HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is preparing to welcome a record crowd to the Kansas State Fairgrounds for an evening of elaborate decorations, live entertainment and fundraising in support of future improvements.
Boots and Bling, the foundation’s signature annual fundraiser, is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, in the Meadowlark Building. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the event beginning at 6:30 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Welcome to Vegas, Baby!” and will transform the venue with casino-inspired decorations, chandeliers, trick bartenders and other Las Vegas-style features. The Salamanders will provide live music.
Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Executive Director Jana Sittler said organizers expect more than 700 people to attend, potentially making it the largest Boots and Bling event on record.
“We’re looking at a potential record-breaking event this year,” Sittler said. “It’s going to be the largest one that we have on record in the years that we have done the event.”
The event traditionally attracts nearly 700 guests, making it one of the largest fundraising gatherings in Kansas. It includes dinner, an open bar, live entertainment and extensive live and silent auctions.
Sittler said approximately 32 packages are expected to be offered during the live auction, along with a large selection of silent auction items. Available packages include travel opportunities, group dinners, Kansas City Chiefs-related experiences, luxury vehicle use and family activities.
“There are all types of things that are available to people,” Sittler said. “We look very much forward to the drinks, the eats and the merriment of the evening.”
One auction package will combine use of the foundation’s 1861 Club with access to the Kansas State Fair’s refurbished big slide. The slide, located east of the club, is expected to return to operation during the 2026 fair.
Sittler said organizers work for months to select and develop each year’s theme. Volunteers, board members, graphic designers and other partners help coordinate the decorations, entertainment and activities.
“There is a lot of painstaking thought process that goes into it,” Sittler said. “It’s not something that happens just out of the blue.”
Sittler said guests should feel immersed in the theme as soon as they enter the Meadowlark Building.
“The look, the feel, the whole surround of you will feel like you’re in Vegas,” she said. “It is a large event that takes a lot of people to put it together, get it set up and get it going.”
Proceeds support the foundation’s mission of renovating, preserving, constructing and beautifying facilities across the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation was established in 2003 to support the fairgrounds and preserve the traditions associated with the Kansas State Fair and other events held on the property throughout the year.
Sittler recently became the foundation’s executive director after relocating from the Lincoln, Nebraska, area. She grew up on a family farm and cattle operation and said she has exhibited at and attended the Kansas State Fair several times.
Although she is new to Hutchinson, Sittler said she was already familiar with the fair and its importance to agriculture and the region.
“I’ve always done my work with the thought behind it that you leave things better than you find them,” Sittler said. “It really lit a fire for me to have the opportunity to keep improving, building and developing not only the foundation, but what the foundation does to support the fair.”
Sittler said her priorities include developing new partnerships, expanding the foundation’s network of sponsors and supporters and working more closely with state lawmakers on issues affecting the fairgrounds.
The foundation also operates the 1861 Club, which opened as a new year-round event venue near the center of the fairgrounds. In addition to hosting entertainment during the Kansas State Fair, the building is available for weddings, receptions, meetings and other private events.
“It provides an amazing venue not only for our partners and collaborators here in Hutchinson, but in the surrounding area,” Sittler said. “It has all the amenities that you could ever want.”
Sittler works with the foundation’s board of directors and a staff that handles the 1861 Club, marketing, creative services, bookkeeping and other operations.
She described the board as a passionate group committed to strengthening the fairgrounds.
“They are a crucial part of our team,” Sittler said. “They help support, develop and build.”
Sittler said Boots and Bling gives attendees an opportunity to socialize and enjoy an evening of entertainment while contributing directly to the future of the fairgrounds.
“It’s a great way to connect with people both locally and regionally, make new connections and have those conversations,” she said. “More so, it’s a really great way to help support the fair, continue to build a foundation for the fair and continue its development and growth as we move into the future.”
Tables and sponsorship packages for the event have sold out, but a limited number of individual tickets remain available for $200.
Tickets may be purchased through the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation’s website. Guests may also call 620-615-7388 or email info@KsFgF.org to purchase tickets by cash or check and avoid online processing fees.
Sittler said she is especially looking forward to experiencing the live auction during her first Boots and Bling.
“From a girl who’s been to a multitude of cattle sales, I always love myself a live auction,” she said. “I’m super excited about all of it.”