Carnival Nights in Oberlin: 50 Years of Small-Town Magic

Nestled in the rolling hills of Decatur County lies Oberlin, Kansas, a small rural community in northwest Kansas. It’s a town I’ve had the privilege of visiting many times throughout my life. My mom grew up there, and my grandpa and uncle have both served as fire chiefs since the 1960s. Oberlin holds many fond memories for me, a place where, as an adult, time seems to slow down whenever I visit.

Like most rural communities, Oberlin is self-sufficient in many ways. The community pool is a popular gathering place in the summer, and the town’s grocery and hardware stores keep daily life moving forward. Oberlin is filled with hardworking, self-reliant folks who share a deep sense of community pride. One beloved tradition that showcases that pride is the Decatur County Fair.

Held each August, the fair features the usual 4-H events and something especially unique, its very own carnival, proudly operated by Oberlin for more than 50 years. The carnival offers a variety of rides for kids and a handful of games where small stuffed animals are easily won. Four small prizes earn you a medium, and four mediums get you a large, a playful bartering system that often leaves grandpa juggling a dozen stuffed animals by night’s end. Affordable and family-friendly, the carnival is all about community.

But what does it take to keep a small-town carnival running for over half a century? The answer: a dedicated group of volunteers. One of their most important jobs is ensuring that every ride is safe to operate each night. In true Oberlin fashion, volunteers spend countless hours inspecting rides and stepping up to operate them, ensuring that nothing sits idle when the gates open. And when those gates do open, generations of families, many with deep roots in Oberlin, fill the fairgrounds, proud to return each August to celebrate a tradition that has stood the test of time.

Story and Photos by Tanner Colvin Be sure to tune into our podcast, Ask A Kansan, to hear more stories from across Kansas!

Be sure to tune into our podcast, Ask A Kansan, to hear more stories from across Kansas!