Travel Kansas 2011 by Susan Burdick

Discover the Sunflower State

Balloon festivals take to the skies

Soda Fountains

Century-old tradition lives on in 38 communities

Historic hotels recall heyday of elegant travel

Get carr

ied away...

zoo, winery, shopping, dining, theatre,

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& Wildlife Museum

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Around Kansas

Saluting Eisenhower, 8 Wonders of Kansas exhibit and book, and Boot Hill

Make Mine a Malt 6

State’s soda fountains recall a sweeter time

Kansas, How Do I Love Thee?

Count the ways at events celebrating state’s 150th anniversary

Christmas Festivities Light Up Kansas

Holiday spirit shines through decorations, parades and events

Calendar Highlights

Grape Expectations

Historic Hotels Stand Test of Time

art director

Susan Burdick contributing writers

Amy L. Bickel, Bettse Folsom, Kim Hanke, Sara Peterson-Davis, Becky Steinert and Patsy Terrell ON THE COVER

published by

Several still open doors to travelers

Up, Up & Away

Kansas is flying high as home to seven hot-air balloon festivals

Cynthia Mines

The Garden City Hot-Air Balloon Classic – one of seven balloon festivals across the state – has been taking off for eight years. The 2011 event is Aug. 26-28 at the Finney County Fairgrounds. Photo by Harland J. Schuster

Kansas vineyards and wineries increase in number and production as interest grows

Publisher/Editor

contents photos by Harland J. Schuster

Matrix Media Inc., a Kansas company. To have a copy of the magazine mailed, send $5 (includes postage) to The Wichita Times, 111 N. Mosley, Ste. 201, Wichita, KS 67202. To order multiple copies or for advertising information, please call 316-264-5850 or e-mail cmines@aol.com. © 2011 Matrix Media Inc.

www.kirby-house.com

Boot Hill, Dodge City win Old West accolades

Harland J. Schuster

rue West magazine selected Dodge City’s Boot Hill Museum as one of the best of the hundreds of museums that celebrate the American West. Boot Hill came in at No. 8 on the magazine’s Top 10 Western Museums for 2010. “Boot Hill Museum captures an important period in one of the West’s most famous towns,” said Bob Boze Bell, executive editor. The magazine called the annual Dodge City Days a “must attend” event. Dodge City Days – this year July 29-Aug. 7 – was also named one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2011.

Exhibit looks at 50 years since Eisenhower’s farewell speech bilene’s Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum is hosting an exhibit, “Eisenhower: Agent of Change,” May 21-Dec. 31, as well as several special events to commemorate Eisenhower’s legacy in the 50 years since he left office and made what became the most famous farewell speech in modern American history. The Newseum in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 18 hosted a symposium on the speech, which was carried by webcast in Abilene. Several media outlets also reported on Eisenhower’s insightful warnings about the growing “military-industrial complex.” Records recently donated to the Presidential Library have given additional insight into the speech, including the fact that Eisenhower began drafting the 1961 speech in May 1959, said Karl Weissenbach, library director. “The new records constitute a remarkable addition to what is known about this landmark speech,” he said. “We are all familiar with the phrase ‘militaryindustrial complex.’ Now we know even more of its history.” Dwight D. Eisenhower presided over an era of great change. The retrospective exhibit examines his impact on: the U.S. entry into the nuclear age, transportation, the space race, the Civil Rights movement, coalitions such as NATO, and bringing Alaska and Hawaii into the Union. Complementing the exhibit are several public programs and

educational materials for schools. Events include a Farewell Address/Chance for Peace panel on April 19, a film series, author presentations, special speakers, a Civil Rights Symposium, summer outdoor events and a program on the Cold War. Last year the Eisenhower Museum had 159,000 visitors, the highest since 1990. It is open daily except major holidays. For more info: 877-RING-IKE or Eisenhower.archives.gov.

Photo courtesy of Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum

When President Eisenhower turned over the presidency to John F. Kennedy in 1961, he made what became the most famous farewell speech in modern American history.

8 Wonders of Kansas exhibit, new book

n exhibit featuring the winners and finalists in the 8 Wonders of Kansas contest opened at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene on Kansas Day, Jan. 29, and will be on er display until Sept. 5. nn Pe rci Ma A new 8 Wonders of Kansas book featuring as! the winners and 216 wonders of Kans Guidebook finalists has been published by the Inmanbased Kansas Sampler Foundation and will make its debut at a public reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on April 16 at the Eisenhower Library. In addition to the overall 8 Wonders winners, the exhibit and book feature the finalists in eight categories: Architecture, Art, Commerce, Cuisine, Customs, Geography, History and People. Artifacts on display at the exhibition include a spacesuit from the Kansas Cosmosphere, a full Buffalo Soldier uniform, John Steuart Curry’s paint palette, a place setting from Brookville Hotel, post rock tools, and a helmet worn by Amelia Earhart. “Because of the vision of (Museum) Director Karl Weissenbach, tens of thousands of people will get to see exhibits that feature some of Kansas’ best,” said Marci Penner, foundation director. “In one fantastic venue, the focus is on the diversity and highlights of Kansas.” Admission to the exhibition at the Presidential Library is free. This year’s Kansas Sampler Festival will be May 7-8 in Leavenworth. For information on the exhibit or how to purchase the 272-page book, visit 8wonders.org. DA R FOUN SAMPLE KANSAS J. Schuster by Harland Photography

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G R E AT

PLACES

E EXPLOR

KANSAS

One of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Art

Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery Sharing the arts with the world through the life and vision of Birger Sandzén. 401 N. First St. Lindsborg 1 to 5 p.m. Tues.–Sun. | Admission Free www.sandzen.org 785-227-2220

Make Mine a Malt

Step back in time at one of state’s 38 soda fountains by Patsy Terrell

ids just out of school, gathered around the local soda fountain enjoying a malt makes you think fondly of days gone by. But, thanks to the vision of some Kansas entrepreneurs who see them as vital parts of their communities, you can still visit nearly 40 soda fountains in the state, about half of which are located in operating pharmacies. The oldest soda fountain, in Leavenworth, opened in 1871, and two of the state’s 38 soda fountains date to the 1890s: Georgetown Pharmacy in Merriam was built in 1890 and Wakeeney’s Gibson Health Mart opened in 1892. Beloit and Marquette boast ones built in

Left to right: Red stools at Ball Brothers, Atchison; Clark Drug sign, Cimarron; counter at Corner Pharmacy, Leavenworth; Anthony Coast and Cecilia Hommertzheim at Clark’s; ice cream and owner Sharolyn Wagner at Linger Longer, Bennington. Photos were taken by Harland J. Schuster for 8 Wonders of Kansas book.

