Jackson Co. Lifestyle | Issue 3

Page 1


Trails Cafe has served the Holton community for over 50 years, offering home-cooked meals in a warm atmosphere. We have been recognized for the Best Steaks and Best Family Eatery in NE Kansas, serving only USDA choice steaks and award-winning catfish. We also provide catering services for any event and we have a gift shop with local handmade artistry.

ORDER

Welcome.

dear readers.

Welcome to the third annual issue of Jackson Co. Lifestyle! I’m Leslie, your new editor, and I’m thrilled to share the stories and traditions that make this community unique.

In this issue, we’re celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Jackson County Fair, a beloved tradition that showcases the hard work and dedication of the 4H members and community clubs. You’ll also explore the latest programs and technology at the Banner Creek Science Center & Ford Observatory, renamed in October to honor its visionary founder, Mike Ford.

In the department sections, discover the magic of More Than Lemons, a vibrant glass studio and showroom in downtown Holton; learn about the commitment and determination of Beck Bookman Library’s founding women; and find out how Jackson Heights USD 335 is inspiring student success with innovative new programs and profoundly committed leadership. And, if you’re ready to get on the road this spring, we have you covered with an introduction to the historic Lane Trail and its colorful namesake.

Without the support of the Jackson County community, this publication wouldn’t be possible. I’m grateful for the help and partnership of the Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County Tourism Council, USD 335, Beck Bookman Library, Ashlee York, Suzette McCord-Rogers, Derek Smith, Jim Howard, Amy Austin, Karen Ford and my amazing colleagues at Sunflower Publishing who kept me going in the right direction for my first issue.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Here’s to celebrating many more milestones together!

Fair-goers enjoy

the Ferris wheel and midway at the 2024 Jackson County Fair. Photo by Jason

| No. 3

Editor Leslie Clugston Andres

Copy Editor Gina DeBacker

Designer/Art Director Alex Tatro

Advertising Angie Taylor ataylor@sunflowerpub.com

Contributing Photographers Jason Dailey

Nick Krug

Bill Stephens

Contributing Writers Ian Brannan

Bill Stephens

Joni White

Publisher Bill Uhler

Director Bob Cucciniello

Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce & Jackson County Tourism Council 104 W 5th St. Holton (785) 364-3963 chamber@exploreholton.com exploreholton.com

Executive Director, Chamber Ashlee York

Assistant Director, Chamber Janette Hammack

Chair, Tourism Council Suzette McCord-Rogers

Vice-Chair, Tourism Council April Lemon

Jackson Co. Lifestyle is produced by Sunflower Publishing in cooperation with the Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Jackson County Tourism Council. sunflowerpub.com

Wømëñ’s
Åppårël
&
Føøtwëår


Përmåñëñt
Jëwëlrÿ

Frësh
&
Sïlk
Flørål
Dësïgñ



Flørål
Bår
Rëñtåls

www.bëvërlëÿbrøwñçø.çøm

785-362-2382

124
W
5th
Street



Holton,
KS
66436

Owned
by
Stephanie
Riley,
Shari
Riley
&
Samantha
Kathrens

Contents.

8 community SAND, SODA AND LIME

Glass artist April Lemon is heating up the rural Kansas art scene with her unique blend of creativity, community and molten glass

13 history BOOK CLUB TO COMMUNITY HUB

From a small reading club in 1896 to a thriving public library, Beck Bookman Library continues to grow and serve Jackson County

17 school EXPANDING EDUCATION

USD 335 Jackson Heights is redefining students’ success by providing new opportunities and learning experiences

20 outdoor THE LANE TRAIL LEGACY

Kansas’ past comes alive along this historic route

FROM CLASSROOMS TO CONSTELLATIONS

Banner Creek Science Center & Ford Observatory honors—and builds on— founder Mike Ford’s legacy in science education and exploration

32

JACKSON COUNTY FAIR: A CENTURY OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND TRADITION

Q&A with Kristel Bontrager, member of the Jackson County Fair Board of Directors

from the chamber & tourism council

38

WELCOME LETTER

A greeting from Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce & Jackson County Tourism Council

