Now Hiring at 1861 Club
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF) is seeking dynamic, organized, and hands-on applicants for two job openings at the 1861 Club: A Full-Time Venue Manager and a Part-Time Event and Operations Coordinator. The 1861 Club operates as a high-end wedding, corporate,...
From the Desk of the Executive Director: November 2026
Fall is upon us and the end of 2026 is just around the corner. Our schedule at the Foundation has been a busy but engaging one as we completed the Kansas State Fair, the Nine Lives concert series at the 1861 Club, the reintroduction of the Big Slide and...
Shank’s Take: Thanksgiving
This month, on November 28, we will awaken to celebrate Thanksgiving, a good time to count our blessings for all we have to be thankful for. Thanksgiving should be a time to return to the basics or what some may call those issues that really matter in our...
NEW! Looking Forward @ 1861 Club: November 2026
November is here at the 1861 Club, and while January is more known for being the right time to make changes, November is about to get its moment. We’ve always shared about what’s been going on at 1861 Club. Weddings, galas, meetings, trainings and more. However,...
Around the Grounds: House of Capper — Part One
You may be looking at the title of this edition of Around the Grounds and thinking, “Part One? I thought we already covered part one of the Capper?” And you’d be somewhat correct. Around the Grounds has taken a look at one piece of the Capper Project, the Capper...
Around the Grounds: Big Slide — Part One
When you visited the Kansas State Fair this year, you may have noticed a number of improvements across the grounds, including the Big Slide. The Big Slide has always been an icon of the Kansas State Fair, and this year, it got dressed up for the occasion. After...
Foundation Highlights from the 2026 Kansas State Fair
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...
September @ the 1861 Club: The Good Times Keep Going
What. A. Month! The 2026 Kansas State Fair brought ten days of fun to the 1861 Club, and night after night, this place was THE place to be! We truly had a little something for everyone — cool AC, games on the TVs, live music on the patio, delicious...
Shank’s Take: Touring the 2026 Kansas State Fair
The 2026 Kansas State Fair is history and has created new memories to last until the next one. During the recently completed fair, I took a morning to tour all the offerings of the state’s largest event and thought it might be interesting to report on the...
Shank’s Take: Always Something New at the Kansas State Fair
One week from this morning, many of us will be huddled into the Heartland Credit Union Pavilion to open the 2026 Kansas State Fair. Following the 11 a.m. grand opening and the approaching noon hour, fairgoers will probably be seeking their favorite eating...