1901, and the Potwin Drug Store at the Ward-Meade Historic Site in Topeka has been serving sodas since 1902. A number date from the 1920s, the heyday of soda fountains, when they became increasingly popular after prohibition started in 1919. Each fountain has some-

thing special or unique: Anthony’s has a unique U-shaped bar and Seneca’s Cornerstone Coffee Haus has the only 1950s double horseshoe counter in the state. The Old Mill Tasty Shop in Wichita has a 25-foot marble counter with 11 stools, a wooden back bar and brass foot rails. The busiest time of day at Clark’s Pharmacy in Cimarron is still right after school. “We are the hip place. Every year a new batch of kids thinks they’ve discovered us,” owner Sandi Coast said. The Cimarron soda fountain’s most famous customer is Oprah Winfrey who stopped in a few years ago as part of a Great Plains Adventure roadtrip. Winfrey had a root beer float before ordering an orange smoothie concocted of sherbet and 7-Up, which is now offered as the Oprah Smoothie, according to Coast. Sandi and her husband Jim bought the pharmacy in 1975 and have invested a lot in the 1880s building which still has the original tin ceiling. They also had the two signs refurbished by neon specialists. When the Coasts bought the business in 1975, soda fountains had fallen out of favor but they never considered closing the 1920s tiled counter. “We’ve never thought of that as an option,” Coast said. “It adds to the whole community. It is necessary.” Ron Booth, owner of the Corner Pharmacy in Leavenworth, feels the same way about his soda fountain. “This is a thriving soda fountain,” he said. “It has always been where the community came to get the news. People from all walks of life eat here.” On a typical day he pointed out the mix of customers eating lunch at the counter: a Federal judge, a janitor, a retired Army chaplin, a city hall employee and a plumber. Opened in 1871, the Corner Pharmacy is the longest, continuously operating pharmacy in Kansas and has always had a fountain. Booth bought it 30 years ago, and a few years later he bought the building next door. His fountain was worn out so he decided to start fresh in the new building. “In ’88 people were taking soda fountains out and I was expanding and upgrading,” he said. He hired local craftsmen to reproduce

a Victorian era mahogany back bar. All work was done onsite, by hand, including the curved wood. He hunted for the necessary accoutrements and created a soda fountain. Though he’s “pretty well invested my life in these two buildings and in this business,” the efforts have paid off. “We stay busy all the time,” Booth said. “We have to turn people away.” He cherishes the way people interact at the fountain. “We are making real connections here,” he said. “The camaraderie is heartwarming. This fountain is a true melting pot. . . . This is a Norman Rockwell Pharmacy. When you sit on a stool you’re eye to eye.” Sharolyn Wagner, who owns The Linger Longer in Bennington, has a similar mission. “Our purpose is to build community,” she said.

Soda fountains are located in: Abilene, Agenda, Anthony, Arkansas City, Atchison, Beloit, Bennington, Caney, Canton, Chanute, Chetopa, Cimarron, Council Grove, Garden City, Gardner, Glasco, Hamilton, Hays, Herington, Holton, Howard, Hutchinson, Independence, Johnson, Leavenworth, Marquette, Merriam, Norwich, Oskaloosa, Quinter, Sabetha, Seneca, Topeka, Wakeeney, Westmoreland and Wichita. For more information on addresses and hours, visit 8wonders.org and click on 8 Wonders of Kansas Customs.

She opened The Linger Longer in June of last year, although they have been working on repairing the building that houses the fountain for 14 years. “We wanted to preserve this building for our community,” she said. “The soda fountain has played an important role in people’s lives.” The fountain was so important that when the building was auctioned several years before Wagner bought it, the back bar was purchased by the community for $7,000 and used as a bulletin board. Continued on page 8.

Soda fountains Continued from page 7.

The Linger Longer opened last year in Bennington in a building that took more than a decade to restore. The community had purchased the original back bar several years earlier and it is once again in use.

Wagner refinished it, but knows “We’re just stewards of this back bar.” Everything in the building has been redone except one concrete footing and the ceiling joists. When they couldn’t match the five different patterns in the original tin ceiling, they made some repairs with fiberglass so they could save it. “We wanted to rekindle the memories of people who used to come in as children, and to create memories for a new generation,” Wagner said. Kenny Crouse, who owns Soda and Suds in Canton, had a similar goal – he wanted his grandchildren to be able to have a shake anytime they wanted. Crouse started out to buy a $100 malt machine and ended up in the restaurant business, which was not on his mind. He builds storm shelters, owns a car wash, and had a Laundromat in the building where the soda fountain now is (hence the name Soda and Suds). But after buying the malt machine, one thing led to another and, Crouse said with a laugh, “I’ve got to

quit these spur of the moment deals.” The soda fountain now in Canton was made in 1939 and originally shipped to Manhattan. It was moved to Riley and eventually shut down in the early 1980s. After buying it, Crouse lucked into getting the original repair books, but didn’t take on the job himself. Instead, he drove the soda fountain to Chicago, where it was fully rebuilt by specialists. It took him a year and a half to get everything he needed to open, but he remembered as a kid being able to get a milk shake at the soda fountain that was in Canton then, and wanted his grandkids to have that same experience. Carolyn Koger, who has a soda fountain in the Koger Variety store in Holton, said she thinks fountains are coming back into style because it’s a place where people “sit and talk for awhile.” As with anything, soda fountains have been lost not just to trends, but to disasters. Hunter Drug in Greensburg was destroyed during the 2007 tornado. So don’t delay visiting a Kansas soda fountain and seizing a chance to step into a time gone by.

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facebook.com/coronadoquiveramuseum

Coronado Quivera Museum 2010 Wednesday, March 10, 2010 1:19:48 AM

rape

xpectations

Kansas wineries move toward pre-prohibition production levels By Sara Peterson-Davis

arry Nation might have put down her ax if she could have sampled some of the vintages created by today’s Kansas wineries. While Kansas grapes withered on the vines in the decades following prohibition, a renewed interest in winemaking surfaced in the late 1980s, and for nearly 20 years Kansas’ wineries have distinguished themselves by producing awardwinning wines made from locally grown grapes, as well as creating unique destinations and venues for special events. Though Kansas’ historical reputation is that of a dry state, at one time it was one of the top five grape producers. Before statewide prohibition was declared in 1880, census records reported that Kansas winemakers produced nearly 226,000 gallons. Today, Kansas has more than 30 licensed wineries working to regain the

state’s reputation as a wine producer. But Kansas isn’t a state that comes to mind when the subject of wine comes up. “Every day, if you’re not on the West coast, you’re putting on your boots and proving that you can make some awardwinning wines,” said Norm Jennings, who is a third generation winemaker and took over the winemaking at Smoky Hill Vineyards and Winery from his late father, Steve Jennings. Among the oldest vineyards and wineries in Kansas, Smoky Hill started in 1991 with an acre of grapes hand planted by winery partners Steve Jennings and Kay Bloom. Four years later, the vineyard sold its first bottles of wine. Today, Smoky Hill consistently produces 24 varieties of wine from 12 acres of vineyards at the estate on Golf Link Road, as well as grapes from 40 more acres of vineyards in the area. Smoky Hill is located north of Salina off I-70 and also has tasting rooms and retail stores in Wichita and Wilson. Jennings’ approach is to win over customers one taste at a time. “The consumers’ tastes are always changing and that’s always a challenge,” said Jennings, who has developed a full range of sweet to dry reds and whites as well as blushes at Smoky Hill. “You really need to tell where the consumer is going. We have really pinpointed the kind of grapes that are best-suited to the region.” Left: Oz Winery tries to take the intimidation out of wine purchasing by using whimsical names such as Ruby Sippers and Flying Monkey. Photo by Harland J. Schuster. Top: Vineyard at Smoky Hill, Salina.

Smoky Hill also hosts murder mystery dinners and occasional five-course meals that are “really a wine education,” according to Jennings. Each August, the winery also partners with All Saints Orthodox Church in Salina for a Vineyard Blessing and Wine Festival. This year’s event is Aug. 20. The tasting room at Smoky Hill Vineyards and Winery is open every day but Sunday. Under the Cork, its Wichita location at 21st and Maize Road, is open seven days a week, as is the Wilson location, just off the Wilson Exit on I-70. For Jennings, the tasting rooms, special dinners and events all fit into Smoky Hill’s customer-winning philosophy. “You have to bring people into your family,” he said. t Oz Winery in Wamego, which opened in 2007, co-owner and manager Brooke Balderson tries to make wines less intimidating by giving them names like Run Toto Run and Drunken Munchkin. While the Wizard of Oz-themed labels might be whimsical, the winery is committed to making quality wine. “We take our wines very seriously, we don’t take ourselves seriously,” said Balderson. Balderson and her partner, head winemaker Noah Wright, are no strangers to fine food and wine. Balderson is a certified pastry chef from the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute, and Wright is a certified wine professional from the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley. Continued on page 10.