40

CHAMBER EVENTS

Jackson County community events

42

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP LISTINGS

A guide to businesses and services

Sand, Soda and Lime

Glass artist April Lemon is heating up the rural Kansas art scene with her unique blend of creativity, community and molten glass

Two weeks before earning her bachelor of fine arts with a concentration in glass from Emporia State University, April Lemon and her husband purchased the building at 424 Pennsylvania in downtown Holton. Built in 1889, it required some TLC before becoming More Than Lemons, a hot-shop glass production studio and showroom. In 2015, the two of them began deconstructing it the day after graduation so she could pursue her dream of being a glass artist—and her own boss.

Ten years later, More Than Lemons is a thriving business on the east side of the town square in downtown Holton. She

and her husband, John, live on the second floor. The 3,200-square-foot street-level is a showroom for her work and the work of other area artists, with a “hot shop” at the rear for her kiln and other tools required for her glass creations.

“My husband encouraged me to quit my job and do what I have always wanted to do— work with glass,” Lemon says. “I commuted 1,000 miles per week for five years while I earned my BFA degree at Emporia State.”

In addition to her own creations, More Than Lemons displays the work of nearly 50 other area creators, including ceramists, fused glass artists, macramé crafters,

Above: April Lemons’ glass art studio and storefront showcase her creations, alongside works by nearly 50 other artists.
Right (from top): Lemon cuts glass into petals to create her signature flowers; April shows off a pendant with handwrapped copper wire, created by Holton artist Suzie Conger; A “Prairie Pod” by renowned hot glass artist Vernon Brejcha sits on display.
“My husband encouraged me to quit my job and do what I have always wanted to do—work with glass.” —April Lemon

stained-glass artists, jewelers, crocheters, woodworkers and paper quillers.

Although her art is nearly entirely made from glass, sometimes she enhances her pieces with copper, the only metal she’s found to be compatible with glass because the two materials expand and contract at the same rate. Other types of metal, such as steel, respond to temperature changes at a different rate, often resulting in stressing or even fracturing the surrounding glass.

“I am one of only a few glass artists in the country who travel with a mobile unit. That includes tools and my kiln, which gives me the 2,000-degree heat needed to fuse sand, soda and lime into a pliable, fluid state that we know as molten glass,” Lemon explains. “I work with the Kansas Arts Commission and have been all over the state to set up and blow glass. Recently, I have been to Winfield, Topeka, Greensburg, Tonganoxie, [Grantville] and Belleville. I already have trips scheduled for next year,” she adds.

Glass used for art is a different formula from window glass or other types of glass. The “father of the studio glass movement,” Harvey Littleton, and another acclaimed glass artist, Nick Labino, created this art-glass formula in 1963. Its hardness distinguishes it from standard window glass and lends it to casting, blowing and fusing.

For several years, the television station KSNT has asked Lemon to produce 12 blown-art creations to be

awarded at an annual “Everything Woman” banquet to women recognized for their achievements and contributions.

In addition to creating her own art, managing her store in Holton, and teaching and traveling, Lemon has been part of a Hollywood movie. “I moved my portable hot shop and many totes of my artwork to St. Joseph, Missouri. I created a glass shop for the movie 25 Miles to Normal,” Lemon says. Michelle Hurd played the part of a contemporary glass blower. “My art was featured as her art,” Lemon explains. “I even got to direct a scene and showed the actors how to work with molten glass and create some pieces… I even got to call ‘Action!’” Lemon says with a twinge of excitement. The film will be released at the end of 2025.

In addition to her many other accomplishments, Lemon is a proud veteran of the Coast Guard and served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

A popular program Lemon offers at her gallery is a “hot shop experience.” Visitors need no experience working with glass and can book a 30-minute session in the hot shop to create simple glass pieces, including paper weights and pulled flowers. Lemon shapes the item while newcomers blow through the 6-foot-long hollow pipe—if they are 13 years old or older. Visitors who are not yet 13 may create ornaments, cups, a pumpkin or an orb. The novice glass artists decide ahead of time what patterns and colors to incorporate in their creations and get hands-on experience in bringing their ideas to fruition. Public school and homeschool groups are regular visitors to her storefront in Holton.

