Boots & Bling 2024 – Summer Breeze is in the books and can only be describe as, “Simply Amazing!” The first thing every attendee noticed were the incredible the decorations. Kate Evans, along with her sister Megan Evans and their floral and decorating team transformed the Meadowlark building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds into an island oasis get-a-way that welcomed all aboard for a wonderful evening of celebration, food and FUNdraising. From tropical flowers, aquariums, and sea shells to delicious island inspired drinks, the setting was perfect to create an atmosphere ready for FUN and Fundraising.
With just over 650 people in attendance, the Yacht Rock themed – Boots & Bling 2024 party started when the Master of Ceremonies, Richard Shank called everyone together and introduce Mary McCurry, Foundation Board Chair to welcome the attendees. The evening featured the recognition of the 2024 Wall of Honor Inductees – the John & Sara Evans Family, including John & Sara, daughters Kate Evans, Megan Evans, son Dylan Evans and his wife Chelsea. Following a delicious island themed meal provided by the incomparable Kathy Girst and her team at the Bakery House the evening moved into fundraising mode. With approximately 30 Live Auction offerings and more than 160 Silent Auction selections, the bidding in the Live Auction was fierce and competitive as auctioneer Heath Bergkamp and auction emcee, John McCurry and the incredible auction crew helped push the evenings total to just a few thousand more than the record-breaking amount raised in 2023. Over on the Silent Auction, the horse race style finish was bringing out the competitive spirit in dozens of bidders who were vying for their selected item. This competitive spirit helped push the Silent Auction to raise more than $38,000 an increase of nearly $8,000 over the previous year.
Once the recognitions and fundraising were completed, then the party started. The sweet tones and musical talents of Summer Breeze, a yacht rock band from Kansas City, played out the night to a packed dance floor and the crowd chanting for one more song as the clock stuck midnight.
Boots and Bling 2024 was an exceptional success. The energy and excitement surrounding the work of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation and the improvements being made to the Kansas State Fairgrounds are creating unparalleled excitement for the future of the Kansas State Fair.
