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...
Putting the “Fair” in Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation: Kansas State Fair FUN!
Fair time is a favorite time around the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation! The Kansas State Fair is the heart of our mission to Renovate, Construct, Preserve and Beautify the Kansas State Fairgrounds, after all! This year, the Foundation and numerous generous...
Fair Days Turn into Fantastic Nights at 1861 Club During the Kansas State Fair
You already know 1861 Club is the coolest club you never had to join with fresh food, cold beer, large tvs with can't miss football games and incredible live entertainment. Now all you have to do is set the plan to spend your Fair free time at 1861 Club! During the...
Around the Grounds: Lair White House — Part Four
Fair time is without a doubt when all the buildings on the Kansas State Fairgrounds are the most lively, full of people and activities as fairgoers bring these grounds to life together. It’s no different for the Lair White House. Though relatively few people claim to...
August @ the 1861 Club: Tours, Teamwork & a Whole Lot of State Fair Prep!
August flew by at the 1861 Club! Between tours, community events, and plenty of behind-the-scenes Kansas State Fair prep, our team has been busy getting ready for the most exciting time of the year! We were honored to once again host the Reno County Hospice Festival...
Your Guide to Nine Lives at 1861 Club: Which Night of Live Music is Right for You?
1861 Club has quickly become known for having a great atmosphere, great prices and great live entertainment during the Kansas State Fair. This year we plan to make it even better! Every night of Nine Lives: Free Fairtime Concert Series at the 1861 Club is one you...