Boots and Bling was held on Saturday, August 1 this year, in the building serving as the inspiration for this month’s edition of Around the Grounds: The Meadowlark Building. Capable of holding the 700 Boots and Bling attendees, and even more for other large events, the Meadowlark Building is one of the largest event spaces on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
You might not think much of a big metal building with a concrete floor at first glance, but seeing it transformed again and again in service to the community and the State of Kansas sheds a whole new light on this important part of the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
Named for the state bird of Kansas, the meadowlark, this building embodies the brightness and sociability of these birds in the events hosted year-round in the building.
This building has been busy lately, too! It went straight from hosting Boots and Bling to serving as the main voting location for the entire city of Hutchinson on August 4, 2026.
The building was fully renovated in 2003, thanks largely to this year’s Wall of Honor Inductee, Mary Alice Lair. She worked tirelessly bringing people together and advocating for the Fairgrounds to secure the funding needed for renovations to buildings like the Meadowlark Building.
But, as you know, that’s a story for another time!
Around the Grounds is a monthly E-Update series that explores the buildings and attractions of the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Most places have a lot to uncover, so they’ll appear in multiple parts over time. We won’t always cover those parts back-to-back — rather, we’ll move around the Fairgrounds and highlight different buildings along the way. Over time, Around the Grounds will create a growing look at many different spaces — one article at a time.
Join us as we continue to explore the Fairgrounds! Be sure you (and your friends!) are signed up for our First Friday E-Updates to receive future Around the Grounds features straight to your inbox.
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.