“Quite often, they discover that working a few feet away from a 2,000-degree furnace is not as fun as it sounds,” Lemon says.

Book Club to Community Hub

From a small reading club in 1896 to a thriving public library, Beck Bookman Library continues to grow and serve Jackson County

In 1896, a group of six Holton young women interested in devoting their time to studying current literary matters started a reading club, appropriately named the Bookman Club—“bookman” meaning “a person who has a love of books, especially reading.” Members took turns reading aloud one book at a time to the group and, when finished, would purchase another. As membership grew and their book stock flourished, the idea of establishing a public library took shape. In June 1897, the membership, which had grown to 15, met at the home of Mattie B. Jones to organize the Bookman Library Association.

Just a few months later, in October 1897, the Bookman Club’s dream of a public library was realized. With 450 volumes, they opened the Bookman Public Library in an upstairs room above Freeman’s Store in a building owned by T. P. Moore at 430½ Pennsylvania, on the east side of Holton’s courthouse square. They shared the space with the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. As the library continued to grow, it relocated several times, moving in November 1898 to the second floor of the Athey Building on the north side of the square in office space above C. A. Elliott’s Meat Market (currently White Law Office/Title Abstract Company), and later into two upstairs rooms over Linscott Bank (currently Denison State Bank). Each move afforded the group larger and more accommodating spaces for their expanding collection.

Dedicated to keeping the library running, the Bookman Club women volunteered as librarians, taking turns keeping the library open weeknights from 7:30 to 9:30 and on Saturday afternoons. Their commitment saved money and ensured the library remained accessible to the community.

A major turning point came on April 4, 1919, when Holton citizens voted to support the library through public taxes. This support allowed for the hiring of the first paid librarian, Mable Wenner, who served from 1917 to 1928. For the next several decades, the library continued to operate in donated and rented quarters until 1949, when the Bookman Library Association purchased the building at 309 New York Avenue. The library remained there until 1952.

In 1952, thanks to generous donations by the Beck and Bender families, the colonial-style Beck Bookman Library building was completed at 420 W. 4th Street at a cost of $55,000. The major benefactor, Edward S. Beck, Holton native and longtime managing editor of the Chicago Tribune, established a trust fund for the construction of the library in memory of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Milton Moses Beck, and donated more than 7,000 volumes from his private library.

The family of Nellie Wenner Bender, a charter member of the Bookman Library Association, also bequeathed funds for the library. Their generosity is commemorated

Above: The founders of the Beck Bookman Library

Top row: Mattie B. Jones, Myrtle E. Price, Frances Broderick, Josie Baumgardner, Jennie Little; second row: Bess Elliott, Martha Beck, Mabel Wenner; third row: Nellie Wenner Bender, Carrie McCandless, Annie McCandless Moore; fourth row: Eva Way Higgenbottom, Minnie Linscott, Louis Wright Newall, Susie Linscott

Left: The original founders of the Bookman Club from left to right: Minnie Linscott, Mabel Wenner, Annie Belle Moore, Daise Moore, Myrtle Price, Annie Pauline Moore, Carrie Sarback, Carrie McCandless, Josie Tingley, Annie McCandless Moore

Expanding Education

USD 335 Jackson Heights is redefining students’ success by providing new opportunities and learning experiences

USD 335 Jackson Heights has undergone significant transformations in recent years, driven by a commitment to provide students with diverse opportunities for growth and development. From expanding its student body to introducing new sports, courses and programs, the district has cemented its position as a leader in rural education.

Growing the district

In July 2024, USD 335 expanded to include Wetmore after Prairie Hills USD 113 closed the Wetmore Learning Center in 2023. With no additional state funding, most students in the area began attending Jackson Heights, increasing K–12 enrollment by about 100.

