Last week Americans observed Memorial Day and honored more than 1,000,000 military veterans who have given their lives preserving our democracy during the nearly 250-year history of our nation. Also, Memorial Day is considered the start of summer.
During the next two months, Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF) staff and board members will be preparing for an annual event that saw its origin in 2005, otherwise known as Boots and Bling, slated for the evening of August 9.
What started as an event of barely 200 in attendance has grown by 350 percent to approximately 700. As one board member said, “we are at capacity, we cannot get any bigger,” which is a problem every event planner hopes for.
During the next six weeks, KFF board members will be going door to door to Hutchinson’s businesses and organizations to determine who might be interested in donating to the event’s silent auction. Simultaneously, another group will be assembling approximately 25 to 30 items for the live auction.
Speaking for the State Fair family, we thank you for your support for the live and silent auction, and we hope you will consider continuing your support for this year’s event.
Sponsorships on multiple levels are available, which include tables of ten.
Our goal is to provide attendees with a fun and festive evening, including a delicious meal and a wide assortment of refreshments.
Our dress code could be described as “come as you are and you will be welcomed.”
As the old expression goes, if you are inclined to cut a rug, you may want to wear your dancing shoes. Once the live auction wraps up, the All Hat, No Cadillac band fires up the music and have agreed to perform until past midnight or as long as there are dancers are on the floor.
A number of State Fair supporters who attended the first Boots and Bling in 2005 continue to support this event. All money raised at Boots and Bling remains in Hutchinson for the betterment of the Kansas State Fair and Fairgrounds.
Operators are standing by at 620-615-7388 or by emailing KFF staff at info@ksfgf.org to take your orders for tickets and/or sponsorships or answer any questions you may have.
Since I cannot say it enough, thank you for your support for this fun event and the Kansas State Fair.
We hope to see you the evening of August 9, 2025.
-Richard Shank
About the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Founded in 2003, KFF’s mission is to further the renovation, construction, preservation and beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds with a vision of inspiring excellence and understanding of Kansas agriculture, industry and culture through the Kansas State Fair, activities, educational programs and opportunities. The Foundation exists to enrich the unforgettable memories and traditions people experience only at the Kansas State Fair and at the 500+ events on the Fairgrounds year-round.
