2023 Year in Review: A BIG Year for the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF) continues to grow every year; 2023 was no exception. Thanks to our board members, staff, volunteers, and especially our incredible donors, the Foundation had a historic year that has allowed us to make a strong start in 2024. We...
20 Years on the Foundation Board by Sara Evans
In 2004, John and I were asked by Mary Alice Lair to serve as members of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board of Directors. John and I have always loved the Kansas State Fair, and we have great memories of bringing our children to Hutchinson to see their 4-H...
December 2023 Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Alice Lair
What better way to celebrate this season than by hearing from one of the founding members of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF), Mary Alice Lair. Mary Alice, as she is known to nearly everyone, has been involved with the Kansas State Fair (KSF) since the mid 70s...
Shank’s Take: Sharing Kansas State Fair Memories
The final days of any year produce thoughts of nostalgia and priceless memories to last a lifetime. To explain my favorite State Fair memory is difficult in that so many exist but it is safe to say that the first recollections are often the best. As a...
Thank you for Coming “Together”! – An End of Year Letter
Wow, as we look at the accomplishments in 2023, we pause to say THANK YOU for Coming “Together”! Thank you for giving your time, talents, and resources, as well as your words of encouragement. THANK YOU for making 2023 a banner year for the Kansas Fairgrounds...
November 2023 Volunteer Spotlight: Steve Dillon
Some of our most influential volunteers, who give their time, energy and expertise on a regular basis, are the members of the Foundation’s board. This month, we are featuring one such board member, Steve Dillon. Steve Dillon, pictured third from the right in the front...
Shank’s Take: Kansas State Fair Moving Forward
As the final weeks of 2023 approach and we prepare for the dawn of a new year for many of us, it is time to ponder year-end giving to maximize our annual tax deductions. It goes without saying that the Kansas State Fair is the site of multiple construction projects,...
New Event Venue on the Kansas State Fairgrounds
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation and Kansas State Fair hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the “1861 Club”, the new event venue being built by the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Thursday, September...
Shank’s Take: 2023 Kansas State Fair Creates New Memories
The 2023 Kansas State Fair has come and gone creating new memories to last a lifetime. Hutchinson’s love of fairs started in 1873, the year after the city’s origin when the city hosted its first such event. In 1903, Hutchinson declared its fair the “Kansas State...
October 2023 Volunteer Spotlight: Emily Mullen
As we start towards the holiday season this year, the October Volunteer Spotlight, Emily Mullen, brings a message of family, being involved, and giving back. Emily has been involved with the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF) behind the scenes for many years since...