NWKS Radio Helps Kick Off the Thomas County Fair with Another Great Parade Tradition-- Winners Announced!

County fair season is in full swing across northwest Kansas, and there's nothing quite like fair week to bring communities together! From the smell of fair food and the sounds of carnival rides to livestock shows and hometown parades, it's one of the most exciting times of the summer.

The NWKS Radio crew loves being part of the fun every year, and so far this summer has already attended fair parades in Sheridan, Logan, Rawlins, and Thomas counties. Next up is the Northwest Kansas District Free Fair Parade in Goodland this Saturday!

Tuesday evening, all eyes were on downtown Colby as the Thomas County Fair Parade officially kicked off the 2026 Thomas County Fair. This year's theme, "Double Down at the Thomas County Fair," was on full display as 65 colorful entries rolled through town, entertaining hundreds of spectators lining Franklin Avenue.

NWKS Radio's GM Chad Jones, Annoucing the Thomas County Fair Parade 2026

Keeping with a long standing NWKS Radio tradition, General Manager Chad Jones once again served as the parade emcee from the corner of Franklin Avenue and 4th Street. While temperatures climbed into the 90s, it actually felt like a welcome break after several days of triple digit heat across the region.

Chad announced the parade from the NWKS Rolling Radio trailer, which also served as headquarters for this year's parade judges. Heather Dible of Outdoor Bank joined Mallory Jackson and Jordan Owens from the K State Extension Office in selecting this year's award winners.

If you couldn't make it downtown, NWKS Radio helped bring the parade to you! Kristina streamed the entire parade live on the NWKS Radio Facebook page, allowing viewers from across the area to join the celebration. The full parade can also be watched anytime on YouTube:https://youtu.be/BmaKMNgF_vU?si=sSJEB-ouYGdTeTq1

Kristina also captured photos of every one of the parade's 65 entries, along with plenty of crowd photos from throughout the evening. Those photos are now available on the NWKS Radio Facebook page.

Garrett Wellbrock joined Chad in announcing the parade, while Addison Stoddard and Office Manager Radonda Buford represented NWKS Radio in the parade itself, tossing candy to kids, waving to families, and enjoying another great evening celebrating northwest Kansas.

The Thomas County Fair Parade begins each year at Fike Park before making its way south on Franklin Avenue through downtown Colby, turning west on Cedar Street and finishing at the Thomas County Fairgrounds. Held annually on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., the parade serves as the official start of fair week.

As always, the evening began with the National Anthem and the presentation of the American flag as it was proudly marched through downtown. This year's Grand Marshal was American Legion Post 363, whose members also handed out American flags for spectators to wave along the parade route.

The parade is organized by the Colby Thomas County Chamber of Commerce, with the Thomas County Fair Board sponsoring awards for the top entries.

This year's parade winners included:

Antique Vehicles

• 1st Place: Relda Galli

• 2nd Place: Integrity Realty

Community & Organization

• 1st Place: Colby Aquatic Park

• 2nd Place: Gem 4 H Club

Horses & Riders

• 1st Place: Thomas County Commissioners

• 2nd Place: Braylee Knowles and Rylee Schoendaller

Business

• 1st Place: Western State Bank

• 2nd Place: Farmers & Merchants Bank

Dirt Bikes & ATVs

• 1st Place: J&B Meat Market

• 2nd Place: American Implement

Youth 12 & Under

• 1st Place: Solomon Valley 4 H Club

• 2nd Place: Brewster Prairie Gem

Best Representation of Theme

• Foley

Congratulations to all of this year's winners and thank you to everyone who entered, volunteered, organized, and cheered from the sidelines to make another Thomas County Fair Parade a memorable kickoff to fair week.

The fun is just getting started! For a complete schedule of events, exhibits, entertainment, and activities during this year's "Double Down at the Thomas County Fair," visit thomascountyfair.com.