Wichita Women’s Fair returns to Century II this weekend
Sari Shrepferman is calling this weekend’s Wichita Women’s Fair in Century II’s Expo Hall “the biggest coming out party.”
The Women’s Fair, which has been happening for nearly 25 years, is also returning to a one-time annual event, which is another reason co-owners Schrepferman and Kathleen Yeoman are going big.
“We have more going on in that building than we have in many years … with entertainment, guests and activities,” said Schrepferman who along with Yeoman had worked previous fairs before they started producing the fair with the spring 2020 event.
For the first time, the fair will extend into the Century II outdoor courtyard, with an outdoor track offering opportunities to test-drive Pedego electric bikes on Friday and a pop-up plant shop located inside a converted school bus taking over the courtyard Saturday.
The spring 2020 fair was the last major event held in Century II before the pandemic lockdowns hit. Last year, spring and fall fairs were held, but exhibitor and vendor numbers didn’t quite reach the expected 350 or so for this year’s April 22-24 fair.
Last year was also the first time a fall Wichita Women’s Fair event was held, taking the place of the Junior League’s Holiday Galleria shopping event that had been canceled. Holiday Galleria is scheduled to return this October so the Women’s Fair will return to an annual event staged in the spring.
As usual, the fair will include various cooking demonstrations by local chefs, adult beverage tastings, fashion shows, a model search activity, and various contests and giveaways, including a jelly-bean eating contest Friday, April 22, since it’s National Jelly Bean Day. The contest culminates the popular Girls’ Night Out activity, from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 22, which will feature tastings of local brands Una Vida Tequila and Greatness Vodka.
This year’s other highlights include a couple of activities that pay homage to the past.
Joe Stumpe, former Wichita Eagle food editor and longtime writer, chef and musician, will share stories from his new book, “Iconic Eats of Wichita,” while he does a cooking demonstration at 1 p.m. Friday, April 22. Crave Beauty Academy is showcasing trends from the 1990s that are making a comeback in a 4 p.m. fashion show Saturday, April 23.
Many fairgoers might be able to relate to author and podcaster Alicia Sanchez, whose debut book, “Crafts Create Change,” is about community members using crafts to help others, whether it be making blankets to donate or sewing masks during a pandemic, Schrepferman said. Sanchez will talk about that topic and even have her sewing machine set on stage to possibly whip up some crafts during her 10 a.m. Saturday, April 23, presentation.
While fairgoers tend to leave with various purchases from the vendors selling fashion items, jewelry, cooking and food items, cosmetics, Kansas products, children’s books and more, some might even find a four-legged friend. Dogs from the local animal rescue group Beauties and Beasts will be featured in a fashion show, led by first responders, at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22,
For a complete schedule of the many activities scheduled each day and advance tickets, visit womensfair.com.
Wichita Women’s Fair annual event
When: noon-7 p.m. Friday, April 22; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, April 23; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 24
Where: Century II Expo Hall, 225 W. Douglas
Admission: $10 ages 13 and older, $9 ages 65 and older, $6 children ages 7-12, and free for children 6 and younger. Tickets available online at wichitatix.com or at the door. A $5 senior admission coupon special valid for noon-3 p.m. Friday, April 22, can be found in the April issue of the active age.
Parking: Free shuttles available for those parking for free at former Gander Mountain parking lot, 605 S. Wichita. Regular Century II parking, some paid and some free, is available.
More info: womensfair.com
This story was originally published April 21, 2022 at 4:17 AM.