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...
Hats and Horses 2026: History-Making Year for This Luxury Kentucky Derby Party
The Kentucky Derby did not disappoint this year, and neither did Hats and Horses! Golden Tempo came from the very back of the pack and worked his way to a win in the end making his trainer, Cherie DeVaux, the first female trainer to have a win at the Kentucky...
1861 Club Presents Nine Lives: Free Fairtime Concert Series, Entertainment During the 2026 Kansas State Fair
The 1861 Club, in partnership with the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, is excited to announce the entertainment lineup at 1861 Club during the 2026 Kansas State Fair. Nine Lives: Free Fairtime Concert Series at 1861 Club Nine nights of live music. That’s what the Nine...
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...