HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Because of safety concerns, the Kansas State Fair removed the tractor-pulled trams that transported visitors to and from the parking lots. Now, thanks to sponsorship from Westar Energy, the trams will be back in operation with a very different look.

Westar signed an agreement to sponsor one of two trams that the fair is renting for the Sept. 6-15 event. The new trams, rented from Trams R Us, are self-contained with company-provided drivers. Returning the trams has been one of the biggest concerns General Manager Robin Jennison has heard from fairgoers.

“From the feedback we received, we realized how important these trams are for our fairgoers,” Jennison said. “People young and old use the trams to get from one end of the fairgrounds to the other end. The trams are a necessity that fairgoers depend on.”

The trams will have a lead and follow car and will include sponsor announcements. The route will loop around the outer edge of the grounds with several stopping points.

The fair’s trolleys will still be used in the parking areas to deliver fairgoers to gates.

“We are pleased we are able to continue our great relationship with Westar,” Marla Parsons, the fair’s sponsorship and corporate coordinator, said. “This partnership is great for fairgoers, as we believe it will give more Kansans a chance to explore and enjoy the entire fairgrounds.”

Parsons said she is still searching for a second tram sponsor.

For more information on sponsoring a tram or another opportunity at the Kansas State Fair, please call Parsons at (620) 669-3613 or email marla.parsons@ks.gov.