May @ the 1861 Club: Winning Reflections and Fair Futures
With the closing of May, we’re reflecting on a month filled with celebration, connection, and unforgettable moments at the 1861 Club. Hats and Horses One of the highlights of the month was the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation’s annual Hats & Horses Luxury...
Around the Grounds: Capper Cooperative Park — Part Two
Did you know the Capper Cooperative Park includes an audio tour? That’s right! There is a QR code at the entrance that takes you to the audio tour, located on the Foundation’s website. This audio tour can also be enjoyed from wherever you are — right now! It includes...
Shank’s Take: A Fair History
We launch the month of June slightly more than three months in advance of the start of the 2026 Kansas State Fair. In the meantime, combines will roll across Kansas’ wheat fields harvesting this year’s crop of the golden grain. And, next month, we will pause to...
Building Extraordinary: Boots and Bling Silent Auction
Help Make the Boots & Bling Silent Auction a Showstopper! The Silent Auction is one of the most exciting and impactful fundraising opportunities at Boots and Bling — and we need your help to make this year’s event the best one yet. A small portion of the Silent...
Winner Announced for the 2026 Kansas State Fair T-Shirt Contest!
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation hosted the third annual t-shirt design contest for the 2026 Kansas State Fair. Online voting took place on Facebook until May 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. The votes are in! The winning design received nearly 300 votes via Facebook "Like."...
April @ the 1861 Club: Full Hearts, Full Calendar, and a Whole Lot of Community
April was one of those months that reminds us exactly why the 1861 Club exists — bringing people together in meaningful, memorable ways. From heartfelt moments to high-energy celebrations, every event added something special to our space. We began the month with the...
Finalists Announced – Vote Now on the 2026 Kansas State Fair T-Shirt Contest!
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is hosting the third annual t-shirt design contest for the 2026 Kansas State Fair. Online voting will take place on Facebook until May 31, 2026. It has been wonderful to see the creativity and passion for the Kansas State Fair through...
Call to Post for Hats and Horses 2026
Saturday, May 2 is the big day! We’ve been looking forward to Hats and Horses and the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby all year. The weather has warmed up, flowers are blooming and the horses are chomping at the bit. We expect to see examples of incredible...
Around the Grounds: The Lair White House — Part Three
Where is the best photography destination in Hutchinson, Kansas? One of the contenders happens to be the Lair White House on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Welcome to the Part Three of the Lair White House edition of Around the Grounds. Photo by: 3twenty...
Shank’s Take: James Fisher Returns to His Roots
James Fisher, Executive Director for the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF), is returning to his roots in northwest Missouri next month as President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri, which is headquartered in St. Joseph where he was born. He...