Abilene Commission Approves Alcohol Ordinance for 2026 Central Kansas Free Fair
The Abilene City Commission approved an ordinance authorizing the sale and consumption of alcoholic liquor in designated areas connected to the 2026 Central Kansas Free Fair during a special meeting on July 21, 2026.
Ordinance number 26-3485 authorizes alcohol sales and consumption in designated areas of the city and fairgrounds, as well as in certain portions of public right-of-way for city streets. The measure also approves the temporary closure of streets in connection with the fair and approves a revised depiction of the authorized area.
The ordinance repeals a prior ordinance, number 26-3475. One commissioner moved to approve the ordinance, noting he did not have the document in front of him to read at the time. The motion passed on a roll call vote, with Commissioner Kolhoff, Vice Mayor Taylor, and Mayor Ryan all voting in favor.
Commissioners Lidel and Meizen were absent from the meeting.
Source: City Commission Special Meeting