Eight days from today, all eyes will be on the Kansas State Fairgrounds as 650 prepare to hoot and holler during the 20th annual Boots and Bling, an annual event established in 2005 to raise funds for the betterment of the fairgrounds.
During the past few weeks, several people who have never attended Boots and Bling have asked me to describe the event in a few words. First, I told these people, it is hard to explain the event and how it has grown manifold during the past two decades in a few words, but let me try.
One of the people who worked to establish Boots and Bling described the event as the largest fundraising event each year sponsored by the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, which brings together incredible food, exciting auctions (live and silent), lively music, and a whole lot more.
Others have asked about the origination of the name Boots and Bling. Having been involved in this event since the day it began, here is my recollection how the founders established the name. Those creative folks sought out a name that evokes a sense of fun, casual and slightly glamorous in atmosphere combining the ruggedness of boots with the sparkle of bling. Also, Boots and Bling is a good name for events with a country western style.
There are plenty of items one cannot live without that will go home with the highest bidder. Pursuing the list of items to be sold, one can assume there is something for everyone. For instance, in the live auction, you can bid on a 20-year-old John Deere tractor with a loader that remains much like new, with barely 200 hours of service to its credit.
And, in the silent auction, you can bid on a tool chest with a built-in refrigerator. Everyone with a shop needs one of these.
Those into dancing, bring appropriate shoes as the music starts with the completion of the live auction. So, plan to dance into the night and even after midnight if you wish.
Tables of 10, individual tickets and sponsorships are still available, so as the home siding pitch man on television says, “Call Now” to 620-615-7388 or visit the link below to purchase individual tickets.
Let us plan to meet at Boots and Bling on August 9 and, then again, at the opening of the 112th Kansas State Fair on September 5.
Hope to see you at the Fair, but Boots and Bling first.
-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.