“As none of the students went to Sabetha, and the community of Wetmore strongly supported Jackson Heights, we entered into a land transfer agreement conversation between the two school boards of USD 335 and USD 113,” says Derek Smith, Jackson Heights High School principal.

State-level negotiation resulted in a vote from the state school board, unanimously transferring the historic Wetmore land to Jackson Heights.

Several teachers, two cooks and a member of the custodial staff from Wetmore joined Jackson Heights High School; a handful of teachers went to the elementary school.

“At one point, Jackson Heights was a 3A school in the late 90s, so we were capable of housing the larger sizes,” Smith says. “However, we have grown accustomed to the smaller class sizes, so we added several new positions in the past two years to try to offset the added students to keep class sizes smaller. We are now looking into a possible bond initiative to build new classes to grow into the future.”

Currently, Jackson Heights is a large 2A school with the recent growth in student population.

District leadership and self-determination

In 2024, USD 335 left the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) and other public school advocacy groups. According to superintendent Jim Howard, this decision stemmed from a “growing misalignment” between the activities of these groups and the values and needs of conservative Kansas schools.

Howard felt that these advocacy groups were using “misinformation” to influence the governor’s decision to veto a bill that would have benefited the district. This veto became a major turning point in the district’s participation in such groups.

“Given these circumstances, we felt it necessary to disassociate and seek representation that better aligns with our community’s values and educational goals,” Howard says.

Initially, this decision meant the district no longer participates in KASB-sponsored events, training sessions or policy advocacy efforts. The schools will also cease to pay dues and other forms of financial support to these groups.

“Operationally, the district will start to explore and establish relationships with alternative organizations that align more closely with our educational goals and values,” Howard says. “This transition may also include developing our own advocacy efforts or joining new alliances that better represent the interests of conservative schools in Kansas.”

“Ultimately, this move is intended to give us greater control over the educational and policy advocacy that affects our district, ensuring that our representation at the state level is in full alignment with the values and needs of our community,” he says.

While this move might have raised eyebrows at the state level, Howard’s commitment is to the students and his community. According to Smith, Howard’s leadership has been instrumental in the district’s

The Lane Trail Legacy

Kansas’ past comes alive along this historic route

Many Kansans today may not be aware of the role Sen. James Lane played in shaping the state of Kansas—and the town of Holton—but in the mid-19th century, hardly any Kansan, other than perhaps John Brown, drew more ire and passion than Sen. James Lane.

During Kansas’ territorial period (1854–1861), Lane helped draw the nation’s eyes to Kansas. And, when it became a state on January 29, 1861, he continued to draw attention.

Today, Lane’s legacy is intertwined with Holton’s rich past and the broader struggle for Kansas’s identity.

A Path to Freedom

As you drive north on U.S. Route 75, winding through the rolling hills and quaint towns of northeastern Kansas, you might notice a series of roadside markers telling the story of the Lane Trail.

This forgotten route, established in 1856, played a crucial role in the freestate movement and the Underground Railroad, shaping the course of Kansas’ history.

In the tumultuous years leading up to the American Civil War, the abolitionist movement gained momentum, with passionate advocates fighting to end slavery in the United States. In 1856, James Henry Lane, a prominent abolitionist, led the development of the Lane Trail to help free-state immigrants reach the Kansas territory.

In 1855, 78 free-staters who signed up at a Chicago rally to emigrate to

James H. Lane, Courtesy Brady-Handy Collection, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D.C.

the Kansas territory were turned back by proslavery forces when they reached the Kansas border by steamboat via the Missouri River. This event marked the beginning of a blockade that forced the free-staters to take an overland route across Iowa, through the southeast corner of Nebraska, to the northern Kansas border.

In July 1856, Lane undertook a journey to help the free-state immigrants reach the Kansas territory without encountering the proslavery Missourians. At the head of a wagon train heading west from Iowa City, Iowa, Lane led an initial company of some 200 men across Iowa to Nebraska City, Nebraska. This journey is where the “trailblazing” took place, and the press introduced the terms “Lane’s Expedition,” “Lane’s Party” and “Lane’s Trail” into popular usage.

