2024 – THANK YOU – Donors, Sponsors, Volunteers, Board Members
2024 marked the 20th year that dedicated individuals have supported the mission of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation. The Foundation was organized in August of 2003 and received its 501(c)3 IRS designation in April 2004 – for 20 years the Foundation has worked to make...
Save the Date! Everything Weddings and Events Show at 1861 Club
SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, February 2, 2025 Everything Weddings & Events Show at the 1861 Club Excitement is mounting as we prepare for the Everything Weddings & Events Show. Hosted by the 1861 Club at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. You are invited to attend...
Shank’s Take: New Year is a New Beginning
The new year, launched this week is a new beginning when everything seems possible. Perhaps, we should not dwell on either the successes or shortcomings of the year just completed because we cannot change anything that has already happened. Perusing the...
1861 Club Update – A Memorable Holiday Season!
Wow! What an amazing month of December at the 1861 Club. The 1861 Club was honored to host many corporate events from Christmas parties to the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Banquet, and the Chamber of Commerce breakfast, with KC Wolf as the featured speaker....
Building Progress, Cultivating Impact: A Pivotal Year of Change – An End of Year Letter
Dear Friends and Supporters of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, 2024 has been described as a pivotal year of change for the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation. This statement wasmade at the September 5 dedication of the 1861 Club. A beautiful new venue constructed on the...
Shank’s Take: The Holiday Season and Family Go Hand in Hand
Winter, the holiday season, and family go hand in hand this time of year. As we age, it seems that time passes more quickly and the holiday season arrives sooner than the previous year. Childhood memories of Christmas are ones that remain for a lifetime....
Hats and Horses – A Kentucky Derby Party
Hats and Horses, the newest luxury fundraising event presented by the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, is centered around the most exciting two minutes in sports: The Kentucky Derby! Hats & Horses promises to give you a Derby like experience without actually being...
1861 Club Update – The Best Venue for Any Event
In November, the 1861 Club had the pleasure of hosting several wonderful events that kept us busy. Dawn Johnson, USD 308 Superintendent and Army Reservist, held a private ceremony recognizing her promotion to Brigadier General. Congratulations, Dawn, and thank...
Ring in 2025 with Lost Wax at New Years @ 1861 Club
Did you hear? The band playing at New Years @ 1861Club, LOST WAX was the “official house band” for the 2023 NFL Draft held at Union Station in Kansas City. They are incredible and will keep you dancing all night long! Mark your calendars to be at the 1861 Club...
New Years @ 1861 Club – THE Party of the Year!
Many of you have asked – and the staff of the 1861 Club with the support of Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board have created what is set to be the top destination in central Kansas to ring in the New Year 2025. New Years @ 1861 Club will be an evening to enjoy and...