Welcome to the official site of
Trego County Economic Development
216 Main, PO Box 355
WaKeeney, KS  67672
(785)743-5785
tregocoed@ruraltel.net

"In the Center of Everything....Away from it All"

History and Background:
     Trego County, located in northwest Kansas, was named after Edgar Poe Trego, a Captain in the 8th Kansas Division.  He died in 1863 in the Civil War Battle of Chickamauga in Georgia.  WaKeeney, the judicial seat of Trego County, is located along I-70, 300 miles west of Kansas City and 300 miles east of Denver.  The town was founded in 1878 by James F. Keeney and Albert E. Warren, who purchased the land from the Kansas Pacific Railroad Company. Other communities in Trego County include Collyer and Ogallah.

     Today, WaKeeney is known as the "Christmas City of the High Plains," an honor it has held since 1950.  The downtown holiday display is highlighted by a 35-foot tree and more than 6,000 lights.  This holiday display has been billed as the "largest between Kansas City and Denver."

     The county's population is about 3,100 residents.  While Trego County's economy is largely driven by agriculture, you will find many manufacturing, service and unique retail stores in the area.  Other assests include Cedar Bluff Reservoir and State Park,which is considered world-class for bass fishing.  Trego County is known for other outdoor sporting experiences including some of the best pheasant, quail and dove hunting in the nation, deer and wild turkey hunting and waterfowl hunting.  Other outdoor activities include nature based hiking, camping and bird watching.

The Trego County Free Fair is known as the fair with something for everyone. 2010 will mark our 100th year anniversary. The fair dates for this year are July 19th-24th, 2008.  Jason Brown will be performering this year.  Some of the special events include a rock band for the junior high/highschool students, a magic show, and of course, our famous muddy pig brawl!! 

The county also hosts several festivals, including the internationally known "Th' Gatherin" a traditional Celtic celebration of music, athletic events, artists and vendors which bring thousands of visitors to Trego County the first weekend of May. 

 The WaKeeney Speedway Race Track capitalizes on the growing popularity of auto racing and draws racing fans from far and wide throughout the summer racing season.  Go-cart racing at the new WaKeeney Mini-Speedway is another family activity drawing racers from all over the state.  Wakeeney is proud to host the 08' Kart Nationals June 12th-14th!