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Shank’s Take: Year-End Reflections on the Future Fountain House Project and Thanks to Volunteers

In 26 days the curtain will descend on 2025, and we will awaken to the start of a new year.  During our youth it seemed time passed ever so slowly. With age comes times when it passes too quickly. Months become years and years become decades.  Writer Hal...

From Year-End Giving to Year-Round Success: You Help Shape the Future of the Kansas State Fairgrounds

Dear Friends and Supporters of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a year full of progress, promise, and innovation at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Guided by the spirit of, “Today’s history is yesterday’s innovation. Today’s...

November @ the 1861 Club: Locals, Love, and Lasting Gratitude

As we look back on November, our hearts are full — and so was the venue! We are incredibly thankful for how busy and joy-filled this past month has been at the 1861 Club. From banquets and birthdays to fundraisers, holiday parties, and beautiful weddings, the momentum...
Save the Date – Bridal Fair at 1861 Club

Save the Date – Bridal Fair at 1861 Club

The 1861 Club will be hosting a Bridal Fair on Sunday, February 2, 2025. From 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Save the Date1861 Club Bridal FairSunday, Feb. 2, 20251 PM - 5 PMat the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. More details coming soon!

Foundation Highlights – 2024 Kansas State Fair

Foundation Highlights – 2024 Kansas State Fair

The 2024 Kansas State Fair can only be described as incredible from the vantage point of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation.  A key highlight for the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation was the opening of the 1861 Club. This new venue on the Kansas State Fairgrounds...

1861 Club Update – A WOW! at the Kansas State Fair

1861 Club Update – A WOW! at the Kansas State Fair

Whether guests came in for food, beverage, entertainment or to check out the 1861 Club during the Kansas State Fair, WOW! was the word of the week heard loud and clear from many.   The 1861 Club was the talk of the fairgrounds and across town, as the word spread...

A Fantastic First Year for 1861 Club

A Fantastic First Year for 1861 Club

The Grand Opening of the 1861 Club coincided with the opening of the 2024 Kansas State Fair – Friday, Sept. 6 was a note worthy day as the first Kansas State Fair patrons came through the gates and entered the 1861 Club for the first time. As people entered, they...

1861 Club Dedication and Ribbon Cutting

1861 Club Dedication and Ribbon Cutting

On Thursday, Sept. 4 at 1:30 PM Mary McCurry, Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board Chair welcomed a crowd of approximately 200 people on the Kansas State Fairgrounds as they gathered the day prior to the opening of the 2024 Kansas State Fair to celebrate the dedication...

Get Your T-SHIRT Here!

Get Your T-SHIRT Here!

Today is opening day of the Kansas State Fair – and the first stop everyone needs to make is the “Official” Kansas State Fair Merchandise Booth. It’s located on Grandstand Avenue next to the Lair-Steckline Interactive Water Fountain. It is here where you will find the...

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