Kansas wineries Continued from page 9.

The two approach winemaking from the customer’s perspective. Many people, Balderson noted, are intimated when it comes to choosing wines. When they aren’t sure what it is they want, they choose a wine by its label. “We wanted to take the intimidation factor out when it comes to the customer.” Below and right: The state’s first combination winery and bed and breakfast has opened at Jefferson Hill Vineyard near McLouth. Photos by Monty Davis. Far right: Wine selection at Oz Winery, Wamego. Photo by Harland J. Schuster.

said Balderson, who tested the Oz labels against more traditional labels. “”People responded to the fun labels.” With its accessible location just off of I-70 and proximity to the Oz Museum, Oz Winery attracts everyone from curious cross-country travelers and Wizard of Oz fans to native Kansans looking for a day trip. Many out-of-town visitors stop in to buy a bottle for the Oz label and then call back once they get home to order more. Balderson recalled a couple who came in and bought a bottle of Run Toto Run to take home as a gift for their dog sitter. A few weeks later the dog sitter called back and ordered a case of the wine. Oz produces as many as 20 varieties of wine made from Kansas-grown grapes. The winery’s tasting room is open daily. Pets on leashes are welcome. Oz is also available for tasting parties featuring food pairings for as many as 40 people. As with all things Oz, Balderson said the winery staff tries to the take out the stress and add the fun to wine tasting. “We definitely try to get people to step out of their box,” she said. “It’s free. If they don’t like it, they don’t like it. But usually people like what we have them try.”

Experience the

Simple Sophistication of

Hays, Kansas

eries Unique Eat

Dinosaurs Galore

Family Fun

Whether you are planning a romantic golf/spa getaway for you and that special someone, an exciting dinosaur adventure with the kids, or something in between, Hays has it. Feel free to explore our evergrowing Chestnut Street District with unique shopping and eateries, our collection of majestic churches in the area including the Cathedral of the Plains, or our world-class Sternberg Museum of Natural History featuring the famous fishwithin-a-fish fossil. Whatever your taste, Hays is the place to eat, drink and be merry!

Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau • www.haysusa.net • 1-800-569-4505

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t Jefferson Hill Vineyard and Guest House near McLouth the words painted over the dining room door sum up the spirit of Don and Maxine Bryant: “Celebrate life with friends, food and wine.” Inspired by a trip to the estate wineries and inns around New York’s Finger Lakes Region, the Bryants expanded Jefferson Hill to become the state’s first winery bed and breakfast in 2009. “Jefferson County is actually prettier than most of those places (in New York),” said Maxine Bryant. “We thought it would be nice to bring that model to Kansas.” Jefferson Hill sits in northeast Kansas’ Glacial Hills and started selling wines in 2005. The bed and breakfast features two rooms connected by a sitting room above the winery’s dining and tasting rooms. In the evening, guests enjoy wine and appetizers, a full meal with appropriate wine pairings and a country breakfast the next morning. In their rooms, guests are treated to chocolates from Lawrence’s Sleepy Jean’s Confections. “We eventually want to build another building,” said Maxine Bryant, who does all the cooking and baking for guests. “We just had no idea a bed and breakfast would be so much fun.” Jefferson Hill is open from noon to 6 p.m. on weekends for tours and tastings, and on weekdays by appointment. Guests can sample five varieties of wines made from grapes grown on the farm, including

dry white Catawba, the off-dry Jefferson Red, a deep red Rosa and Indian Summer, a blending of grapes and elderberries. eff Sollo’s childhood memories are filled with vineyards and wineries. “Other kids were going to beaches on their summer vacations and I was visiting barrel rooms,” said Sollo, marketing manager at Grace Hill Winery near Whitewater. Grace Hill was started by Sollo’s parents, Wichita physicians Drs. David and Natalie Sollo. Wine lovers who wanted to try their hand at winemaking, the Sollos bought the farmstead on Grace Hill Road in 2003 and officially opened the winery in 2008. “Our biggest challenge is to convince people that Kansas wines are good,” said Sollo, who now appreciates all those wine country vacations as a child. “It’s convincing them of the quality. It’s all handcrafted. It’s not mass produced.” Grace Hill produces 12 varieties of wine, including five reds, four whites and a blush, from grapes grown at the farm, as well as grapes produced by Kansas grape growers. Grace Hill’s tasting room is open Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. The winery also hosts release parties for new wines in the spring and fall. Grace Hill in spring 2011 will open a 2,000-square-foot event center with a patio and observation deck overlooking the vineyard. “We hope to start a concert series and have art shows,” said Sollo. “Anything where people can come out and enjoy wine and converse.”

Visiting Kansas wineries BlueJacket Crossing Vineyard & Winery, Eudora, 785-542-1764, bluejacketwinery.com Burgess Farm Winery, Harveyville, 785-589-2413 Davenport Orchards & Winery, Eudora, 785-542-2278, davenportwinery.com Diamond S Vineyard & Winery, Russell, 785-445-3850, diamondsvineyardandwinery.com Dozier Vineyard and Winery, Ellinwood, 620-564-0195, dozier-winery.com Grace Hill Winery, Whitewater, 316-799-2511, gracehillwinery.com Heimhof Winery and Gift Shop, Leavenworth, heimhofwinery.com Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery, Basehor, 913-724-9463, holyfieldwinery.com Jefferson Hill Vineyards & Guest House, McLouth, 913-796-6822, jeffersonhillvineyard.com Kugler’s Vineyard, Lawrence, 785-843-8516, kuglersvineyard.com Middle Creek Winery, Louisburg, 913-377-4689. Oz Winery, Wamego, 785-456-7417, ozwinerykansas.com Pome on the Range, Williamsburg, 785-746-5492, pomeontherange.com Rowe Ridge Vineyard and Winery, Kansas City, 913-721-9776, roweridge.com Smoky Hill Vineyards & Winery, Salina (additional tasting rooms in Wichita and Wilson), 866-225-2515, kansaswine.com Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery, Somerset, 913-294-9646, somersetridge.com Stone Pillar Vineyard & Winery, Olathe, 913-839-2139, stonepillarvineyard.com Vin Vivante, Wamego, 785-458-2930, vinvivante.com White Tail Run Winery, LLC, Edgerton, 913-893-6860, whitetailrunwinery.com Windswept Winery/Storey Vineyard, Udall (tasting room also in Winfield), 620-782-3952, windsweptwinery.com Wine Barn Winery and Vineyard, Kansas City, 913-721-5577, winedottebarn.com Wyldewood Cellars, Mulvane, known for its many varieties of elderberry wine, additional stores in Paxico, Wichita, Kansas City, 800-711-9748, wyldewoodcellars.com

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The Oasis on the Plains Located at Exit 53 on I-70 • Colby Visitor Center • Prairie Museum of Art & History • Kansas Biggest Barn • Over 900 motel rooms

Free information, Colby Convention & Visitors Bureau 350 S. Range #10, Colby, KS 67701 785-460-7643 or 1-800-611-8835

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Historic hotels stand test of time Midland, Weaver thrived as railroad stopovers By Kim Hanke

n the past couple of years, three historic properties have reopened their doors and are once again checking in guests at the front desk. They join several other historic hotels in continuing the tradition of century-old hospitality, thanks to concerned citizens and local preservation groups. In 2009, the Midland Hotel in Wilson Eldridge Hotel

and the Weaver Hotel in Waterville – both elegant stops during the heyday of railroads – and the recently renovated Elgin Hotel in Marion reopened for business. The Midland Hotel in Wilson – whose claim to fame is being the setting for the movie “Paper Moon” – reopened last fall after being closed and then sold at auction. The 1886 Elgin Hotel in Marion reopened after being purchased and restored by a local family. Built in 1899, the Midland was originally named the Power Hotel after Wilke Power, who funded the limestone hotel. It was renamed the Midland because it was equidistant between Kansas City and Denver – and also was the best hotel between those two points, according to new owner Tom Mahoney. Like many other Kansas hotels, the Midland thrived in its position along the Union Pacific railroad track and across from the depot.