The next month, August 1856, Lane’s Army of the North fortified a log cabin, known as Jim Lane’s Fort, to shield the free-staters from proslavery threats. This cabin, built near present-day Central Elementary School in Holton, served as a crucial stronghold for free-state supporters and marked the settlement as a key waystation. Lane’s vision of creating a series of fortified posts significantly contributed to the town’s development, with Holton ultimately named in honor of E.D. Holton, a prominent Milwaukee abolitionist.

The Lane Trail, marked by rock piles called “Lane’s chimneys,” ran into Kansas just north of Sabetha and passed through the towns of Plymouth, Lexington, Powhattan, Netawaka and Holton. Although the original markers are gone, the trail’s path is still visible today, following the route of U.S. Route 75 south from Nebraska City.

According to the text on one of the markers adjacent to U.S. Route 75 near Sabetha: “At Plymouth, three miles south of the Nebraska line, and at Lexington, a few miles further south, the settlers built log cabins

Lane Trail Historical Markers

Just north of Holton, at the intersection of Country Road 286 and U.S. Route 75, is a historical marker that describes an encounter between John Brown and a U.S. marshal and 35 deputies who were so frightened of Brown that they all fled with no shots being fired.

James Lane’s legacy is felt throughout Kansas. This marker is in Topeka, just north of 62nd St. and U.S. Route 75.

Just 1.5 miles north of Sabetha on U.S. Route 75, this historical marker gives background information on the Lane Trail.

JACKSON CO. LIFESTYLE

Just three miles southwest of Holton, in a charming town of 3,400, is the Banner Creek Science Center & Ford Observatory. When it first opened, the observatory was the first in the world owned by a high school. It has since expanded its mission and become a nonprofit organization.

Beyond its educational programs for young people, the center boasts a state of the art observatory equipped with cutting-edge optical instruments. Last fall, the observatory was formally renamed in honor of its founder, Mike Ford, who passed away in 2023.

More than 100 attended the dedication at the Science Center on October 26, 2024. Although the observatory was the event’s focus, visitors could also tour the 1,200-square-foot educational area and see many of the workstations for students who visit the scheduled science classes.

A Dream Takes Shape

The original Elk Creek Observatory was located near the Holton football field and was plagued by light pollution. In 2000, Ford found a new location west of Holton and laid plans for the Banner Creek Science Center & Observatory. Ford, a science teacher, and his wife, Karen, an English teacher, secured funding through a grant from the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Program, named in honor of the educator who died in the 1986 space shuttle Challenger explosion.

Inspired to secure the required funding, alums contacted then-Kansas senator Pat Roberts, who worked to appropriate funds through the U.S. Department of Education’s Education Technology Initiative.

Fast-forward to 2010, when the Banner Creek Science Center Board of Directors initiated a plan to construct a new observatory with unobscured views of the night sky, away from the original site of the Elk Creek Observatory. Jackson County—a perfect area for dark skies and nature studies—leased the land to the center.

The current facility was completed in 2012 and includes a 1,200-square-foot classroom area with the interests and needs of students in mind. The observatory is attached to the education area and features a 24-inch PlaneWave telescope, one of the largest in northeast Kansas. Other optical instruments include portable 14-inch and 16-inch telescopes that can be rolled to outdoor viewing pads.

The original grant funded a 14-inch telescope, robotic mount, fiberglass dome and digital camera for a 400-square-foot observatory. Construction was completed in late 2000.

In 2003, Ford delivered a presentation about the observatory to Holton High School alumni and sparked their enthusiasm for an upgrade.

