Shank’s Take: Time to Open Another Kansas State Fair
All eyes are on Hutchinson at 11 a.m. this morning as we meet at the Peoples Bank and Trust Arena to launch the 112th annual Kansas State Fair. It has been a great year for the fair and we still have one third of 2025 ahead of us. Much has been accomplished with...
Salt Water Taffy a Sweet Start to the Kansas State Fair
Opening day just got a little sweeter—Kansas State Fair Taffy is back! This longtime fair favorite has returned in ready-to-enjoy bags, making it easier than ever to take home a piece of tradition. Get Stuck on a Fair Favorite with Kansas State Fair Salt Water Taffy!...
Fresh Finds & More at the 1861 Club – Menu Highlights
There’s always something delicious waiting for you at the 1861 Club! New to the menu are our Chef Salad and Salad with Chicken options, perfect for those wanting something light, crisp, and refreshing. We’re also thrilled to now offer a gluten-free bun option,...
Everything Entertainment at 1861 Club during the 2025 Kansas State Fair
Welcome to the 1861 Club during the Kansas State Fair! Here, you’ll not only find incredibly fresh food paired with the best beer on the Fairgrounds, you’ll also get the best live entertainment! From Paramount during the opening weekend, to our finale event featuring...
Generally Speaking: Kansas State Fair Time!
Updates from Kansas State Fair General Manager, Bryan K. Schulz, IFMG, CFE Generally Speaking: It’s FAIRTIME, FAIRTIME, FAIRTIME!!! Who else is excited for the 10 MOST FAIRIFIED DAYS in Kansas!? The grounds have been a buzz with all of the concessionaires and...
Boots and Bling 2025 was KANSAS Big!
For twenty years, the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation has hosted the best FUNdraising party of the summer, but this year’s event was truly one for the record books! With our Texas BIG theme—All Hat, No Cadillac—guests turned out in phenomenal numbers, making this an...
August @ the 1861 Club
August was full of energy and meaningful moments here at the 1861 Club! Community Gatherings We hosted several meetings that brought people together to plan, share, and connect. It’s always inspiring to see our space being used for conversations that shape our...
Shank’s Take: How Do You Describe Boots and Bling?
Eight days from today, all eyes will be on the Kansas State Fairgrounds as 650 prepare to hoot and holler during the 20th annual Boots and Bling, an annual event established in 2005 to raise funds for the betterment of the fairgrounds. During the past few weeks,...
Prepping, Polishing, and Packing Taffy by the Thousands: July @ the 1861 Club
While July had most people diving into summer fun, the 1861 Club made a different kind of splash—deep cleaning, polishing floors, and making sure every inch of the space is in tip-top shape! Why? Because when you walk into the 1861 Club, we want you to feel that it’s...
Generally Speaking: Steel Beams and Goat Dreams – Kansas State Fair 2025 Coming Together!
Updates from Kansas State Fair General Manager, Bryan K. Schulz, IFMG, CFE Generally Speaking: Where has our Summer gone? We are less than 30 days away from the 2025 Kansas State Fair and still have a lot to do to get ready for the 10 MOST FAIRIFIED DAYS in...