Time is flying as four months or one third of 2025 is in the rearview mirror as so much remains to be accomplished yet this year. 

Late April showers gave a major boost to flowers growing on the fairgrounds. A recent drive through the fairgrounds was an opportunity to see nature doing its magic right before our eyes. 

In travels across Kansas, I often have an opportunity to discuss the State Fair. Some of the typical questions are “how did Hutchinson land the fair in 1913,” an answer I am only too happy to provide. Others ask why an organization that collects gate fees from approximately 330,000 fairgoers each year would ever need a foundation to collect more money. 

That is a great question. As the old expression goes, the long and short of that answer is that it takes substantial funds to maintain approximately 300 acres of grounds and 50 buildings. 

The two decades old Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF) successfully completed three major transformational projects since its inception including the Lair White House, Capper Cooperative Park, and the 1861 Club. This was accomplished because of approximately $8.5 million in contributions for these three projects alone, which is not pocket change by anyone’s standards.

Boots and Bling, an annual event which saw its origin in 2005 adds a few hundred thousand dollars to the coffer each year. The 2025 Boots and Bling is scheduled for August 9 in the Meadowlark Building on the fairgrounds. 

And, thanks to Governor Kelly and the legislature, a $10 million appropriation to the fair from the State of Kansas provided a jump start in restoring the Bison Building to its original grandeur. 

I have been involved in the Kansas State Fair for 32 years and attended more meetings than I can count to determine how to make this event and the Kansas State Fairgrounds better. What strikes me most is that the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is a good steward of the contributions received. 

Whether it be small 4-H member contributions, large grants, or corporate and personal gifts— all are treated with the same level of appreciation. All donations are put to good use. 

When the Foundation does a fixup or constructs a new building, the work is done to provide long-term results. 

As a builder was heard to say after walking through the 1861 Club during the 2025 Kansas State Fair, “The 1861 Club was built like they do things in Europe, to last 1,000 years.”

Thanks to all contributors to the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation and the Kansas State Fair, past or present. Be assured your support is appreciated. 

With only four months remaining until the 2025 Kansas State Fair, let’s go for a walk or have a picnic to enjoy the beauty of the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

-Richard Shank