VIP section upgraded for 2022 fair

    The Chase County Fair has outgrown its VIP section in the Allo Arena, as more sponsors have been added over the years.
    For those at this year’s fair, a noticeable change will be seen in the relocation and upgrading of the VIP section, an area set aside with tables, chairs and appetizers for concert-goers from the fair’s business, individual and organization sponsors.
    Cement work for the new VIP area was underway this week in the arena.
    The 4,500 square foot area, that abuts the fair board office on the north side of the arena, will have its own drink purchase area, and access to restroom facilities, said fair board member Scott Way.
    But the main improvement will be more space, and all on one level, he said.
    Fair Board member Jake Burke said they have been in discussion about moving and updating the VIP section since last year’s fair.
    Way added that Imperial Super Foods, which has served the appetizers in the VIP section for years, helped make the expansion possible by upping their fair sponsorship level this year.
    The old VIP location on the south will now encompass a larger, main bar area and will also be part of the general admission (standing room only) ticket area, Burke said.
    The new VIP section will be ready for the 2022 fair which kicks off Sunday, Aug. 7.
    Burke said ticket sales for the 38 Special/Tyler Braden concert Aug. 12 and Scotty McCreery/Ernest show on Aug. 13 are going very well.
    “We are on a record sales pace compared to any other year,” he said, “so we’re expecting a great fair.”
Raffle winner can
meet Tyler Braden
    Chase County first responders will benefit from a fair time raffle, Burke said.
    The raffle is being coordinated by the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department.
    Tyler Braden, who is performing with 38 Special Aug. 12, is a former firefighter, so after that was discovered, fair board members reached out to him to help raise some funds, Burke said.
    He responded with providing two Meet & Greet tickets that will allow the winner to meet Braden before the Friday night concert. The fair board kicked in two tickets to the show as part of the raffle winnings.
    Burke, who is also an IVFD firefighter, said the funds raised will be used toward the E-dispatch service used by Chase County’s first responders including the volunteer fire departments in Imperial, Lamar and Wauneta; EMS providers in Imperial and Wauneta; as well as the Chase County Sheriff’s Office.
    Tickets are now on sale at $5 each or five for $20 and are available at the Imperial Country Club, Imperial VFW, from Burke or any Imperial firefighter.
    The lucky winner will be drawn Aug. 5.