Another Kansas State Fair is now in the books, and it was one to remember! The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation and Kansas State Fair boards kicked off the fair with the annual joint board dinner that ended in some very important Big Slide test runs.
You likely noticed the new paint job on the Big Slide at the Kansas State Fair this year, decked out in red, white, and blue to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. The anniversary was celebrated across the Fairgrounds in other ways such as the 250th Anniversary Rolling Museum and sand and balloon sculptures in the Bison Arena.
Between rides on the Big Slide and getting taffy and t-shirts at the Official Kansas State Fair Merchandise Booth, fairgoers also enjoyed spending time at 1861 Club. New menu items like Rolls on a Stick, ice cold 1861 Brew and entertainment every night of the Fair kept people coming back for more!
All Hat No Cadillac took the stage at 1861 Club on the opening Friday and Saturday night of the Fair, and boy was it a great time! Dueling Pianos and Artifact were big hits during the week and the lineup was closed out by the Talbott Brothers and Flattland for the closing weekend.
One of the capstone experiences of the 2026 Kansas State Fair was the Folds of Honor Presentation in front of the Lair White House with the Budweiser Clydesdales. Folds of Honor awards scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. This presentation awarded a local student a $5,000 scholarship on behalf of City Beverage.
Having the Budweiser Clydesdales on the Fairgrounds once again after more than a decade, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, seeing improvements across the grounds and, of course, seeing all of our Kansas State Fair friends once again made the Fair this year unforgettable.
We know 2027 will be just as amazing and we’ll see you there!
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.
