It was hot at this year's 3i Show in Dodge City, which made its debut at the Western Bank Expo Center, its new, permanent location July 12-14.
The heat didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the visitors. And while vendors just about bought out Dodge City's supply of portable fans, they left the show mostly pleased by getting what they came for: sales.
Vendors displaying farm machinery and livestock handling equipment saw their biggest crowds on Thursday and Friday while those with cookware, cutlery and other home items drew the biggest numbers on Saturday.
BAD BOY: This giant orange dog stood out in the row of outside exhibits on the show grounds. He is the mascot of Bad Boy tools.
Eddie Estes, CEO of Western Kansas Manufacturer's Association, the 3i Show organizer, said that is typical of past shows which tend to draw more urban visitors and families on Saturday.
This slideshow offers a glimpse of some of what this year's show was all about.
POPULAR DRAW:
The Budweiser Clydesdales were popular with visitors, both in their stalls in the dirt floor portion of the Expo Center and on the streets when they made their way up and down the wide alleys between exhibit booths on Friday and Saturday.
GOOD SALES:
Dan Rowse, owner of Rowse Rakes, a central Nebraska manufacturer said his biggest challenge is having product on hand to take to shows. He and his wife, Ruth, have been coming to the 3i Show since the 1970s. He said business has been so good that the factory is backlogged to November with orders.
HORSE FAN:
Samantha Toury was visiting the show with her dad. The Bucklin youngster said her two favorite things are "horses and taking pictures" and the visiting Clydesdales were just want she wanted.
ENTERTAINMENT:
Live country music is a staple of the 3i Show, and this year, as usual, the shows were sponsored by area GMC dealers and staged inside the big white GMC tent.
BRISK BUSINESS:
Vendors located inside the big Western Bank Expo Center found plenty of customers during the show. Several booths reported selling out of merchandise and taking orders to be shipped.
I WANT MOMMA:
R.C. Browne, 3, was not at all happy about having his mom, Kendra, walk away to check out a vendor booth. "He's at that age," said dad, Kevin. "He doesn't want Momma out of his sight." R.C. is the grandson of 3i Show CEO, Eddie Estes.
HOT TOPIC:
With drought deepening across the state and temperatures stuck in the 100s, how to grow more plants with less water was a popular topic. Here Bill Gaffney with Magnation, a company that sells magnetic water softeners explains how his product works to show visitors.
BAD BOY:
This giant orange dog stood out in the row of outside exhibits on the show grounds. He is the mascot of Bad Boy tools.
READY TO ROLL:
A combine cab simulator looked like a climbing toy to Lane McGinn from Sedgwick, who just turned 2 years old.