandstand.

Kenny Lehman, who has worked with the fair's transportation operations for 50 years, received recognition from General Manager Bryan Schulz before performer Josh Turner took the stage. Schulz presented Lehman with a vintage 1949 Pontiac hubcap as a symbolic gift representing his "classic and steady presence" at the annual event.

The presentation highlighted Lehman's contributions to keeping the fairgrounds operational and accessible for visitors throughout his tenure. Fair officials praised his dedication, humor and commitment to the organization.

"Thank you, Kenny, for your incredible dedication, humor, and heart. You're part of what makes this Fair unforgettable," the Kansas State Fair posted on social media following the ceremony.

The Kansas State Fair, located at 2000 N. Poplar St. in Hutchinson, runs annually and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to central Kansas. The fair features agricultural exhibits, entertainment, food vendors and carnival rides.

Transportation services play a crucial role in fair operations, helping manage traffic flow and parking for the large crowds that attend the multi-day event each September.

The recognition ceremony took place as part of the evening's entertainment programming at the grandstand venue, one of the fair's primary performance spaces.