In 26 days the curtain will descend on 2025, and we will awaken to the start of a new year.
During our youth it seemed time passed ever so slowly. With age comes times when it passes too quickly. Months become years and years become decades.
Writer Hal Borland sums up the month of December in a few words that says it all. “Year’s end is neither an end but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us,” Borland said.
Thankful for Volunteers
For the hundreds who have volunteered during 2025 on behalf of the Kansas State Fair, we say “thanks” and invite you to do the same in the new year. Two boards, the Kansas State Fair Governing Board and the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board, have worked tirelessly in 2025 to make the Fair even better, and have met with success on everything from marketing the 1861 Club to restoring the Bison Building.
Future Fountain House Project
On a recent walk across the fairgrounds, I passed by an aging structure adjacent to the interactive water fountain, which for two decades has been the site for selling shirts, caps, and State Fair memorabilia. This year, we added taffy to the options for fairgoers to consider purchasing.
Those of us who volunteer in the venue call it the tee-shirt shop and all agree the quarters are cramped and in dire need of a rebuild.
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF) Board of Directors have launched an aggressive plan to complete the project in time for opening of the 2026 Kansas State Fair.
Be a Part of the Future – Donate Today
Donations are needed to fully fund the project. For donations of $250 or more the donor or designee will be permanently recognized on a plaque, which will be displayed on a wall within the Fountain House. Also, the KFF is seeking a lead donor to assist in funding the project, which will cost several hundred thousands of dollars. Interested parties are urged to contact James Fisher, KFF Executive Director at James.Fisher@ksfgf.org or by calling 620-715-7388.
Physical improvements and updates is a constant on the fairgrounds and the new Fountain House will be an excellent addition for future generations of fairgoers to enjoy.
As Christmas approaches, let us take a few moments to savor our accomplishments and memories from 2025 while fine-tuning a plan to make next year even better.
Wishing you a joyous Holiday Season.
-Richard Shank
Kansas State Fair Ambassador
Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board Member
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.
