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...
Kansas State Fair Welcomes Back Salt Water Taffy — A Sweet Tradition Returns!
“Get Stuck on Kansas State Fair Salt Water Taffy” at the 1861 Club and the Kansas State Fair Official Merchandise Booth. The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of the beloved and often requested Kansas State Fair Salt...
High Bids & High Stakes: The Boots & Bling 2025 Live Auction Spotlight
Boots and Bling is the signature FUNdraising event for the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation. As such, the Live Auction portion of the evening is where the magic of Boots and Bling meets the Mission: To further the renovation, construction, preservation and beautification...
Season 20 of Boots and Bling: Country Elegance Meets Kansas Spirit at “All Hat, No Cadillac”
Get Ready for a Night Straight Out of Dallas—With a Kansas twist! The hand-painted banners that are a staple of Boots and Bling decor are well under way! Y’all, dust off your cowboy boots and polish up your rhinestones & diamonds—Boots & Bling 2025 is saddling...
Shank’s Take: Freedom to Celebrate – Independence Day, Boots and Bling, and the Kansas State Fair
Today, July 4, marks the 249th anniversary for the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Actually, the Revolutionary War was 15-months old when 56 patriot leaders met in Philadelphia to consider a formal declaration seeking independence from Great Britain. The...
A June to Remember @ the 1861 Club
Summer is in full swing, and June was a month to remember at the 1861 Club! We kicked things off with the Women’s Conference, which brought together an incredible crowd for a day filled with inspiration, laughter, motivation, and sisterhood. The lineup of speakers was...
1861 Club an Essential Stop during the Kansas State Fair
Step into the heart of excitement and hospitality at the 1861 Club during the 2025 Kansas State Fair—a destination where entertainment, flavor, and ambiance intertwine to create unforgettable experiences. This year’s entertainment lineup is set to dazzle, featuring a...