December @ the 1861 Club: Jolly and Meaningful
December at the 1861 Club was full of jolly celebrations and meaningful moments! We were honored to host the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year event — an inspiring evening recognizing local youth for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to building a...
Shank’s Take: New Year’s Reminders for Strong Routines and Stronger Patriotism for the Start of America’s 250th Year
Thursday, we officially said goodbye to 2025 and launched a new year. Many achievements affecting the Kansas State Fair were realized in 2025, and January 1 gives us a fresh start to continue the upward progression of positivity. For many, it is a...
Shank’s Take: Year-End Reflections on the Future Fountain House Project and Thanks to Volunteers
In 26 days the curtain will descend on 2025, and we will awaken to the start of a new year. During our youth it seemed time passed ever so slowly. With age comes times when it passes too quickly. Months become years and years become decades. Writer Hal...
From Year-End Giving to Year-Round Success: You Help Shape the Future of the Kansas State Fairgrounds
Dear Friends and Supporters of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a year full of progress, promise, and innovation at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Guided by the spirit of, “Today’s history is yesterday’s innovation. Today’s...
November @ the 1861 Club: Locals, Love, and Lasting Gratitude
As we look back on November, our hearts are full — and so was the venue! We are incredibly thankful for how busy and joy-filled this past month has been at the 1861 Club. From banquets and birthdays to fundraisers, holiday parties, and beautiful weddings, the momentum...
Holiday Taffy Gift Idea: Treat Everyone to a Uniquely Sweet Christmas Gift This Year!
Let the good feelings really stick this year by gifting Kansas State Fair Salt Water Taffy to everyone on your list. It’s not too late to order your Holiday Taffy Packages—a sweet way to share a little Fair magic while supporting the place where so many Kansas...
Country Hits and Holiday Gifts: Check Two Things Off Your List!
Check two things off your list this season by securing your tickets to the 90s Revival – All Hat No Cadillac concert at the 1861 Club. These tickets make a perfect Christmas gift. Plus! They double as ready-made Valentine’s Day plans as this much-anticipated event...
90’s Revival – All Hat No Cadillac at the 1861 Club – Liquid Aloha Concert Series Presented by Kona Brewing
Great Music. Cold Beer. Pure 90’s Country Fun! Dust off your boots and get ready to relive the golden era of country music! All Hat No Cadillac brings the best of the 90’s to life — from George Strait and Brooks & Dunn to Tim McGraw and Dwight Yoakam. Join us at...
Shank’s Take: We Have Much to Be Thankful For
Twenty days from today, America’s families and loved ones will be seated together for a Thanksgiving feast, an American tradition that saw its origin 400 years in 1621. The first Thanksgiving dinner was held near Plymouth Rock where English settlers stepped off the...
Gift Sweeter This Year: Salt Water Taffy Holiday Packages
Looking for a gift that’s just the right mix of thoughtful, local, and a little unexpected? Kansas State Fair Salt Water Taffy is now available for the holidays! Get the same colorful, chewy tradition that fairgoers love—perfect for stocking stuffers, small...