As founder of the Banner Creek Science Center & Observatory, Ford built a legacy that extends beyond the facility itself. His passion for sharing the wonders of the universe has inspired many others, including Matt McAuliffe, a board member who had the opportunity to work with Ford. “I first met Mike Ford in 2021 after answering a public Facebook post seeking volunteers to help run the telescope at the Banner Creek Science Center,” McAuliffe says. “From the moment I met him, his passion for sharing his experience and stories regarding the wonders of the universe was clear and contagious. I am so thankful for his mentorship and guidance as it has helped me continue to share that with others.”

JACKSON CO. LIFESTYLE
Family and friends gather at the Banner Creek Science Center & Ford Observatory on October 26, 2024, to honor founder Mike Ford.
JACKSON CO. LIFESTYLE

extract the colors of flowers and other plant material to create pictures using the plant materials.

“The Great Cookie Dunk” teaches about the scientific process of buoyancy using cookies and milk. “Color Chemistry” explores the chemistry behind tie-dyeing T-shirts. “Computer-Aided Design & 3D Printing” is intended for anyone of upper elementary school age or older.

“This past summer, we had ‘Open Exploration Wednesdays’ from 9 a.m. to noon. Families could come and experience activities for them to explore. We added two water tables and a mud kitchen along with a sound and sensory wall area in the back of the building that was available for them to play with, as well as a tree tent with rotating activities such as books, weaving and dinosaurs,” explains board member Cari Andrews. “During the sessions, we had more than 400 visitors, averaging 52 people per week. Eleven different communities were represented, and eight different animal friends were there for children to pet each week—pigs, chickens, water buffalo and miniature donkeys.”

The Banner Creek Science Center & Ford Observatory is located at 22275 N. Road, Holton, Kansas, 66436. You can visit the website at bcscience.org.

The Jackson County Flutes, including Karen Ford (on the right), performed at the observatory dedication on October 26, 2024.
JACKSON CO. LIFESTYLE

Mike Ford’s Stellar Career

Astronomer and educator Mike Ford, who passed away in September 2023, had a distinguished career marked by numerous awards and notable projects. Here are some highlights.

Awards & Honors

• Toyota Tapestry Grant

• Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Grant

• Milken Family Fellowship Award

• National Educator Award

• Kansans of Distinction Award for Education

• Air Force Aerospace Educator Award

Projects & Collaborations

• Contributed to research on the impact of comet Shoemaker Levy 9 on Jupiter at Lick Observatory (1994)

• Served as a NASA/JPL Solar System educator and NASA/GLAST (Gammaray Large Area Space Telescope) educator

• Participated in NASA and Jet Propulsion Laboratory programs exploring Jupiter, Saturn and comet Wild 2

• Consulted as a production assistant on the 1983 ABC sci-fi movie The Day After (a film about the effects of a nuclear holocaust on a small town in eastern Kansas)

Jackson County Fair: A Century of Community Spirit and Tradition

Q&A with Kristel Bontrager, member of the Jackson County Fair Board of Directors

The Jackson County Fair has been a beloved tradition for a century, celebrating community spirit, agriculture and education. From its beginnings in 1924, the fair has remained a vibrant showcase for local talent, creativity and achievement. Through its 4-H programs, exhibits and events, the fair has fostered a sense of community, promoted agricultural awareness, and provided opportunities for personal development, healthy competition, friendships and camaraderie.

As the fair marks its 100th anniversary, we asked Kristel Bontrager, a member of the Jackson County Fair Board of Directors, to reflect on its rich history, evolution and future aspirations. In this Q&A, Kristel shares her insights on the fair’s most significant changes, its enduring mission and the challenges of hosting this iconic event. She also highlights the fair’s impact on local businesses, agriculture and education, as well as its significance in her own life.

The five-day event draws fair-goers from across the region to enjoy competition, carnival rides and music.
JACKSON CO. LIFESTYLE

to be filled each year. Superintendents ensure that exhibits are checked in to their respective projects and assist the judges during the judging process. There are always opportunities for anyone of any age to help volunteer, and the “open class” competition category is always available to community members who aren’t in the 4-H program.

How does the fair support local businesses, agriculture and education?

Local businesses benefit, as 4-H members purchase a wide range of supplies, including bedding for animals, grooming materials and craft supplies, from our community stores.

