When this year’s Inter-State Fair and Rodeo takes place this August in Coffeyville, fans will be treated to a new and improved fairgrounds and rodeo arena.
Chute heaven, the best seats on the grounds, are being replaced. The seating above the chutes was so named because it provides the best view of the bucking chutes for the rodeo and other fair events.
Chris Johnson, president of the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo, said the replacement was badly needed. “The floor was treated lumber and we’d always have to replace the boards every year.” In past years, folding chairs were used for seating in chute heaven. After the renovation, Johnson said the seats will be permanent high back stadium seating and will seat 200 people, double the number the old seating would hold.
Extra chute heaven seating will accommodate more fans, Johnson said. “In the past, we’ve had a waiting list (for chute heaven seats). This year, we’ll have extra seats open up for people who’ve never had the opportunity to sit there.”
In addition to chute heaven modifications, the bucking chutes are being replaced with permanent Priefert chutes.
Fair board members are providing most of the labor; a company will install the seating.
The improvements have been paid for thanks to the generous sponsorship of Coffeyville Resources, Johnson said. Coffeyville Resources is in their fourth year of a five year contract, with plans each year to improve the fair. “Their main concern is that they want to make the fair bigger,” Johnson said.
The 2009 Inter-State Fair & Rodeo takes place August 8-15, 2009. For more information, visit www.FairandRodeo.com or call 620-251-2550.
