Horses Are Moving to the Paddock! It’s Becoming Clear Who Will Be at the Derby— What About You?
Coal Battle is in the lead! Have you checked out the Road to the Kentucky Derby contenders yet? You can keep track of all of the horses that may just make it to the Kentucky Derby this year. Coal Battle (Photo credit:...
Do You Have This Year’s Best-Seller for Boots and Bling?
It’s never too early to donate a unique Live or Silent auction item for Boots and Bling! We are looking for high quality, unique and memorable items. Silent auction items typically have a value of at least $100, while Live auction items start at $1,500. Auction...
New Job Opening: 1861 Club Events and Sales Manager
Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is in search of an Events and Sales Manager The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is looking for a talented, motivated and organized individual with excellent interpersonal skills to join the Foundation team as an Events and Sales Manager. If...
1861 Club Update – January Events and Everything Weddings and Events Recap
The 1861 Club started the year off right with a busy January! January saw the 1861 Club finishing up the holiday season with several Christmas parties and special events. One of the holiday parties was purchased as a special Live auction item from Boots and...
Jacam Catalyst: Presenting Sponsor for Boots and Bling 2025
A lot of things have to come together just right for a fundraiser like Boots and Bling to be successful. The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is fortunate that everything has continued to come together to make Boots and Bling more than a success for nearly two decades....
Nominations Open Now for the 2025 Impact Award
Fred Rogers said “Look for the helpers you will always find people who are helping.” For ten days in September the Kansas State Fair shows off the best that Kansas has to offer. While many are awed and amazed with the exhibits, food and entertainment,...
Shank’s Take: From Love to the Finish Line: Benches, Derby, and More at the Fairgrounds
Groundhog Day was this week. Regardless of what the groundhog saw, winter will soon transition to spring in the next few weeks, and there is plenty to look forward to at the Kansas State Fair. First things first. One week from today, we pause to celebrate...
Anticipation Building for New Luxury Event Celebrating the Kentucky Derby — Hats and Horses
The thoroughbreds are running qualifying races for the Kentucky Derby, just as the fans are racing to reserve their table for the first Hats and Horses Kentucky Derby event at the 1861 Club. Don’t miss the race to get a qualifying table— there are only a few spots...
NYE @ 1861 Club – That’s a Wrap!
The 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds was the place to be for New Year’s Eve. Friends gathered at the 1861 Club to remanence the wonders of 2024 and to look forward to the possibilities of 2025, and ringing in the New Year. People from across the region...
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...