
YOU are a MEMBER of the 1861 Club!
Welcome to the beautiful climate-controlled 1861 Club, the newest and most incredible venue on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. The 1861 Club is excited to present this phenomenal line up of entertainment during the Kansas State Fair. From a remarkable 80’s Anthem Rock...

Live and Silent Auction Items at Boots and Bling 2024 – Summer Breeze
Boots & Bling 2024 – Summer Breeze is Saturday August 10. This year, there are a number of Live and Silent Auctions feature items that should not be overlooked. You do not have to be present to bid in either the Live or the Silent Auction. Bidding on the Silent...

A New Addition to the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Staff
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation welcomes Claire Mahoney to the Foundation Team. Claire joined the Foundation team in early July to assist with bookkeeping and accounting and will work with the Foundation through the 2024 Kansas State Fair. Welcome Claire! The...

Shank’s Take: Opening of 1861 Club a Watershed Moment
The dedication of the 1861 Club, a watershed moment in the 20-year history of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF), coincides with the opening of the 111th Kansas State Fair.

T.A.G.—You’re It! – A Letter from Richard Shank
Today, Patti and I wrote a $250 check to support the T.A.G. (Together Achieving Greatness) program at the Kansas State Fair. Specifically, this donation is to support the rebuild/enhancement of the Fountain House, also known as the Merchandise Store, located to...

Volunteers are Vital!
The Foundation’s best and busiest time of the year is quickly approaching and volunteers are needed to make each of these activities a big success. You can volunteer to be part of the best FUNdraising party in Kansas – 2024 Boots & Bling – Summer Breeze - the...

July 2024 Volunteer Spotlight: Kent Jaecke – Professional Ringman for Boots and Bling
Confucious once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” This quote perfectly embodies July’s Volunteer Spotlight: Kent Jaecke. Kent has volunteered at the Foundation's signature FUNdraising event-Boots and Bling for nearly 10...

Shank’s Take: Live and Silent Auction Donations Support the Great Kansas State Fair
Two months before opening day of the 111th Kansas State Fair, the fairgrounds is abuzz with constant activity awaiting completion of the 1861 Club, while the Foundation is making final preparations for Boots and Bling scheduled for August 10. The Kansas State Fair...

Boots and Bling 2024 – Summer Breeze is set for August 10
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation has set a date for BOOTS and BLING 2024 – Summer Breeze! for Saturday, August 10 to be held at the Meadowlark Building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Boots and Bling is the signature event of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation and...

Shank’s Take: Hart Fondly Remembers Her Part in Establishing Boots and Bling
Lori Hart has dozens, perhaps hundreds, of fond memories from her employment with the Kansas State Fair (1999-2015). Some of her favorite recollections are the part she played in establishing the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation and Boots and Bling. Hart joined the...