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“Today, when you get off an airplane, you walk through the concourse and into a Hyatt Regency,” Mahoney said. “You can think of this as being the same way – but with trains. The lobby area has a couple doors built into the front windows and they would actually bring baggage over and unload it directly into the hotel. It was all about service.” During the 1920s, the hotel was so busy at times that guests had to sleep in the hallways. However, business came to a halt during the Great Depression, and the third floor was closed down and used as a place to raise chickens for the restaurant. In the early 1970s, the movie “Paper Moon” was filmed in the area and the stars – Ryan O’Neal, Tatum O’Neal and Madeline Kahn – came to the little town of Wilson. Despite the excitement generated by the movie, business was stagnant and the hotel eventually closed for about ten years. In 1998, a group of local citizens decided it was time to save the hotel and the group bought the hotel for $38,000, then applied for grants and raised funds. They eventually invested $3.2 million in renovating the hotel, which reopened in 2003. “I have to really credit the architect,” Mahoney said. “A lot of creativity went into renovating the building. It’s hard to save the flavor and authenticity of a historic building and yet make it a modern hotel without giving up the romantic feel that it had.” The hotel has most all of the original woodwork as well as the front stained glass windows. The inside lights are almost identical to what they were in the 1920s. To maintain the historic nature of the building but also update it with modern heating and air conditioning, an additional building was added underground behind the original building, according to Mahoney. A tavern was added in the basement where the former boiler room was

located, and a public restaurant is located off the lobby. The local foundation operated the hotel from 2003 to 2008, but ultimately wanted to turn it over to someone who had hotel management experience. They closed the hotel at the end of 2008 and decided to auction it off. “My wife and I went to the auction to see what was going to happen with the hotel,” Mahoney said. “We really didn’t go with the intent of buying it.” When bidding started, Mahoney was surprised at how low it was going. In the end, he and his wife got the winning bid of $235,000. “We got this incredibly well renovated facility unbelievably cheap,” he said. “We got a turn key job. We pretty much had to turn back the sheets and open the doors.” After about a month and a half of doing some basic housecleaning, the Midland Hotel and Restaurant reopened Labor Day weekend of 2010. Mahoney says they’ve had a pretty good run at it so far and gotten a lot of support locally, including hosting holiday parties and weddings. “There is no doubt this hotel should be an event hotel.” Mahoney said. nown as the “Pride of the Central Line,” the Weaver Hotel in Waterville also thrived because of its location at the end of the Central Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad. The hotel was built in 1905 across from the railroad tracks, but changed hands several times through the decades and was closed for almost 20 years before the Waterville Preservation Society acquired it in 1999. It took the group 10 years, but the hotel reopened. Originally, travelers seeking respite at the Weaver included railroad crews, traveling salesmen and bankers looking to buy land, said LueAnn Roepke, preservation society member. “They knew people would follow the railroad,” she said. “At one time Waterville was one of the richest little towns west of the Mississippi.” The train also transported POWs and was part of the original orphan train,

according to Ann Walter, preservation society member. “If a train came through and the curtains were drawn, that meant it was a POW train,” she said. The preservation group’s initial intent was just to restore the outside, Roepke said, but then the group received a “magnificent gift” of $100,000 given in memory of a local high school alumnus. “This opened doors and let us think about doing something else,” she said. Through a $1.2 million federal transportation grant and fundraising efforts for matching funds, the restoration was completed and the hotel reopened in May 2009. “A lot of people put out a lot of effort and we raised the money,” Roepke said. “The community wants to be a part of things, you just have to give them the opportunity.” The hotel was kept as authentic as possible, and visitors can still see the bullet hole from a 1913 robbery attempt. The authentic Victorian furniture came from the Thompson Museum in Waterville. “Between the grant, fundraising and donations, we came out debt free,” Roepke said. “It’s been quite an experience and we are proud of what we have accomplished.”

Check in to these

historic hotels

Beaumont Hotel, Beaumont Established in 1879, Beaumont was first used as a stagecoach station and stopping place. The hotel opened in 1890 and now houses four guest suites and seven guestrooms as well as a restaurant. A wooden water tower built in 1885 stands across from the hotel and is the only one still in use in the United States. For more info: hotelbeaumontks.com.

Elgin Hotel

Clyde Hotel, Clyde

Continued on page 14.

grand central hotel

photos by Harland J. Schuster

The hotel was established in Cloud County in 1870; additions made in 1885 and 1912 are what constitute the present hotel. The current owners purchased the building in 1968, then demolished the 1870 structure, built living quarters for themselves and renovated the hotel rooms so they were larger and included private baths. For info, call 785-446-2231.

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Historic hotels

Continued from page 13.

Cottage House, Council Grove Located in Council Grove, a town crucial to the Santa Fe Trail, the Cottage House Hotel Bed & Breakfast has a long and colorful history of serving travelers. The property dates to 1867 when it was built as a cottage and blacksmith shop; in 1871, the property was turned into a two-story boarding house encompassing the original cottage. A two-story Queen Anne addition in 1879 converted the boarding house into a hotel. All rooms are now decorated in prairie Victorian style, and a buffet breakfast is served to guests in the parlor. Under new ownership, the 26 rooms have recently gotten a facelift, including new flat-screen TVs, though the signature gazebo porch still reminds guests of a simpler time. For more info: 620-767-6828 or cottagehousehotel.com.

Courtland Hotel, Fort Scott Built in 1906 to house railroaders and their clientele, the hotel has maintained

its historic look and charm, according to owner Frank Adamson, who says the entire downtown area was designated a national historic area in June 2010. Conveniently located one block from the Fort Scott National Historic Site and the Fort Scott Visitors Center, the hotel also offers spa services, which were added after Adamson and his wife bought the property in 2004. They also updated the décor in the hotel’s 15 rooms. For info: 620-223-0098 or courtlandhotel.com.

Dodge House, Dodge City The Dodge House Hotel was one of the first buildings in this vital stop on the Santa Fe Trail, which was also home to the likes of Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson. In the late 19th century, the Dodge House played host to the famous Doc Holliday, who practiced out of Room 24. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the full-service hotel combines a dedication to its Old West roots while providing modern luxuries. The hotel also houses meeting and banquet rooms as well as a restaurant and saloon. For more info: 620-225-9900 or dodgehousehotel.com.

Eldridge Hotel, Lawrence

Buffalo Bill Bronze Sculpture 2nd St. and US 83 Highway

Built in 1855 by the New England Emigrant Society, the Eldridge was originally named the Free State Hotel though it paid dearly for its abolitionist stance on more than one occasion. Just a year after opening, the hotel was burned down by pro-

slavery sheriff Sam Jones and his band. It was rebuilt by Col. Shalor Eldridge but attacked again in 1863 by Quantrill’s Raiders in the invasion that killed more than 150 residents. Eldridge once again rebuilt the hotel, this time giving it his name. In 1925 the city tore down and rebuilt the deteriorating hotel; it closed in 1970 and later reopened as an apartment complex. The National Register of Historic Places property was purchased in 2004, renovated and reopened in 2005. The Eldridge houses 48 suites, a restaurant, bar and banquet space. For info: 785-749-5011 or eldridgehotel.com.

