Guests went all in for Boots and Bling 2026 – Welcome to Vegas Baby! Presented by Jacam Catalyst. With sold out sponsorships and tickets selling down-to-the-wire in the last hour, we had an amazing crowd! Many showed up in themed attire full of sequins, bright colors and a little bit of luck!
We kicked things off with a new digital registration and check-in process that got guests through the door and on their way to the party in record time! After a successful debut, we look forward to building and refining the process in the future.
At the heart of the evening we got to honor Mary Alice Lair as this year’s Wall of Honor Inductee. Mary Alice Lair has done more for the Kansas State Fairgrounds than nearly anyone else, serving on the Kansas State Fair Board and on the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board as a founding member. Her family accepted the award on her behalf and spoke of her accomplishments and impact.
The Live and Silent Auctions were also a hit! With a near record 163 Silent Auction lots and 33 Live Auction lots featuring trips, art, designer accessories and other unique finds, there was something for everyone.
The theme and decor, thanks to the hard work and generosity of the Evans Family, was as stunning and immersive as ever for this year’s Vegas theme. The flair bartenders were an especially big hit as they juggled, tossed, and awed the night away! The Salamanders Band brought the party at the end of the night and had the dancefloor begging for encore after encore.
Photos from the evening are available now, courtesy of Sara McMillian Photographer. You can use the link below to access the gallery and download your photos for free.
We want to thank our sponsors, such as our presenting sponsor, Jacam Catalyst, and our Diamond Sponsor, RCB Bank as well as all the GEM Level and Table sponsors for their generosity and partnership. Boots and Bling has grown into the best FUNdraising party in Kansas thanks to your partnerships and our mission to Renovate, Construct, Preserve, and Beautify the Kansas State Fairgrounds is moved forward because of support like yours.
So, thank you, and thank you to all the attendees and volunteers who also brought the evening to life!
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.
