Shank’s Take: Foundation Icons Boots and Bling and Mary Alice Lair
The 21st annual Boots and Bling is history and thanks to a legion of supporters from throughout Kansas, the results exceeded all expectations. One observer commented how the event is at capacity, meaning it can’t get any larger in attendance, which is a nice problem...
Generally Speaking: Growth and Heritage at the Kansas State Fair
Updates from Kansas State Fair General Manager, Bryan K. Schulz, IFMG, CFE Generally Speaking: Can you believe we're already less than 40 days away from the 2026 Kansas State Fair? Preparation is in full swing as our Team works hard to get everything ready for you to...
Generally Speaking: Ye Old Mill History and 2026 Kansas State Fair Announcements
Updates from Kansas State Fair General Manager, Bryan K. Schulz, IFMG, CFE Generally Speaking: The Count Down is On!! The Fair is less than 100 days away! Preserving a Kansas State Fair Treasure: Ye Old Mill Renovations and Renewal For more than a century,...
A Catalyst for Kansas: Chemistry and Community Go Hand in Hand
Soccer balls, plastic baggies, athletic leggings, tires, cameras, tape, legos…. The list goes on and on. If you’ve used these products, traveled in any capacity or simply enjoyed central heating in the winter, you’ve been impacted by Jacam Catalyst. The company...
How to Reserve a Table at 1861 Club for the Nine Lives: Free Fairtime Concert Series During the Kansas State Fair
Want the best entertainment experience at the 1861 Club during the Kansas State Fair this year? We’re talking a reserved table for up to 10 guests with the perfect view of all the action for some of the most incredible live music performances at the Fair. Well,...
Around the Grounds: The Encampment Building — Part Two
The 1930s was undoubtedly the most difficult decade in the 20th century in the United States. Between the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, Kansas especially was hit hard. With the down economy hitting Kansas’ biggest industries at the time, including farming,...
June @ the 1861 Club: Busy and Exciting!
June was a busy and exciting month at the 1861 Club! Summer is in full swing, and the 1861 Club was buzzing with activity throughout June. Women's Conference We kicked off the month by welcoming the Women's Conference hosted by the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber. This...
Theme Announcement for Boots and Bling 2026: Welcome to Vegas Baby!
Boots and Bling 2026 – Welcome to Vegas Baby! is set for August 1 The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation has a new date for Boots and Bling 2026 – Welcome to Vegas Baby! for Saturday, August 1 to be held at the Meadowlark Building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Boots and...
Shank’s Take: American Achievement and the Kansas State Fair
Tomorrow, we pause to observe the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, an event deserving of the celebration of a lifetime. Visiting Philadelphia a number of years ago, I had occasion to walk past Independence Hall where it could be said the nation...
Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Names Jana Sittler as Executive Director
Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, Hutchinson, KS The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is pleased to announce the hiring of Jana Sittler as its new Executive Director, bringing to the organization more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning fundraising, nonprofit...