April @ the 1861 Club: Full Hearts, Full Calendar, and a Whole Lot of Community
April was one of those months that reminds us exactly why the 1861 Club exists — bringing people together in meaningful, memorable ways. From heartfelt moments to high-energy celebrations, every event added something special to our space. We began the month with the...
Finalists Announced – Vote Now on the 2026 Kansas State Fair T-Shirt Contest!
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is hosting the third annual t-shirt design contest for the 2026 Kansas State Fair. Online voting will take place on Facebook until May 31, 2026. It has been wonderful to see the creativity and passion for the Kansas State Fair through...
Call to Post for Hats and Horses 2026
Saturday, May 2 is the big day! We’ve been looking forward to Hats and Horses and the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby all year. The weather has warmed up, flowers are blooming and the horses are chomping at the bit. We expect to see examples of incredible...
Around the Grounds: The Lair White House — Part Three
Where is the best photography destination in Hutchinson, Kansas? One of the contenders happens to be the Lair White House on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Welcome to the Part Three of the Lair White House edition of Around the Grounds. Photo by: 3twenty...
Shank’s Take: James Fisher Returns to His Roots
James Fisher, Executive Director for the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF), is returning to his roots in northwest Missouri next month as President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri, which is headquartered in St. Joseph where he was born. He...
New Ways to “Grow” the Kansas State Fairgrounds with the Launch of the Tree Beautification Program
In celebration of Arbor Day on April 24, 2026, the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, in partnership with the Kansas State Fair, is proud to announce the launch of the Kansas State Fairgrounds Tree Beautification Project, a long-term initiative designed to restore and...
Around the Grounds: The Capper Cooperative Park – Part One
One of the newest additions to the Kansas State Fairgrounds is sure to become a lasting tradition when visiting the Fairgrounds: The Capper Cooperative Park. Located next to the historic House of Capper, the Capper Cooperative Park was completed in 2023, along...
Shank’s Take: Preserving a Piece of the Fair
This past month, I had occasion to attend a check presentation recognizing a $99,000 Attraction Development Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce to support preservation of the Ye Old Mill, one of the Fair’s most iconic and historic attractions. The grant...
March is for Memories! @ the 1861 Club
March was a busy and exciting month at the 1861 Club, filled with growth, celebrations, and plenty of laughter. Weddings & Event Prep We welcomed many future couples through our doors for venue tours, and it’s been so exciting to see so many beautiful weddings...
Now Hiring at 1861 Club: Event Assistant
We’re looking for a part-time Event Assistant to help bring events to life at the 1861 Club. This is a hands-on role during events, mostly in the evenings and on weekends, especially during our busiest seasons. You’ll help supervise and support event staff, assist...