Are there any special events or activities that bring the community together during the fair?

Our fair schedule outlines each day’s events, but many people come based on the livestock show schedule, then enjoy the building exhibits. The fair schedule is the best resource for discovering all the special events we have planned.

What’s the process for selecting performers, exhibits and activities for the fair?

We have a committee that handles each. Performers and activities are sometimes scheduled based on recommendations from community members. Exhibits are determined by the 4-H program and who enrolls in certain projects. We are always looking for new ways to improve attractions!

How do you balance traditional fair favorites with new and innovative attractions?

Technology allows us to keep traditional activities at a more modern pace. With time, we try to adapt as much as we can to changes.

Left: Carnival rides at the 99th Jackson County Fair thrill old and young alike.
Above: It’s not a fair without french fries and funnel cake.
JACKSON CO. LIFESTYLE

Can you highlight any unique or record-breaking exhibits or performances from past fairs?

We have been blessed to have had such an amazing turnout to our prefair rodeo. This event is our largest fundraiser, and team members work so hard at organizing and planning it.

What’s in store for this year’s fair in terms of entertainment and exhibits?

Of course, there will be a rodeo and concerts, and we are adding some fun activities since it is the 100th year. Those activities haven’t been solidified, but details will be coming soon, and people won’t want to miss them!

What’s your favorite fair memory, and why is it so special?

Nothing is better than sitting in the barn with your 4-H friends, making memories. There is a special level of responsibility, fun and excitement about it. I have also been blessed to win “best pie” for several years during my time in 4-H.

How has the fair influenced your life or the lives of your family members?

Our 4-H pledge is based on Head, Heart, Hands and Health.

Head: I would say that it gave me the opportunity to challenge my mind in critical thinking at a young age— whether in the barn or in the kitchen! Heart: The 4-H program supported me for 12 years and taught me the value of staying loyal to those around you. Now, I want to give back.

Hands: Some say I volunteer too much or help too much, but 4-H is where

From top: Mayetta Mustangs 4-H club member Kailei Mitchell tends to her award-winning hogs at the 2024 Jackson County Fair; The livestock shows and competitions are the fair’s main attraction and showcase 4-H members’ hard work and expertise

JACKSON CO. LIFESTYLE

I learned the important value of serving others for the betterment of all. Learning by doing. Health: Keeping active and staying involved in our community.

Are there any notable fair traditions or rituals that have been passed down through generations?

Always. Each family experiences the fair differently, but by day four, everyone is exhausted. My husband and I were in 4-H, and now our kids are, too. We want them to enjoy and learn in a healthy and positive environment. 4-H offers tremendous opportunities for youth to learn, do and take responsibility. Some families have traditions like gathering at the parade and then getting ice cream, while others have a special night or day they prefer to attend.

What message would you like to share with fair attendees, past and present?

Keep coming! Without our amazing community support, it wouldn’t thrive. We are open to suggestions and love hearing new ideas that people want. Also, the fair isn’t about a carnival. The fair is about 4-H.

If you have a youngster that thrives in something in particular, there is a project for them! Get them involved, ask questions and let them challenge and grow with the opportunity.

What are the fair’s goals and aspirations for the next 100 years?

We want to be able to continue to provide facilities, programs and services to our community and youth.

Are there any new initiatives or projects on the horizon that will enhance the fair experience?

Yes, our 100th Fair Committee is in the planning processes of this. Events and time TBD.

What’s the best way for readers to stay informed about fair updates and announcements?

The Holton Recorder, our Facebook Page, KNZA Radio and the local Extension office.

Jessica Woodward displays Dixies Western Wear at the 2024 Jackson County Fair
JACKSON CO. LIFESTYLE

2025 Calendar of Events

May

May 3

Whiting and Netawaka

White Way Car Run

Enjoy the scenic views and small-town charm as you travel through the Great White Way.

May 24

Holton

Glory Days

Jackson County High School’s reunions, vendors, and a car show bring the entire community together on Memorial Day weekend.

