WHAT WAS & WHAT'S NEXT
Welcome to the Baldwin City Recreation Commission Blog! Our blog is a place for reflection and anticipation, a glance back on the previous month and remembering all that we enjoyed and a peek at the next month and all that’s to come. New blog posts are added on the 1st workday of every month If you want to stay even more up-to-date, make sure you’re subscribed to our weekly eblast, sent out every Monday via email
SMOKE ON THE BRICKS 2025
Smoke on the Bricks was a flaming success! Not even the heat could stop the community from turning out in full force for Friday’s Taste of Baldwin City. We had a record-setting fifteen BBQ vendors participate, serving up mouth-watering BBQ, savory sides, and other
I T H B C R C
WTake a deep breath can you smell that change in the air? September is here, and with it comes a foundational shift in the tone of the year. School is in session, fall is just around the corner, and we have officially entered the “-ber” months, which steadily spiral their ways towards the major holidays and celebrations that mark the last quarter of the year.
But before we start dreaming about costumes, turkeys, or gift lists, we get to enjoy that magical transition into fall. After the dog days of summer, autumn is Kansas’s apology tour. Starting with sweet cool morning temperatures and
delicious treats
Then, on Saturday, the best of the best took on each other. In another record smashed, we had 54 teams compete representing 8 states, with Squealin’ N Dealin’ taking home the title. We loved seeing fellow competitors turn celebrators for our winners. It demonstrated what makes the BBQ world so special: beyond competition, it’s a community
ending with a sheepish turning of the leaves, September displays Kansas at its humble best.
For those of us at BCRC, September offers us a chance to regroup after the scramble of summer before diving into our slate of fall activities. Join with us as we reflect on the fun of August and eagerly anticipate the joy of September.
WHAT WAS
When looking back at August, it’s hard to believe how much we packed into the first week! We hit the ground running with our Summer Camp Talent Show and Customer Appreciation Cookout on
first, and we saw that in action again and again over the weekend. A huge thank you to every team who competed we can’t wait to see you back for Smoke on the Bricks 2026!
August 1 Our Summer Camp staff worked tirelessly with our campers to perfect their song and dance routines for their Talent Show. A few brave campers took the stage individually to showcase their talents, ranging from soccer skills to favorite dance numbers, before teaming up with our Lifeguards to perform the Macarena. Then, after one last “Andy’s coming!” from Camp Director Amber Walters (cue the kids dropping to the ground like the toys in Toy Story), campers and audience alike were dismissed to enjoy our Customer Appreciation Cookout.
Saturday, August 2, had us in Sullivan Square again for a night of Minecraft fun. Participants were invited to come early to dig for diamonds, create pixel art, and complete a Minecraft-themed scavenger hunt before settling in for a family-friendly movie night. Over 130 people came to see Jack Black and Jason Momoa team up to save the Overworld, making for a perfect community night at the heart of Baldwin City.
Then, on August 3, we hosted the last of our Sundays at Six summer concert series Our final show featured Erica McKenzie, a powerful vocalist and one-woman band Taking requests from the audience, Erica performed a medley of artists and genres in a distinctly relaxed style. It was the perfect end to a busy weekend: good tunes, good company, and a great community vibe!
We are incredibly grateful for our Summer Camp staff, who went the extra mile to connect with each camper this summer. A huge thanks as well to our indomitable director Amber, who did a fantastic job planning the weekly themes and activities for the kids. We wish our campers the best school year ahead, and we can’t wait to see them again next summer!
Things changed a bit at the Community Center with the start of school We brought back Play Your Way, our afterschool recreation time just for 6 -12 graders, as well as Maple Buds, a special open recreation time for preschoolers in our community. th th As a reminder, we release an activities calendar for the Community Center each month, full of fun, free activities
We LOVE our Baldwin City community, and it is our great honor to provide recreation opportunities for our neighbors. As a thank you to everyone who participated in any of our events, programs, or activities this past year, we provided a free meal in Sullivan Square, handing out hot dogs, chips, and a drink to all attendees Families and friends settled down on the grass to chow down, swap stories, and share laughs on a perfect sunny day.
Summer Camp 2025 wrapped up on Thursday, August 8, with a color run and shaved ice. It was hard to tell who had more fun: the campers or the staff who got to throw the powder at them!
Some, like those mentioned above, are age-specific; others are more interest-based, like Pickleball and Volleyball.
Check out September’s activity calendar at our website (or pick up a physical copy from our front desk) and make plans today to get active and connected this fall!
WHAT’S NEXT
We have a new newsletter available for our 50+ Program! Every January, May, and September we release newsletters full of fun activities and trips for our older citizens Covering four months at a time, this newsletter offers a glimpse at opportunities created specifically for seniors as well as inter-generational fun Upcoming highlights include trips to New Theatre Restaurant, caroling, and the ever-popular Holiday Brunch, plus weekly card playing and monthly Coffee and Donuts Pick up a physical copy of the newsletter at the Community Center or check it out on our website.
Don’t let the grind get you down! Registration for our Maple Leaf Gravel Grind is open! Join us Saturday, October 25, for our annual gravel bike race Pick your course length (16, 40, or 70 miles) and take in the beautiful fall scenery around Baldwin City while tackling iconic obstacles like Signal Oak and the (in)famous Pork Chop Hill. More of an ebike rider? We’ve got options for you too!
Whatever your course of choice, make sure you register by October 8 to be guaranteed a 2025 Gravel Grind T-shirt. Learn more and sign up today at our website!
BIG HAIR ON THE SQUARE
Date: Saturday, September 20
Location: Sullivan Square
Time: 6:00PM-10:00PM
Are you ready for liftoff? Big Hair on the Square returns September 20 with a highenergy lineup of music, food, and fun!
Headlining our event is Elton Dan, AKA The Rocket Man’s Biggest Fan! Dan is a lifelong Elton John fan, having see his idol in concert 27 times, including seven from the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. From dazzling costumes and powerhouse piano performances to boundless stage energy, Elton Dan captures the spirit of Elton John in a way that connects with both lifelong fans and newcomers.
Dribble, shoot, score! Registration for youth basketball opens September 22. We have clinics for K-2 grade and leagues for 3 -6 grade The ball’s in your court keep those kids active during winter and sign them up for recreation basketball! nd rd th
Set yourself up for a great fall and sign up for our adult co-ed volleyball league! Our league runs November through midDecember with a ten-game season guarantee. Games are played Sunday evenings at the Community Center. Just make sure you have the right ratio teams must be able to maintain a minimum of 3 women and 2 men on the court at all times
Kicking off the night is Gold Dust Dreams, KC’s premier Stevie Nicks tribute band. Plus, Bucket List BBQ and Drinks ‘N Dreams Cantina are back with their mouthwatering BBQ and signature adult beverages respectively.
Admission is free, so bring your friends, your appetite, and your love of live music Just make sure to tie your shoes tight because this show is guaranteed to rock your socks off!
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