
A June to Remember @ the 1861 Club
Summer is in full swing, and June was a month to remember at the 1861 Club! We kicked things off with the Women’s Conference, which brought together an incredible crowd for a day filled with inspiration, laughter, motivation, and sisterhood. The lineup of speakers was...

1861 Club an Essential Stop during the Kansas State Fair
Step into the heart of excitement and hospitality at the 1861 Club during the 2025 Kansas State Fair—a destination where entertainment, flavor, and ambiance intertwine to create unforgettable experiences. This year’s entertainment lineup is set to dazzle, featuring a...

Draped in Dallas: Boots and Bling Season 20 Aims to Bring Dallas to Kansas
July has arrived, and that means Boots and Bling Season 20: All Hat No Cadillac is ready to air! For twenty years, the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation has hosted the best FUNdraising party of the summer. This year we’re going big— Texas BIG! The theme is set, the plans...

Something Sweet is Coming to the Kansas State Fair, Stick Around to Find out!
Some big news is about to drop! We’re bringing a Fair Favorite back to the Kansas State Fair this year! We can’t say just yet what it is, but be on the lookout for the official announcement in the August First Friday E-Update. Sign up to get the First Friday...

Generally Speaking: Golden Tickets, Midway Wristbands, and more!
Updates from Kansas State Fair General Manager, Bryan K. Schulz, IFMG, CFE Generally Speaking: We are just a little over 60 days till the 2025 Kansas State Fair and things are humming here on the Fairgrounds. There are so many new projects happening from finalizing...

1861 Club Fair Concert Announcements and More… All on Social Media!
If you follow 1861 Club on social media, you already know that Paramount will be returning for the opening weekend! We have a full lineup of fun entertainment scheduled for the Kansas State Fair and all of them will be announced first on our social media so be sure...

Shank’s Take: Summer Means Boots and Bling
Last week Americans observed Memorial Day and honored more than 1,000,000 military veterans who have given their lives preserving our democracy during the nearly 250-year history of our nation. Also, Memorial Day is considered the start of summer. During the...

May We Celebrate? – The 1861 Update: Celebrating a Month Full of Connection, Community & Celebration
May was a jam-packed month at the 1861 Club, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the energy, laughter, and meaningful moments that filled our space! We kicked off the month with our first Kentucky Derby fundraising event, Hats & Horses, and wow- what a success!...

Boots and Bling 2025 Theme Announcement – All Hat, No Cadillac
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is excited to announce the return of its signature event, Boots and Bling 2025 – All Hat, No Cadillac, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Meadowlark Building, Kansas State Fairgrounds. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening...

Hats & Horses: Highlights from the Best Kentucky Derby Party in Kansas
Aaaaaaaaaand the winner of the 151st Running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve is….. Sovereignty! Sovereignty with Junior Alvarado riding wins the 151 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Race Track, KY 5.3.2025 (Photo by Horsephotos.com) While...