Historic Elgin Hotel Bed & Breakfast, Marion The pride of Marion when it opened in 1886, the Elgin Hotel was built to stimulate an economic boom and its 40 rooms provided extravagant accommodations. The Elgin remained open until the late 1950s; the stone structure was renovated in 1976 and it reopened the next year as apartments. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and sold at auction in the 1990s. It was purchased in 2007 by a local family looking for a place to live and redo. Jim Cloutier, president of family-owned Shawmar Oil & Gas Co., purchased the building, and renovating it became a labor of love for himself, his wife and their daughter. They created living quarters for themselves on the third floor and eight

Twice Life Sized, Gift Cabin on Site

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Veterans Memorial Garden Annie Oakley Park & Cool Pool Monuments Rocks, Butterfield Trail Museum, and Keystone Gallery Nearby

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Kansas Bed & Breakfast Association Gift Certificates Available | www.kbba.com | 888-572-2632

guest rooms with parlor and kitchen on the second floor. A dramatic chandelier and stained-glass windows depicting Kansas scenes grace the lobby area. On the main floor are a ballroom, meeting room and space for a restaurant. The hotel reopened for business in 2009. For info: 620-382-3200 or marionelgin.com.

Grand Central Hotel, Cottonwood Falls The 10 guest rooms at the impeccably restored Grand Central Hotel & Grill each feature their own “brand” taken from historic ranches in the surrounding Flint Hills. The hotel was built in 1884 and renovated in 1995. Located four miles from the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and one block off the National Scenic Byway 177 in Cottonwood Falls, the Grand Central also houses Kansas’ only AAA Four Diamond restaurant, which was a finalist in the 8 Wonders of Kansas Cuisine contest. For info: 620-273-6763 or grandcentralhotel.com.

Midland Railroad Hotel, Wilson Twenty-eight rooms and a honeymoon suite offer modern amenities. On the

National Register of Historic Places since 2002, the hotel also earned a Kansas Preservation Alliance Award for Excellence in 2004. On-site restaurant. For info: 785658-2284 or midlandrailroadhotel.com.

Tioga Suites Hotel, Chanute The 50 rooms boast art deco style from the 1920s and include 18 themed suites named after famous Kansans, such as Buster Keaton, Dwight Eisenhower, William Allen White and Walter P. Chrysler. The facility features two restaurants as well as a bar, day spa and ballroom. Built in 1929 and added to National Register of Historic Places in 1990, the hotel has been completely remodeled, but still maintains its original style, said owner Todd Johnson, who bought the hotel in 2004. He offers an interesting piece of local trivia: “The co-creator of Google Earth is from Chanute and if you use a Mac computer to zoom in on Google Earth from the default location, you will end up looking at the intersection in front of the Tioga Suites Hotel. So we consider the hotel the ‘Center of Google Earth.’” For info: 620-431-3343 or tiogasuites.com.

Top: Cottage House, Council Grove. Above: Pitcher and custom stained glass at Elgin Hotel, Marion. Photos by Harland J. Schuster. Suzanne Schuster, Kim Hanke.

Weaver Hotel, Waterville The recently restored hotel offers 10 guest rooms, party rooms and a gift shop. For info: 785-363-2515 or weaverhotel.com. Becky Steinert and Amy L. Bickel contributed to this article.

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Up, Up and Aw By Sara Peterson-Davis

onjuring images of the Wizard of Oz lifting off in a hot-air balloon, seven hot-air balloon festivals now dot the state, from Garden City in the southwest to Kansas City in the northeast. “I honestly couldn’t believe it,” said Steve Hines of Onyx Meeting and Events, coordinator for last year’s inaugural Kansas City Hot Air Balloon Invitational in Gardner. “It was very dramatic. It’s very much like the Wizard of Oz: The balloons take off and the people are waving and the pilots are waving.” The state’s oldest hot-air balloon event is Topeka’s Huff’n Puff Hot Air Balloon Rally at Lake Shawnee’s Tinman Circle. Now in its 36th year, the Huff’n Puff is one of the largest free events in northeast Kansas, attracting as many as 10,000 spectators on both Friday and Saturday. Another longstanding balloon festival is in Columbus, which each year attracts a loyal group of pilots from across the region who fly in for a weekend of hot-air ballooning and small-town charm. The Columbus Day Festival and Hot Air Balloon Regatta features 20 balloons and brings out as many as 10,000 spectators to the town of 3,500 in southeast Kansas. “We’re very proud of our festival,” said Jean Pritchett, director of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. “We’re in our 21st year. We’ve been very fortunate most of our pilots come year after year.” One thing that brings them back, according to Pritchett, is the regatta’s friendly, small-town atmosphere. Pilots stay with local families, many of whom serve as ground and chase crews for the pilots while they’re in Columbus. “That gives them that down-home feeling,” said Pritchett, who used her background in aviation to bring the regatta to Columbus. “They’ve been taken in like family and they come back to visit and for weddings.” The Columbus Hot Air Balloon Re-

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way

gatta starts on Friday night with a tethered glow at the Columbus Industrial Park. It continues on Saturday with a Hare and Hound Race between balloons in the morning and a regatta event in the evening. The last launch of the weekend is on Sunday morning with another race. In between balloon events, spectators can take in some of the other festival events, including a car and motorcycle show, an art and craft fair and gospel concert. The Garden City Hot Air Balloon Classic got its start eight years ago when a local balloonist invited other pilots from across the region to come to western Kansas for a weekend. Today, it has become a favorite among pilots, who make it a point to clear their calendars for the festival year after year. For their part, local residents step up to sponsor balloons, as well as serve as ground and chase crews for pilots. The event attracts nearly 5,000 spectators. “I like to tell people that we’re just exactly like Albuquerque – except they have 700 balloons and we have 15,” said Lynn Schoonover, director of the Finney County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It really has become a family event.” Because of the Classic’s size and atmosphere, Schoonover said, spectators have ample opportunities to talk with the pilots and see the balloons. Some pilots offer flight tickets for a fee. “For the pilots this is their hobby and they love to talk with the public about it,” she said. The Garden City Classic starts on Friday night with a balloon launch at the fairgrounds. On Saturday, the event continues with an early morning launch and an evening balloon glow and watermelon feed. It winds up Sunday with an early morning launch. Between balloon events, visitors can take in musical and children’s entertainment at the Tumbleweed Festival in Garden City’s Finnup Park.

The “glow” is a tradition at most hot-air balloon events with balloonists inflating their envelopes (the term for the balloon) in the evening with the baskets tethered to the ground. The glow creates the effect of giant lanterns throughout the launch area. Along with the launches and the tethered glows, the Huff’n Puff festival and the Topeka Parks and Recreation Department will offer a Discovery Workshop on

Shawnee starts on Friday night with a fun flight and a tether glow, then continues through Saturday and wraps up on Sunday with a final early morning launch. During the tethered glows on Friday and Saturday nights, spectators can take tethered balloon rides for a suggested minimum donation of $5 (proceeds go to Topeka’s Ronald McDonald House). The tethered rides and the Discovery Workshop have gone a long way to

Left: A night “glow,” such as this one at Topeka’s Huff’n Puff, is a favorite of balloon spectators. Above: Pilots get ready for a launch in Garden City. Photos by Harland J. Schuster.

Kansas is flying high as home to seven hot-air balloon festivals Saturday afternoon for fourth through sixth graders. Along with making their own balloons, kids get limited edition Huff’n Puff t-shirts and the opportunity to crew one of the festival’s balloons on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. “At the workshop they learn the physics behind hot-air ballooning and make their own hot-air balloons,” said David Mills, sponsorship chair for the event and a member of the Great Plains Balloon Club, which organizes the rally. “It’s a hands-on experience that the kids can do. We’ve had kids return for all three years.” Balloons were launched from the capitol grounds the first three years of the rally, which typically brings out between 25 to 30 balloons. The event at Lake

attracting people to the sport of hot-air ballooning, Mills said. One man took a tethered ride at the Huff’n Puff and a few weeks later he took a flight on a balloon. “By the middle of the next year,” Mills said, “he had purchased a balloon and was learning to fly.” This will be the second year for the Kansas City Invitational, slated for May 27-30 at Gardner’s Celebration Park. Last year, the inaugural event attracted 36 balloons and nearly 30,000 spectators. Hines expects as many balloons and spectators at this year’s event. Unlike other balloon events around the state, the Kansas City Invitational is principally a competition. Pilots bring Continued on page 18.

