It seems like March 18-20, 2021, is a long way off from this September. But the Western Kansas Manufacturers Association knows it will be here before you know it, and plans for the annual 3i Show, which was canceled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, are going full-speed ahead.

“We have to plan now even though a winter surge in virus cases could still cause us problems,” says Eddie Estes, CEO of Western Kansas Manufacturers Association. “We had to cancel the show the week before it was due to open this year, and depending on what happens, we could have to make a late decision again. But we’re making plans to have the show and hoping that there will be a major reduction in the pandemic before showtime.”

Estes says he expects there will still be a keen awareness of the coronavirus risk at showtime, and the show will take whatever safety precautions are recommended at that time, including requiring exhibitors and guests to wear masks and maintaining more distance between exhibits.

“A lot of our show is outdoors, which helps,” Estes says. “And given the size of the Western State Bank Expo, maintaining space will be something we can do.”

The arena building is also well-ventilated, with large doors that open to the outside and large ceiling fans.

Among the planned events is a Kansas Horseshoe Pitchers Association sanctioned tournament, which is planned for the final day of the show on March 20. The tournament will begin at 10 a.m. on the dirt floor side of the Expo Center. People interested in participating can contact Jim Newboles at 620-694-9463 to reserve their spot.

With a mission to inform people in Kansas and beyond about the relatively unknown sport of organized horseshoe pitching, KHPA will be hosting smaller events all three days of the show. No matter the skill level, attendees can participate in pitch-offs, a small non-sanctioned tournament, and even a dollar pitch where whoever has the most points within the hour wins the pot. Multiple portable courts regulated by the National Horseshoe Pitching Association will be set up, for visitors to try their hand at pitching.

KHPA members will be on hand to answer questions and oversee safety. For more information on the KHPA and the NHPA, visit khpahorseshoes.com and horseshoepitching.com, respectively.

For information on more events or how to secure exhibit space at the 2021 3i Show in Dodge City, Kan., visit 3ishow.com or contact the Western Kansas Manufacturers Association office toll-free at 877-405-2883 or locally at 620-227-8082. The association’s office is at 1700 E. Wyatt Earp in Dodge City.

Some information in this article was supplied by the 3i Show.