Ye Old Mill Preservation

Ye Old Mill

Preserve a Kansas State Fair Legacy

A Kansas tradition. A ride of passage. A Fair experience generations share.

For more than a century, Ye Old Mill has carried Kansas families through the Fair. Opened in 1915, it is woven into the identity of the Kansas State Fair — a defining experience that has remained constant across generations.

Like any historic attraction, Ye Old Mill requires proactive care and reinvestment to operate as Fairgoers expect — today and well into the future.

The Ye Old Mill Preservation & Renewal Campaign is a focused effort to steward this iconic ride through planned upgrades to boats, waterways, building protection, and essential systems — while preserving the character and charm generations recognize and value.

This work ensures Ye Old Mill remains a defining part of the Fair experience — not a memory of it.

The Ye Old Mill Preservation & Renewal Campaign

This campaign addresses key infrastructure and operational priorities necessary to sustain the ride long term.

Project priorities include:

Planned upgrades to ride boats
Improvements to waterways and water systems
Building protection enhancements
Essential mechanical and support systems

Each improvement is designed to strengthen reliability while preserving the established character of the attraction.

Signature Sponsorship Opportunity

Captain’s Club – Boat Sponsor

$35,000 per boat (8 available)

Sponsor an official Ye Old Mill ride boat and become a lasting part of the attraction.

Recognition & Benefits

Custom boat decal with sponsor or family name (10-year recognition term)
Recognition on Boat Sponsor display near ride entrance
Inclusion in campaign materials and Foundation website
Invitation to a private ride or sponsor moment during the Fair

BECOME A BOAT SPONSOR

Leadership Giving Opportunities

Supporters may participate in the Ye Old Mill project at several leadership levels, each tied meaningfully to the ride experience and its preservation.

Stewards of the Mill | $25,000+

Leadership gifts supporting long-term preservation and infrastructure.

Recognition & Benefits

Named life preserver installed within the attraction or queue
Invitation to private preview ride event
Listed as Steward-level supporter in campaign materials

Become a Steward of the Mill

Preservation Partner | $10,000–$24,999

Significant, tangible support tied directly to the ride experience.

Recognition & Benefits

Recognition on primary donor display near ride entrance
Recognition on campaign webpage
Invitation to campaign appreciation reception during the Fair

Become a Preservation Partner

Friends of Ye Old Mill | $5,000–$9,999

Tangible support helping sustain the ride experience.

Recognition & Benefits

Recognition on on-site donor display
Recognition on campaign webpage

Support Ye Old Mill

Learn More About Supporting Ye Old Mill

To see the full list of sponsorship opportunities and recognition levels, download the Ye Old Mill campaign overview.

Download the Ye Old Mill Campaign One-Pager

If you are interested in supporting the Ye Old Mill Preservation & Renewal Campaign, please contact:
James Fisher
Executive Director, Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation
Email: james.fisher@ksfgf.org
Phone: 620-615-7388