Dear Friends and Supporters of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation,
As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a year full of progress, promise, and innovation at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Guided by the spirit of, “Today’s history is yesterday’s innovation. Today’s innovation will be tomorrow’s history,” we invite you to be part of the transformation shaping both our legacy and our future.
2025 Success Stories
Since its grand opening in September 2024, the 1861 Club has quickly become a cornerstone of our community—a vibrant gathering place for fairgoers, supporters, and families. Its impact continues to grow, setting the standard for excellence and hospitality on our grounds and in our community. This year, we were thrilled to introduce the inaugural ‘Hat’s & Horses’ – Kentucky Derby Themed event in May 2025, which brought together hundreds in celebration of tradition, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of the Kansas State Fair.
Be a Part of Future Success
Looking ahead, we have an extraordinary opportunity to make history together. The Foundation has many projects on the board, with our major project for 2026 being the renovation of the Fountain House building into a dedicated Kansas State Fair merchandise store—a space where memories will be shared and the Fair’s story will come alive for generations to come. To realize this vision, we have set an ambitious fundraising goal of $500,000. We seek a lead gift to launch this campaign and invite supporters at every level to contribute. Every donation matters, and donors giving $250 or more will be honored with their name on a plaque inside the newly renovated building—a lasting tribute to your commitment and generosity.
Planning Future-Forward
With your help, we will complete and open the Fountain House merchandise store for the 2026 Kansas State Fair, further enriching the Fairgrounds and creating new experiences for all who visit. Your support will not only preserve the legacy of yesterday’s innovation but also empower tomorrow’s history—ensuring that the Kansas State Fairgrounds remain a source of inspiration, challenge, and enrichment for current and future Kansans.
Please join us in making a meaningful difference. Your charitable gift today is an investment in our shared vision and the bright future we are building together.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment, generosity, and belief in the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation. Together, we are creating history—one innovation at a time.
In Great Appreciation,
Mary McCurry
Chairman, Board of Directors
James Fisher
Executive Director
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is recognized as a nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization.
To inspire excellence and understanding of Kansas agriculture, industry and culture through the Kansas State Fair, activities, educational programs and opportunities.
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.