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Kansas Balloon Festivals Continued from page 17.

their own crews and race to win. It’s the only balloon event in Kansas sanctioned by the Balloon Federation of America. The Kansas City Invitational starts Friday with an evening balloon launch. Saturday, Sunday and Monday feature

launches in the early morning and the late afternoon. Balloon glows are planned for Saturday and Sunday evening. Like most balloon events, Hines said, the atmosphere at the invitational will be casual and family-friendly, with plenty of food vendors and other facilities to accommodate spectators as they watch the waves of balloons launch.

2011 Kansas Hot-air Balloon Festivals All are free though some charge for parking.

May 6-8 | 14th Annual Sunflower Balloon Fest, Anthony Airport, SunflowerBalloon Fest.com

“We want people to enjoy themselves while they get to see the balloons get set up and watch them launch,” he said. Hot-air balloon events are dependent on the weather and getting in all the launches is often a challenge for organizers. Even if the sun is shining, the wind can’t top more than 10 miles an hour for pilots to launch safely. That means sometimes the balloons don’t launch on time or not at all. “It’s a tricky thing and the weather has to cooperate,” Pritchett said. “We were very fortunate this year. We were able to get in everything.”

May 27-30 | 2nd Annual Kansas City Hot Air Balloon Invitational, Celebration Park in Gardner, kchabi.com July 8-10 | 2nd Great Midwest Balloon Fest, Overland Park, greatmidwestballoonfest.org Aug. 26-28 | 8th Annual Garden City Hot Air Balloon Classic, Garden City, Finney County Fairgrounds, gardencitychamber.net/convention-tourism-bureau/hot-air-balloons Sept. 9-11 | 36th Annual Huff’n Puff Hot Air Balloon Rally, Lake Shawnee, Topeka, huff-n-puff.org Oct. 7-9 | 21st Annual Columbus Day Festival & Hot Air Balloon Regatta, Columbus Industrial Park, columbusdayballoons.com Oct. 14-16 | 3rd Annual Balloons, Bikes, Blues & Barbeque, Parsons, parsonschamber. org/events.html Topeka’s rally takes place at Lake Shawnee.

History Comes Alive in Ulysses & Grant County

Photo by Harland J. Schuster

Named one of the top 10 Cider Mills in America

isitors who take the Cimarron Cutoff from the Santa Fe Trail find themselves at the Lower Spring campsite nestled in the heart of the Cimarron River valley, a site now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Stop and Stay Awhile Grant County offers superb hunting and shopping. Dining options include Kansasfed beef, a wide variety of the BEST Mexican food and catering for visiting groups. Above: Jeff Trotman portrays early settler Jedediah Smith

along the Santa Fe Trail..

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CIDER MILL SINCE 1977

100% Pure, Old Fashioned Apple Cider Made Fresh Daily Cider Donuts Unique Gifts & Gift Baskets Snacks • Spices • Fruit Butters Home of Lost Trail Root Beer 14730 K68 Highway, Louisburg, KS 66053 Louisburg Cider Mill is 20 minutes south of metro Kansas City via US Hwy. 69 to Louisburg Exit (Hwy. 68), then 3 miles west.

2011 Ciderfest Weekends: Sept. 24 & 25 — Oct. 1 & 2 8:00am to 6:00pm

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Events celebrate Kansas’ 150th year

n exhibit titled “150 Things I Love About Kansas” opened on Kansas Day, Jan. 29, and will be on display until Dec. 31 at the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka. The exhibition features 150 historic objects, photos, quotes and artwork that helped shape Kansas over the past century and a half. Included are items such as the first known photograph of a tornado, Eisenhower’s sunflower campaign button, a rifle from the Jesse James gang shootout, Christmas cards from Amelia Earhart, a bottle of Turkey Red wheat brought to Kansas by Mennonite immigrants, and memorabilia from the “Wizard of Oz” and “Gunsmoke.” The exhibition presents Kansas symbols and stereotypes while also turning them inside out and inviting public reaction. Visitors will be able to electronically share their favorite thing about Kansas. Located at 6425 SW 6th Ave., the museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for students. Kansas became the 34th state in the Union on Jan. 29, 1861. For an extensive list of events commemorating the sesquicentennial, visit Ks150. kansas.gov. Here are some highlights:

March 17-May 19 Kansas at the Movies, McPherson Opera House, this 10-week film series celebrates the state’s cinematic history with the showing and discussion of films made in or about Kansas. Included are: “The Wizard of Oz,” “Dodge City,” Seven Angry Men,” “Picnic,” Carnival of Souls,” “In Cold Blood,” ‘The Gypsy Moths,” “The Learning Tree” and “Kansas City,” mcphersonoperahouse.org. June 2-4 Battle of Black Jack Commem-

oration, Wellsville, battle reenactment and tour of the battlefield where John Brown led his militia against proslavery forces on June 2, 1856; this armed clash is

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considered by many to have been the first battle of the Civil War. June 3-July 15 Kansas: 150 Years of

Statehood, Southwind Art Gallery, Topeka, a juried art competition and exhibit showcasing Kansas artists and culture, www.southwindartgallery.com. June 4-5 Kansas 150th Armed Forces Celebration at Forbes Field, Topeka, celebrates Kansas’ 150th birthday with military reenactments, aircraft displays, civilian and military fly-ins, and a classic car show. June 9-12 Prairiesta, Russell, held every 10 years since 1941, this year Prairiesta will celebrate not only the Kansas Sesquicentennial but Russell County’s 140th Anniversary with parades, art and aircraft shows, pageants and a cattle drive, russellks.org/prairiesta. June 25-26 Historic Lecompton Territorial Days, an annual celebration in Kansas’ first territorial capital complete with a carnival, parade, re-enactments, lecomp tonterritorialdays.com. July 3-Aug. 14 105 Kansas Quilts 4 Kansas’ 150th, quilts showing diverse styles and techniques represent each county in an exhibition at the Stauth Museum, Montezuma, 620-846-2810. Aug. 8-21 Civil War on the Western

Frontier, commemorates Lawrence’s territorial and Civil War history around anniversary of William Quantrill’s raid on the city, visitlawrence.com. Aug. 26-28 Tumbleweed Festival and 150th Birthday Celebration, Lee Richardson Zoo, Garden City, 620275-8621. Sept. 17-18 Freedom

Festival, John Brown Memorial Park, Osawatomie, living history reenact-

ment of the largest battle of the Bleeding Kansas era. Sept. 23-25 Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty Pageant, reenactment of the Treaty of 1867 and celebration of the settlement of the Great Plains complete with Spanish conquistadores, fur traders, mountain men, pioneers, Indians, cowboys and cattle drives, peacetreaty.org. Oct. 7- 8 City of Garnett and Kansas celebrate 150th anniversaries, experience garnettks.com.

In recognition of the state’s 150th anniversary, the Kansas Humanities Council is offering the Statehood Speakers Bureau featuring 71 presentations and discussions about Kansas. There is no cost to the host communities. For the catalog of speakers and programs, visit kansashumanities.org. Among the 150 items on display (clockwise): original Kansas state banner; state seal cowboy boots worn by Gov. Fred Hall; pin created for Kansas Lions Club members to trade at national conventions; and Eisenhower sunflower campaign button.

Visit Marion County Pictured, starting at bottom: Flint Hills wagon train; Harvey House Museum, Florence; Wheat Straw Liberty Bell at Mennonite Heritage and Agricultural Museum, Goessel; Peabody Main Street; Mennonite Settlement Museum, Hillsboro; prairie fire; Santa Fe Trail marker; Watusi cattle near Goessel; live entertainment; Civilian Conservation Corps statue at Marion County Lake.

