Shank’s Take: Summer Means Boots and Bling
Last week Americans observed Memorial Day and honored more than 1,000,000 military veterans who have given their lives preserving our democracy during the nearly 250-year history of our nation. Also, Memorial Day is considered the start of summer. During the...
May We Celebrate? – The 1861 Update: Celebrating a Month Full of Connection, Community & Celebration
May was a jam-packed month at the 1861 Club, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the energy, laughter, and meaningful moments that filled our space! We kicked off the month with our first Kentucky Derby fundraising event, Hats & Horses, and wow- what a success!...
Boots and Bling 2025 Theme Announcement – All Hat, No Cadillac
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is excited to announce the return of its signature event, Boots and Bling 2025 – All Hat, No Cadillac, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Meadowlark Building, Kansas State Fairgrounds. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening...
Hats & Horses: Highlights from the Best Kentucky Derby Party in Kansas
Aaaaaaaaaand the winner of the 151st Running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve is….. Sovereignty! Sovereignty with Junior Alvarado riding wins the 151 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Race Track, KY 5.3.2025 (Photo by Horsephotos.com) While...
Generally Speaking: Fire Drills and Fair Thrills (Plus Ticket Tips!)
Updates from Kansas State Fair General Manager, Bryan K. Schulz, IFMG, CFE Safety of our Fairgoers: Prioritizing the safety of our fairgoers, vendors, and staff is always our top priority. We’re proud to share that many of our team members and Fair-time partners...
Hats and Horses and the Kentucky Derby are Tomorrow!
*Trumpet sounds* buurrrberberberberbuuuurberberberberberbuurbuuuur! It’s post time for the Kentucky Derby, folks! The Run for the Roses is on and the horses are at the gates and chomping at the bit! Who will run for glory and end up in the winners circle? There are...
Winner Announced for the 2025 Kansas State Fair T-Shirt Contest!
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation hosted the second annual t-shirt design contest for the 2025 Kansas State Fair. Online voting took place on Facebook until April 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. The votes are in! The winning design received nearly 300 votes via Facebook...
All 2025 T-Shirt Contest Entries
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation hosted a t-shirt design contest for the 2025 Kansas State Fair. We received more than 50 submissions to the 2025 Kansas State Fair T-Shirt Contest! The submissions were judged blind by a selection committee and the top five designs...
April at the 1861 Club: Community, Connection & Celebration
Spring was in full swing at the 1861 Club this April, and with it came a number of meaningful events and community engagement. We were honored to host the Boys & Girls Club 35 Year Celebration and Fundraiser, supporting the future of local youth with an...
Get Ready for the Nex-Tech Grandstand Concerts at the 2025 Kansas State Fair!
The 2025 Kansas State Fair is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever, and the Nex-Tech Grandstand is the place to be for music lovers of all ages. With a lineup that promises to deliver electrifying performances by top artists from a variety of genres, the stage...