Floods Can't Put Damper On Coffeyville Fair

It's opening day at the Interstate Fair and Rodeo in Coffeyville. This year's event is especially significant because the town is still struggling to recover from last summer's devastating floods. The News On 6's Jeffrey Smith reports one-third of the town was basically wiped out from last year's flood.

The flood forced organizers to cancel the rodeo as the city just tried to hang on, but Coffeyville was determined to get back in business this year. Fairgoers say not even the rain can put an end to 100 years of history.

For little Chandler Sims, this'll be his first rodeo. His parents are in Coffeyville to support the city after last year's floods.

"This is going to be neat. I think the people in the community and in the area are going to love it this year," said Stacy Sims.

The Interstate Fair and Rodeo has all the sights and sounds you would expect.

"It just needs to be bigger and better, bigger and better. Make it a memory, to make up for it," said rodeo worker Tom Weil.

The memory of the devastation lives on.

"They have that sign over there that shows how high the level was in 2007, and I mean, it's pretty much seven feet up on the wall," said Stephen Sims.

"Last year the water was up to the sound booth," said rodeo director John Rinkenbaugh.

Rodeo director John Rinkenbaugh says he was worried the tradition would end. But the city spent a quarter of a million dollars rebuilding the barns and the arena grounds.

"It's been a phenomenal effort by the city of Coffeyville to even have a fair this year, and then to have this be the 100th anniversary, we're just tickled pink," said Rinkenbaugh.

"Come out and see how they're improving it and a big celebration," said Sims.

As the kids get psyched for the rodeo, organizers hope this centennial celebration will put Coffeyville back on the map.

Coffeyville had about four inches of rain Saturday night. That did put a damper on opening day. Some events had to be postponed because of the wet arena dirt.

The rodeo will begin Wednesday afternoon and the events will last through Saturday night.