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Christmas Celebrations ansas shines during the holiday season – whether it’s from the glow of a candle or a luminary, or lights outlining a trolley, parade floats, botanical gardens or an entire downtown area or drive-through panorama. Wakeeney’s light display earned it the nickname “Christmas City of the High Plains” more than 60 years ago after two local businessmen – the owner of the hardware store and a local banker who was artistic – came up with the idea in 1948. Two years later their design became a reality, and the annual decorating tradition is considered by many to be the largest Christmas tree and lighting display between Kansas City and Denver. In Wakeeney the start of the holiday season is signaled on the Saturday after Thanksgiving when Santa himself flips the switch on more than 6,800 multicolored lights in a four-block area at the intersection of Main and Russell Avenue. The focal point is a 35-foot tree handmade from fresh pine greenery resting on a canopy of blue lights in the middle of the intersection. The event also includes music and horse-drawn wagon rides. Since 1999 Beloit has hosted an extraordinary display featuring more than 200 displays called the Chautauqua Isle of Lights. At Botanica, the Wichita Gardens, more than 4,000 luminaries line garden pathways, the meadow comes alive with lights moving to music, structures are lit with twinkling white lights and large evergreens create enchanting reflections on the pond. At Abilene’s Seelye Mansion, guests are greeted not only by twinkling lights on dozens of decorated trees but also 100 pointsettias and 700 nutcrackers standing at attention throughout the 25-room mansion. Christmas was always a festive occasion at the Seelye Mansion because the owner’s parents had been married on Christmas Day 1855, according to current owner Terry Tietjens. In fact, the first meal served in the mansion was Christmas dinner in 1905, and the next year the Seelyes shipped in 50 poinsettias from California, hired an orchestra and served a Christmas banquet to 300 people, according to Tietjens.

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Light Up Kansas By Bettse Folsom and Cynthia Mines

The Seelye Mansion offers tours yearround, but starting the day after Thanksgiving the tours have a holiday theme. The festive holiday decorations prompted a visitor three years ago to donate their family’s collection of 700 nutcrackers to the Abilene mansion. The family wanted a

glimpse into holiday traditions of the past. Nearly 100 re-enactors bring Fort Scott National Historic Site to life by candlelight on the evenings of Dec. 2-3. This year scenes reflect how Fort Scott soldiers and civilians took part in events that led to the Civil War. Christmas Past events are

The centerpiece of Wakeeney’s decorations is a 35-foot tall tree made of fresh greenery resting under a canopy of blue lights which radiate from four ivory stars that crown the tree. The downtown display is made up of 3 miles of electrical wiring, 1,400 pounds of fresh greenery and 1,100 yards of fresh greenery roping.

good home for the nutcrackers which had been purchased in all 50 states and 47 countries. A painting of the house exterior decorated for the holidays adorns the cover of the recently released book, “The Seelyes of Abilene.” Other holiday events in Abilene include the Homes for the Holidays tour, A Night of Christmas Magic, sunset parade of lights ending at the 1928 Historical Union Pacific Depot for a special lighting ceremony, an old-fashioned Christmas in the Cabin, and a ride with Santa Claus on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad. Kansas’ historic forts offer a candlelit

at Fort Hays Dec. 2-3 and Fort Larned on Dec. 10. In Kansas’ oldest city, Fort Leavenworth, several historic homes and buildings are festively decorated with lights and ribbons, and the Candlelight Vintage Homes Tour is planned for Dec. 11. At Lecompton, the territorial capital of Kansas, the museum is lavishly decorated for the holidays from top to bottom on all three floors in preparation for hosting the annual Christmas Vespers service, which traditionally ends with everyone singing “Silent Night” to the accompaniment of an 1857 melodeon. This year’s event at the Territorial Museum is Dec. 4.

Nov. 20-Dec. 30 Winfield Isle of Lights, 6 to 10 p.m. nightly, 620-221-2418 Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10, 17 Illuminations, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Botanica, the Wichita Gardens, 316-264-0448, botanica.org Nov. 26 61st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, downtown Wakeeney Nov. 26 Lighted Christmas Parade & Weinachtfest, Russell, 785-483-2897

Harland J. Schuster

Holiday celebrations (from left): Lawrence parade; nutcrackers stand guard at Abilene’s Seelye Mansion; and the Swedish Jultomte in Lindsborg’s Snowflake Parade.

In what eventually became the capital of Kansas – Topeka – residents begin celebrating Nov. 19 when the 2.5 mile drive through the Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights tour at Lake Shawnee Park opens. Lighted floats highlight the Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and the Festival of Trees at the Kansas Expocentre’s Ag Hall this year is Dec. 2-5. Immigrant customs are kept alive at Strawberry Hill Museum in Kansas City, which hosts its Olde World Christmas event with more than 30 rooms in the mansion lavishly decorated. Each ethnic group that immigrated to the Kansas City region is represented, and their Christmas cultures and memorabilia adorn the rooms. Lindsborg celebrates its Swedish heritage with dancing, parades, food and music during the Old-Fashioned Christmas and Snowflake Parade Dec. 3 and Lucia Festival on Dec. 10. A traditional Julotta church service is early on Christmas morning. Santa stays busy in December, and one of many stops is at the National Agricultural Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs. The Santa’s Express event features a visit from Santa in a historic depot, and children are able to participate in crafts and activities while learning about the way the prairie pioneers survived the harsh elements of winter on the plains. Lawrence perhaps has the most unique twist on holiday celebrations – hundreds of residents gather the weekend after Thanksgiving for the “rescuing” of Santa from atop Weaver’s Department Store. Apparently abandoned there by his reindeer, Santa climbs down a firefighter’s ladder with a pack full of treats. On the first Saturday of December,

the city hosts its Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade featuring more than a hundred horse-drawn carriages, surreys, buggies, and riders decked out in Christmas regalia. The parade ends with the traditional finale of Santa Claus driven high above the crowd in a classic white sleigh and waving enthusiastically to the children below.

Other holiday events: Nov. 19-Dec. 31 Winter Wonderland, 6 to 10 p.m. nightly, Lake Shawnee, Topeka, 2011 We are here ad FINAL:Layout 1 785-232-0597

Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10, 17 Santa House, Commercial Street Mall, Atchison, 913367-2427 Nov. 28 Parade of Lights and kick-off for Christmas in Old Dodge City, visitdodgecity.org Nov. 29 Downtown Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival, 6 p.m., Fort Scott, 1-800-245-3678 Dec. 2 Moonlight and Mistletoe Homes Tour, Fort Scott National Historic Site, 1-800-245-3678 Dec. 2-5 34th Annual Festival of Trees, Kansas Expocentre Grounds, Topeka, ksexpo.com Dec. 2-3 Christmas Past, 7 to 9 p.m., Historic Fort Hays, 785-625-6812 2/11/2011 AM Page 1 Continued on9:50 page 24.

Downtown Bonner Springs

SPEND A DAY WITH US! Moon Marble Company

Bonner Springs, Kansas Visit our playground of attractions and spend a day with us! ■ Downtown Specialty Retail Shops & Restaurants ■ Moon Marble Company ■ National Agricultural Center & Hall of Fame ■ Kansas City Renaissance Festival

Madame Hatter’s Tea Room

■ Capitol Federal Park at Sandstone ■ Sunflower Hills Golf Course ■ Wyandotte County Historical Museum Downtown Shops/Restaurants : Exit 224 on I-70, South on K-7 Hwy. to 32 Hwy. exit, Right on 32 (Front St.). Shops located on Front, Oak Street & 100 block of Nettleton Avenue.

Exit 224 on I-70 | www.bonnersprings.org

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Hillsboro Arts & Crafts Fair

The Midwestern Creative Art Market

Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Holiday Celebrations Continued from page 23.

