Hailey
Kansas officially became the 34th state of the United States on January 29, 1861. In 2026, the state reaches an important milestone—165 years of statehood.
This anniversary is not just about history books; it is about honoring Kansas’s journey, its people, and the strong sense of community that defines towns across the state.
In Hays, this milestone is being celebrated in a fun, meaningful, and community-focused way that brings residents together for learning, food, and local impact.
A Special Anniversary Celebration In Hays
To mark Kansas’s 165th anniversary, Hays is hosting a Kansas Trivia and Dinner Night, combining entertainment with fundraising. The event is designed to celebrate Kansas history and culture while supporting local community projects.
The night brings together trivia lovers, families, professionals, and friends who want to enjoy a relaxed evening filled with Kansas-themed trivia, good food, and friendly competition.
Trivia Night Details And Format
The trivia portion of the event is well-structured to keep things exciting and fair for everyone involved.
- A maximum of 10 teams can participate, encouraging early registration.
- Each team can have up to four players.
- The trivia game includes 8 different categories, each with 10 questions related to Kansas history, culture, geography, and fun facts.
- A special Final Kansas Question adds suspense at the end of the game.
- Cash prizes are awarded to the top three teams.
- Teams can purchase mulligans on-site, with a limit of two per team for the entire night.
This format ensures both competitive excitement and an inclusive environment for casual participants.
Taco And Nacho Dinner Experience
Food is a major highlight of the celebration. Every ticket includes access to a full Taco and Nacho Bar, making the evening both filling and festive.
Guests can expect:
- Soft and hard taco shells
- Meat options such as beef, chicken, or carne asada
- Toppings including lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, and sour cream
- Sides like chips, queso, guacamole, salsa, and pico de gallo
- Tea and water included with dinner
- A cash bar available for additional beverages
This dinner setup encourages guests to relax, mingle, and enjoy the community atmosphere.
Event Information At A Glance
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Kansas Trivia & Dinner Night |
| Date | Saturday, January 31, 2026 |
| Location | The Venue at 2704 Vine Street, Hays, Kansas |
| Doors Open | 6:00 PM |
| Dinner Served | 6:30 PM |
| Trivia Begins | 7:00 PM |
| Ticket Price | $25 per person |
| Dinner-Only Ticket | $20 (limited availability) |
| Team Size | Up to 4 players per team |
| Team Limit | 10 teams total |
Supporting The Hays Community
Beyond celebration and fun, the event has a strong local purpose. Proceeds support community improvement projects in Hays, including:
- Enhancements to Ekey Park, such as playground upgrades, shelter improvements, restrooms, trees, and ballfield updates
- Installation of Little Libraries throughout the community
- Birthday Cake Kits for families and children in need
There is also a giving opportunity for attendees. Guests who bring four or more food items to donate receive a free 50/50 raffle ticket, supporting the local food pantry connected to Fort Hays State University.
Celebrating Kansas’s 165th anniversary in Hays goes beyond marking a date in history. It blends education, entertainment, and generosity into one memorable night.
With engaging Kansas trivia, a generous taco and nacho dinner, and a focus on giving back, this event reflects the true spirit of Kansas—community, pride, and togetherness. For residents of Hays, it is a meaningful way to honor the past while strengthening the future.