The 2024 Kansas State Fair can only be described as incredible from the vantage point of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation. 

A key highlight for the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation was the opening of the 1861 Club. This new venue on the Kansas State Fairgrounds received glowing reviews on the beauty of the venue, the difference in the style and level of service and the work the Foundation has done to create such a wonderful new venue and experience during the Kansas State Fair. There are other articles in the October E-Update which share more details on the 1861 Club.

Another highlight for the Foundation during the Kansas State Fair was the always popular Kansas State Fair “Official Merchandise Booth”. This booth is operated by the Foundation and this year featured a number of new shirt designs including the winning t-shirt design from the Foundations t-shirt contest. This booth is manned predominantly by Foundation board members throughout the Fair with the assistance of a few other special volunteers who enjoy helping the Fair goers find that special t-shirt, hoodie or special item.

The net proceeds from the Merch Booth are used to support the Foundation and Foundation projects to improve the Fairgrounds.

Yet another highlight for Foundation was the opportunity to provide a hospitality oasis for the Kansas State Fair Board, the Foundation Board, Kansas State Fair VIP Sponsors and Foundation Sponsors, livestock judges, as well as other special guests to the Kansas State Fair. The Foundation office and conference room, located on the second floor of the Lair White House, each year during the fair is converted to a welcome center to host these guests. This year two wonderful volunteers, Patty Kueck and Susan Wempe, served the Foundation as host to the special guests.