photo by: Associated Press

The Kansas State Fair logo is pictured at the fair, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, in Hutchinson, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

For the first time in several decades, the University of Kansas’ outreach efforts will not include a booth at the Kansas State Fair, which attracts 350,000 people to Hutchinson.

Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, director for news and media relations at KU confirmed the university would not have a booth in one of the commercial exhibit buildings at this year’s fair, which runs from Sept. 7 through Sept. 16.

“After consulting with various stakeholder groups, we have decided to pursue more targeted ways to meaningfully engage with Kansans in a way that aligns with our strategic objectives,” Barcomb-Peterson said

“This year, instead of a booth, we are excited to explore other ways to participate in the Fair – such as joining other universities for Team Spirit Day on Sept. 15 and pursuing digital marketing opportunities in Hutchinson that week,” she said.

In past years, KU would spend about $2,500 to rent a 20-foot by 10-foot booth space in one of the commercial buildings, for the 10-day event, said Connie Schmitt, industry relations and development director at the Kansas State Fair. It was an opportunity for representatives of the university to meet people and hand-out free pens and Jayhawk paraphernalia.

“They always had a presence here,” Schmitt said.