Groundhog Day was this week. Regardless of what the groundhog saw, winter will soon transition to spring in the next few weeks, and there is plenty to look forward to at the Kansas State Fair.
First things first. One week from today, we pause to celebrate Valentine’s Day, an annual event that saw its origin during the 18th century. It is a time of year for men and women to do something special for their spouse or special person in their life.
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF) has an idea deserving consideration and could be called the perfect Valentine’s Day gift.
For 20 years, Kansans attending the Kansas State Fair have stopped for a moment of respite at one of 81 Foundation benches on the fairgrounds. Each bench sits atop a concrete slab with a plaque in front listing the name of the contributors or person or organization the donor wishes to recognize.
To date, 81 families have purchased one of these benches to honor, recognize or memorialize a family member or business. Currently the benches are available at two different price points, $1295 for a bench in the standard colors and $1645 for a bench in one of the premium colors.
With nearly 300 acres making up the Kansas State Fairgrounds, plenty of space remains for benches.
A long day at the fair requires a lot of walking and a 15-minute break seated on a bench rejuvenates the fairgoer to prepare for the remainder of the day.
Come to think of it, I cannot think of a better way to honor one’s spouse on Valentine’s Day than to purchase a bench on the fairgrounds, which will last for generations to come.
By purchasing now, it would allow time for installation prior to the opening of the 2025 Kansas State Fair. If the purchaser wishes, the donor can help select the spot where the bench is located.
In other good news, the first annual Hats and Horses, a fun event to coincide with the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky is planned May 3 at the 1861 Club.
The Kentucky Derby may be a two-minute horse race, but in Hutchinson Hats and Horses kicks off at 3 p.m. and will continue until 8 p.m. (or longer) if the audience wishes. Mint Juleps, along with Derby food and refreshments will be served throughout the event while viewers can view the race from one of many big screen televisions located throughout the 1861 Club.
Sponsorship levels which include a table for the event start at $1,500.
To order a bench or make a reservation for Hats and Horses, interested parties are invited to call 620-615-7388 or email the KFF at info@KsFgF.org.
These two opportunities will be launching another great year for the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation.
– Richard Shank