Fair time is a favorite time around the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation! The Kansas State Fair is the heart of our mission to Renovate, Construct, Preserve and Beautify the Kansas State Fairgrounds, after all!
This year, the Foundation and numerous generous businesses have worked hard to upgrade the Big Slide. New fencing, new lighting, structural upgrades, and a fresh coat of paint really do make all the difference!
Kansas State Fair Salt Water Taffy is back again this year! Assorted (featuring twelve fun flavors!), Banana, Buttered Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Peppermint and Watermelon flavors will be available at the 1861 Club and at the Official Kansas State Fair Merchandise Booth located across from Ye Old Mill and next to the Lair-Steckline Interactive Fountain.
As always, we are also excited about new products in the Official Kansas State Fair Merchandise Booth! We have two new shirt designs, including the winner of the 2026 Kansas State Fair Design Contest, Cornelius the Llama designed by Janice Richardson! We also are announcing the first youth design product, a card bundle featuring a post card, durable removable sticker and a temporary tattoo, each featuring artwork designed by Dani Peters for the 2026 Kansas State Fair Design Contest in the youth division.
We’re also excited about a sleek new hat option this year!
Plus, we are excited to be a part of the Budweiser Clydesdale schedule! A One-Horse Appearance is scheduled at 1861 Club for Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 1pm – 3pm and a special Folds of Honor presentation is taking place outside the Lair White House during the Full-Hitch Parade on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 1pm – 3pm, with the presentation likely taking place around 2:30pm. The Clydesdales will also be making a special delivery at 1861 Club during that parade!
Of course, the 1861 Club itself is another Foundation endeavor during the Kansas State Fair. Whether you want something fresh, need a bit of A/C or are ready to bring the night home with one of the high-quality concerts, 1861 Club has what you need! It’s the coolest club you never had to join! New this year is live music on the patio during the day, plus the new menu item — fresh, warm and delicious Rolls on a Stick!
Be sure to follow 1861 Club on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements of concerts, specials, patio entertainment schedules and more!
All these activities uphold our vision, To inspire excellence and understanding of Kansas agriculture, industry and culture through the Kansas State Fair, activities, educational programs and opportunities.
We’ll see you at the Fair!
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.
