Hats and Horses – A Kentucky Derby Party
Hats and Horses, the newest luxury fundraising event presented by the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, is centered around the most exciting two minutes in sports: The Kentucky Derby! Hats & Horses promises to give you a Derby like experience without actually being...
1861 Club Update – The Best Venue for Any Event
In November, the 1861 Club had the pleasure of hosting several wonderful events that kept us busy. Dawn Johnson, USD 308 Superintendent and Army Reservist, held a private ceremony recognizing her promotion to Brigadier General. Congratulations, Dawn, and thank...
Ring in 2025 with Lost Wax at New Years @ 1861 Club
Did you hear? The band playing at New Years @ 1861Club, LOST WAX was the “official house band” for the 2023 NFL Draft held at Union Station in Kansas City. They are incredible and will keep you dancing all night long! Mark your calendars to be at the 1861 Club...
New Years @ 1861 Club – THE Party of the Year!
Many of you have asked – and the staff of the 1861 Club with the support of Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board have created what is set to be the top destination in central Kansas to ring in the New Year 2025. New Years @ 1861 Club will be an evening to enjoy and...
November 2024 Foundation Spotlight: Ann and Hal Sankey
When one thinks about leadership, and styles of leadership, they soon understand leadership comes in many forms. In this Foundation Spotlight we want to highlight two individuals whose leadership is so genuine and true to their nature, it is simply a part of who they...
Everything Weddings and Events Show at 1861 Club
Plan to join us at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds for the Everything Weddings and Events show on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 1 PM – 5 PM. $5.00 admission fee. An amazing group of wedding professionals featuring Brooklyn & Co...
Shank’s Take: November is a Special Month
November is a special month each year as we pause to remember our blessings and honor veterans of this nation’s Armed Forces who have fought to preserve our freedom for nearly two-and one-half centuries. Several years ago, I had occasion to visit Valley Forge in...
1861 Club Update – Love and Excitement in the Air
Thank you again to everyone that stopped by the 1861 Club during the 2024 Kansas State Fair. We continue to hear remarkable things about the beautiful venue, the wonderful experiences you had, and the memories made. We look forward to seeing you next year at the 2025...
1861 Club Hosts Evergy Announcement
The 1861 Club was excited to host Evergy's announcement of their plans to build two new 705 MW high-efficiency natural gas plants in Kansas, with one being in Reno County on Monday, October 21. HutchChamber President & CEO, Debra Tuefel, welcomed the crowd...
Shank’s Take: The Kansas State Fair Has Momentum – 2024 Kansas State Fair Review
The 2024 Kansas State Fair has concluded producing its share of happy memories to last a lifetime. Opening of the 1861 Club was a watershed moment in the history of the fair and the public response exceeded all expectations. An out-of-town builder was...