1861 Club

05/15/2026

Let's grow the Kansas State Fairgrounds together!

🌳 Today is the last day to sign up for the inaugural year of the Tree Beautification project! 🌳

You do not have to pay today, but we do need to know you want to be involved this year so we can get things ready for the 2026 Kansas State Fair.

We've added an invoicing option to the website. Use this option to pay later, avoid processing fees or have extra time to organize a group contribution.

There are two ways to participate:

🌱 Trees for the Fair Fund: $300 minimum
This level supports ongoing maintenance and future replacement of trees. Includes recognition on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

🌳 Tradition Trees: $2,000
Plants a tree on the Kansas State Fairgrounds and provides for ongoing care and maintenance of the tree. Includes a plaque on the tree with a personalized inscription.

Use this link or screenshot the QR code to Grow the Kansas State Fairgrounds today!
https://ksfairgroundsfoundation.org/tree-beautification-project/

Next year, the deadline to contribute will be on Arbor Day, the last Friday in April.

Call us at 620.615.7388 or email [email protected] with any questions!

04/17/2026

The Kentucky Derby is about more than the race — style, charm, and spirit are what make it an iconic event.

We're celebrating just that with Derby Day Contests at Hats and Horses. Come ready to win some fantastic prizes in one of these fun contests:

🤝 Best Derby Couple

Two looks, one statement. This contest celebrates pairs who arrive coordinated, confident and unmistakably Derby.

👒 Fancy Hats & Fascinators

This contest is all about bold looks and big statements. Creativity, color and flair you can only find on Derby Day.

🎀 Bowties and Southern Style

Aimed at the gents, this judges will be looking for someone tailored, polished and ready to impress.

👸 Derby Belle

This isn't about just wearing a look, it's about telling a story from head to toe, where every piece comes together perfectly.

🏇 Rowdy Crowd Table

This is all about having the best Derby spirit. This crew is all in, all day. They bring the energy and own the moment.

So curate your looks, gather your crew, and come ready to win!

Call 620-615-7388 to reserve your table or get individual tickets now.

04/16/2026

This would be such a fun trip!

Who's ready for the CMAs?

In Nashville, fun isn’t hard to come by, but tickets to this iconic event sure are. This package will have you feeling like some of Music City’s most famous stars.

It’s a must-see event for any country music fan.

This incredible trip opportunity is only available for those attending Hats and Horses - Kentucky Derby Party - Luxury Fundraising Event 🌹

04/15/2026

Delectable Derby dining designed to delight 🤌

We can't wait for this to be here already!

Featuring:

Bourbon Cherry Brisket Burnt Ends

Smoked Chicken Salad Sliders

Smothered Bourbon Meatballs

Bacon Deviled Eggs (with Bourbon Brown Sugar Glaze)

Pork Loin Slider with 1861 Signature Sauce

And more!

This has been a look at the featured selections, with more to be revealed — stay tuned by following Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation for all things Hats and Horses!

04/14/2026

Millionaire's Row is the place to be at Hats and Horses!

Now announcing for Hats and Horses 🎺—

Among this year’s Millionaire’s Row sponsors, we’re honored to include B & B Hydraulics, Inc.

Their table will be set behind the velvet ropes, where guests will enjoy attentive butler service, curated keepsakes, and an afternoon designed to delight. 🌹

04/08/2026

🎟 You can bet on Hats and Horses being the best Kentucky Derby Experience in Kansas!

Whether you want a fancy date or a full table, reserving your place is a breeze. 🏇 You’ll find our selection of sponsorship and ticket options below.

👒 For sponsorships, call 620-615-7388.

💐 For individual tickets, use this link:
https://buy.stripe.com/6oU5kE7vV5Cx8kPalHfnO03

Hats and Horses is a luxury fundraising event that benefits the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation's mission to "Renovate, construct, preserve and beautify the Kansas State Fairgrounds." This year, proceeds from the live auction go specifically towards Ye Old Mill Preservation.

There is something for everyone at Hats and Horses, whether you know you're a Kentucky Derby fan or not.

Derby Day wouldn't be complete without Mint Julips, Oaks Lilies, Bourbon and a Derby-inspired meal that belongs in the Winner's Circle.

The Kentucky Derby is the finest mix of sportsmanship and elegance there is — especially when it comes to the fashion. Dress to the nines with us and participate in contests such as Fancy Hats & Fascinators, Bowties & Southern Style, Derby Couple and more!

Of course, we can't forget the Kentucky Derby itself! The big race will be simulcast on the big screen and on large screens across the 1816 Club, including on the patio. You'll have a chance to win big with a 50/50 raffle, among other fun Derby-themed activities.

The race is on, reserve your place before it's too late!

👒 For sponsorships, call 620-615-7388.

💐 For individual tickets, use this link:
https://buy.stripe.com/6oU5kE7vV5Cx8kPalHfnO03

Hats and Horses - Kentucky Derby Party - Luxury Fundraising Event

04/08/2026

Hats and Horses will be here May 2! Check out our segment on Kansas Now with Max Dutton, one of our celebrity emcees for Hats and Horses!