WICHITA, KAN. – For 23 years, the locally produced Wichita Women’s Fair annually has attracted hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees to Century II. This year’s show, April 23-25, brings back many favorite exhibitors and events plus introduces some new ones.
More than 300 exhibitors will be showcasing – and offering for sale — the latest in home décor, apparel, cars, gourmet foods, spas, travel, hair accessories, health products, cosmetics, cooking utensils, and Kansas products. Health screenings as well as dozens of stage shows and demos are also scheduled throughout the weekend.
Doors open at noon Friday, and that afternoon two stage shows will focus on DIY home décor. At 1 p.m. Broad and Brush Creative Studio will demo how to create professional-looking farmhouse pieces. Rustic Rakes at 3 p.m. will show plaster painting techniques for furniture and cabinets.
Paint the Towne will take over the Creative Stage at 10 a.m. Saturday to guide attendees through painting “Flower Burst.” On Sunday at 2 p.m. the subject matter is “Night Lights.” There is no charge for the 30-minute sessions and participants may take home their finished art.
Dozens of food products – including salsas, mustards, nuts, coffee, honey, dips and cakes — will be offered for sale and sampling at exhibitor booths. In addition, craft beer tasting is scheduled for noon on Saturday with Wichita Brewing Co. and Wyldewood Cellars will offer wine sampling at 4 p.m. Saturday.
On Friday from 5 to 6 p.m., presenting sponsor Mel Hambelton Ford will host Cupcakes, Cocktails & Cars as well as Muffins & Mimosas on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m.
Chef demos will include Natasha Ghandi-Rue, owner of The Kitchen restaurant in Wichita and winner of Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games,” who will share her recipes for Buddha Bowls with assistance from Jillian Carroll from KSN’s “Good Day Kansas” at 11 a.m. Saturday.
“How to Eat a Mudbug!” will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturday by chefs Billy Wong and Hayden Wilson of Wichita’s new Blue Hook Cajun Seafood and Bar as they demonstrate how to make Louisiana-style Cajun boil.
Chef Gregory Cole, head instructor with Butler Community College Culinary program, will demonstrate making his signature Polynesian Chicken at noon on Sunday.
The Spring Doggy Runway Show – which has become a favorite of attendees – will be at 1 p.m. Saturday. Hosted by KFDI, the show features rescue pups from Hands of Hope Rescue.
M&I Models again will coordinate fashion shows with apparel from exhibitors all three days of the show. Fashions from Vela Boutique, Turquoise Creek Boutique, Bad Chic, Polished Coupe and AR Poncho will be modeled at 2 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday.
Apparel from Nova Lee Boutique, Sparkle of Grey, Pink Peplum, The Wildflower Beautique, Bella Bonita Designs and Grey Boutique will hit the runway during shows at 4 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. The Sunday show will feature the winners of the International Model Search contest.
A self-defense for women demo will be presented by Empower Martial Arts at 10 a.m. Saturday on the Main Stage. A martial-arts demonstration for children will be Sunday at 2 p.m.
A shuttle will operate from Gander Mountain parking lot. City Covid-19 guidelines will be followed, including temperature checks, masks and hand-sanitizing stations.
Fair hours are noon to 7 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults ($9 when purchased online), $9 for seniors and $6 for children (6 and under are free). Discounts for groups of 15 or more.
Check the website womensfair.com for a complete schedule and list of exhibitors or call 316-806-4595 for more information.
