Nominations Open Now for the 2025 Impact Award
Fred Rogers said “Look for the helpers you will always find people who are helping.” For ten days in September the Kansas State Fair shows off the best that Kansas has to offer. While many are awed and amazed with the exhibits, food and entertainment,...
Shank’s Take: From Love to the Finish Line: Benches, Derby, and More at the Fairgrounds
Groundhog Day was this week. Regardless of what the groundhog saw, winter will soon transition to spring in the next few weeks, and there is plenty to look forward to at the Kansas State Fair. First things first. One week from today, we pause to celebrate...
Anticipation Building for New Luxury Event Celebrating the Kentucky Derby — Hats and Horses
The thoroughbreds are running qualifying races for the Kentucky Derby, just as the fans are racing to reserve their table for the first Hats and Horses Kentucky Derby event at the 1861 Club. Don’t miss the race to get a qualifying table— there are only a few spots...
NYE @ 1861 Club – That’s a Wrap!
The 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds was the place to be for New Year’s Eve. Friends gathered at the 1861 Club to remanence the wonders of 2024 and to look forward to the possibilities of 2025, and ringing in the New Year. People from across the region...
2024 – THANK YOU – Donors, Sponsors, Volunteers, Board Members
2024 marked the 20th year that dedicated individuals have supported the mission of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation. The Foundation was organized in August of 2003 and received its 501(c)3 IRS designation in April 2004 – for 20 years the Foundation has worked to make...
Save the Date! Everything Weddings and Events Show at 1861 Club
SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, February 2, 2025 Everything Weddings & Events Show at the 1861 Club Excitement is mounting as we prepare for the Everything Weddings & Events Show. Hosted by the 1861 Club at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. You are invited to attend...
Shank’s Take: New Year is a New Beginning
The new year, launched this week is a new beginning when everything seems possible. Perhaps, we should not dwell on either the successes or shortcomings of the year just completed because we cannot change anything that has already happened. Perusing the...
1861 Club Update – A Memorable Holiday Season!
Wow! What an amazing month of December at the 1861 Club. The 1861 Club was honored to host many corporate events from Christmas parties to the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Banquet, and the Chamber of Commerce breakfast, with KC Wolf as the featured speaker....
Building Progress, Cultivating Impact: A Pivotal Year of Change – An End of Year Letter
Dear Friends and Supporters of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, 2024 has been described as a pivotal year of change for the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation. This statement wasmade at the September 5 dedication of the 1861 Club. A beautiful new venue constructed on the...
Shank’s Take: The Holiday Season and Family Go Hand in Hand
Winter, the holiday season, and family go hand in hand this time of year. As we age, it seems that time passes more quickly and the holiday season arrives sooner than the previous year. Childhood memories of Christmas are ones that remain for a lifetime....