May 24

Holton

Jackson County Spring Livestock Show

A Jackson County favorite for all generations.

June

June 27

Holton

Jackson County Art Walk

Fill your spirit with local arts—from murals to music and everything in between. Enjoy this family-friendly event as you stroll the square.

June 28

Holton

July Jubilee

Celebrate Independence Day in style! Join us at beautiful Banner Creek Lake for an evening of live entertainment, familyfriendly activities and vendor shopping, culminating in a spectacular fireworks finale. The lake’s amenities, including camping, fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boating, will also be available for everyone to enjoy.

July

July 11–12

Holton

Jackson County Rodeo

Hosted by the Jackson County Fair Association, the Jackson County Ranch Rodeo & Old Fashioned Fun Day celebrates 15 years! Come and enjoy some fun watching friends, family and horses.

July 12

Holton

Golf Tournament

Our annual golf tournament is our most anticipated networking event of the year, with about 100 golfers competing. There will also be raffles, games and major prize giveaways.

July 14–17

Holton

Jackson County Fair

Celebrating its 100th year, the Jackson County Fair is a community-wide event showcasing the hard work and talents of 4-H students and clubs, as well as thrilling livestock shows and competitions. Cap off the evening with exciting fair rides and carnival games.

July 26

Soldier

Soldier Community Fair

Enjoy our small-town fair with homemade ice cream, shaved ice, face painting, balloons, street games, inflatables, carnival games, bingo and food!

August

August 1

Holton

Cruise Night

Join us in downtown Holton for Cruise Night! Featuring hit-and-miss engines, dinner and root beer floats served by community businesses and organizations, and quality time with family and friends.

August 22

Hoyt

Pride of Hoyt

A community-based event, organized and run by community members to provide multiple fun activities for all ages, parade, craft and food vendors, silent auction, chicken dinner, and a tractor pull.

September

September 13–14

Delia

Delia Days

A charming festival includes kids’ games, art, horse and train rides, as well as a quilt and textile show, breakfast, lunch, dinner, car show and dance.

September 20

Holton

Jackson County Rodeo

The annual Jackson County Ranch Rodeo is an opportunity to have some fun and watch friends, family and horses.

October

October 4

Mayetta

Mayetta Pioneer Days

Come out to Mayetta where we celebrate the founding of the Mayetta community in 1886. Enjoy a car show, children’s games, music and vendors.

October 11

Holton

Fall Fest

Join us for a family-friendly festival on our beautiful courthouse lawn, which has grown to attract hundreds of locals and visitors to our downtown shopping district. Don’t miss the chili cook-off!

December

December 13

Holton

Small Town Christmas

This cheerful event includes a Christmas Homes Tour, a lighted parade, shopping, food and visits with Santa.

February 2026

February 7

Holton

Hall of Fame

The annual Hall of Fame is a beloved Chamber tradition in Jackson County. Hundreds attend each year to recognize outstanding businesses and individuals.

Second Saturday Events

Bringing the community together to shop, dine and enjoy the arts in downtown Holton, Second Saturday events are typically 2–5 p.m.

April 12

Land of the Sweets

May 10

May Days

June 14

Foodie Fun Day

July 12

Downtown Vegas

August 9

Summer Wine Down

September 13

Rhythm & Brews

October 11

Rocktober

November 8

Village of Lights

December 13

Small Town Christmas

Josh Elder Insurance 785-836-0221

Kellerman Insurance kellermaninsurance.com 785-364-2921

Shelter Insurance - Don Fate Agency shelterinsurance.com/CA/agent/DONFATE 785-364-9090

State Farm Insurance - Gus Suarez gussuarez.com 785-364-3890

Lawn Care/Pest Control

Champion Pest and Lawn championpestandlawnks.com 785-364-2233

Grass Roots Lawn Care grassrootsks.com 785-872-0118

Topeka Landscape topekalandscape.com 785-232-8873

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Jackson Co. Lifestyle | Issue 3 by Sunflower Publishing - Issuu