Dec. 2-4 FrostFest, lighted parade on Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m., Hays, 785-628-8201 Dec. 2-3, 9-10 Let’s Make Merry: A Victorian Christmas Celebration, Old Cowtown Museum, Wichita, 316-219-1871, oldcowtown.org Dec. 3 Holiday Craft Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Abilene, 785-263-3474

Exhibitors from 16 states German Food Fest • Kaffeehaus

Dec. 3 Old-Fashioned Christmas Events and Festival of Lights Parade, Ellsworth, 785-472-4071

For more information, call 620-947-3506

Dec. 3 Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, downtown Lawrence, lawrencechristmas parade.org

Or write: Hillsboro Arts & Crafts Association 109 S. Main, Hillsboro, KS 67063

Dec. 3 Evening of Christmas Magic and Mayor’s Tree Lighting, downtown Abilene, 785-263-2231

Dec. 3, 10 Old-Fashioned Prairie Christmas, Old Mill Museum grounds, Lindsborg Dec. 3 Snowflake Parade, Lindsborg Dec. 4 Christmas in the Cabin, Heritage Center, Abilene, 785-253-2681 Dec. 4 Christmas Vespers at Historic Lecompton, 785-887-6148 Dec. 10 Lucia Festival, Lindsborg, 888227-2227 Dec. 8-18 Christmas Traditions Trolley Tours, Abilene, 785-263-2231 Dec. 9-11 Prairie Nutcracker, Hutchinson, 620-663-1981, prairienutcracker.com Dec. 10 Fort Larned Christmas Past Open House, 7 p.m., 620-285-6911 Dec. 11 Candlelight Vintage Homes Tour, Leavenworth, leavenworthhistory@ sbcglobal.net Dec. 11 Cathedral Christmas Concert, presented by Fort Hays State University Choral Music Department at the Cathedral of the Plains, Victoria, 3 and 6:30 p.m., 785-628-4258 Dec. 11 Santa on the Train, 1 p.m., Abilene, 785-263-7266 Dec. 15-23 Dolly HollyDay Tours, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, fortscott.com

24 l

April 1 Tulip Time at Lake Shawnee, Ted Ensley Gardens, 785-267-1156. 1-2 7th Annual Mountain Man Encamp-

ment, Cherokee Strip Museum, Arkansas City, 620-442-6750. 8-9 Mennonite Relief Sale and quilt

auction, Hutchinson fairgrounds, kansas. mccsale.org. 10 Lincoln in Kansas with William S. Worley, 2 p.m., Glasco Corner Store, 785-568-0120. 12 Monumental Sculpture in Kansas with

Erika Nelson, 6:30 p.m., Concordia, 785243-3730. 13-16 30th Annual Inge Festival, celebrating the Kansas playwright and the theater, Independence, 800-842-6063.

The 2011 Symphony in the Flint Hills is June 11. Photo taken by student Jillian Blackburn for the WSU Flint Hills Media Project.

16 Civil War Reenactment Day, Old Cowtown Museum, Wichita, 316-219-1871, oldcowtown.org.

16-17 Civil War Calvary Weekend, Fort Scott National Historic Site, 1-800-2453678.

16 Easter Bonnet Parade, Brown Grand,

17-24 Messiah Festival of the Arts, includ-

Concordia, 785-243-2553. 16 Easter Bunny on the Train, Abilene, 785-263-7266. 16 Fort Leavenworth Homes Tour, Fron-

tier Army Museum, 913-684-3193.

ing performances of Handel’s “Messiah,” Lindsborg, 888-227-2227. 23 Easter Eggstravaganza, Sedgwick

County Zoo, scz.org. 23 Easter Egg Hunt, Eisenhower Park,

Abilene, 785-263-7266.

Counties make it easy to hit two fairs in a day

29 Atchison Art Walk, Atchison, 800-

Two flea markets in Doniphan County and two arts and crafts fairs in Marion County on the same days give shoppers ample opportunity to visit hundreds of vendors. The Sparks Flea Market – which has been rated the fifth leading flea market in the nation – now has more than 500 vendors and attracts more than 50,000 visitors over a four-day weekend. It and the nearby White Cloud Flea Market are twice a year – in 2011 the weekends of April 30May and Sept. 3-4. On Saturday, Sept. 17, Marion County continues a decades-old tradition of hosting two large arts and crafts fairs – one in Hillsboro and one in Marion.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Great Bend area, 620-786-7456.

234-1854, atchisonkansas.net. 29-May 1 Wings N’ Wetlands Festival,

May 4-6 3-I Show, Garden City, 800-879-9803. 5 Cinco de Mayo, Garden City, 800-8799803. 6-8 3rd Annual Prairie Rose Western

Days, Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper, Benton, 316-778-2121. 6-8 KANZA Days, Winfield Fairground,

620-221-2420, winfieldchamber.org. 7 El Kan Western Riders Ranch Rodeo,

Ellsworth, 785-225-6844. 7 Haunted Atchison Tours, Atchison, 800-

234-1854, atchisonkansas.net. 7-8 Kansas Sampler Festival, Leaven-

worth, 913-417-7575, kansassampler.org. 7-8 Millfest, Lindsborg, 888-227-2227. 8-14 McPherson County All-Schoolís Day, carnival, May Fete, parade on May 13, McPherson, allschoolsdays.com. 13-14 Ellsworth Rods, Ribs & Rock Festi-

val, Ellsworth, 785-472-5566. 27-30 Little Britches Rodeo & Old West Fun Fest, Dodge City, visitdodgecitty.org. 28 Vintage & Experimental Aircraft Fly-In, Amelia Earhart Airport, Atchison, 816262-5090. 28 Burns Route 77 Classic Car and Bike Show and Festival on Main Street, music, food, quilt and craft show, burnks.com. 28-30 Ride Steam Engine #3415, Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, Abilene, 785263-1077. 28-30 Highlights in History, Fort Scott National Historic Site, 1-800-245-3638, and Fort Larned National Historic Site, 620-285-6911, nps.gov. 30 Antique Tractor & Engine Show, Lehigh

620-483-4176.

June 1-12 Beef Empire Days, Garden City, 800-

879-9803. 3-5, 10-12 Day Out with Thomas at Mid-

land Railway, Baldwin, midland-ry.org. Continued on page 26.

l 25

Calendar continued from page 25.

3-5 Good Ol’ Days Festival, Fort Scott, 1-800-245-3638, fortscottgoodoldays.com.

4-5 Mulvane Mountain/Plains Art Fair, 10 a.m., Washburn University, 785-670-1124, washburn.edu/Mulvane.

3-11 Wichita River Festival, downtown,

5-6 47th Annual Prairiefest, Arkansas City,

wichitariverfest.com.

620-442-5895, prairiefestks.org.

3 ZooLaLa, Rolling Hills Zoo & Wildlife Museum, Salina, rollinghillswildlife.com.

8-11 Beef Empire Days Rodeo, Garden

4 National Biplane Fly-in, Junction City’s Freeman Field, junctioncity.org.

8-9 Fort Harker Days, Kanapolis, 785-

4 Chingawassa Days, Marion, 620-3823425, chingawassa.com.

9-12 Paririesta, Russell, 785-483-4039.

4 Big Brutus, Miner’s Day Reunion, West

Park, Salina, riverfestival.com.

Mineral, 620-827-6177. 4-5 19th Annual Mulvane Art Museumís

Mountain/Plains Art Fair, Washburn University, Topeka, washburn.edu/mulvane. 4-5 45th Annual Butterfield Trail Ride, Oakley, discoveroakley.com. 4-5 Atchison County Farm Tours, Atchison

800-234-1854, atchisonkansas.net. 4 John Brown’s Battle of Black Jack, 155th

anniversary of the battle that many say was the first in the Civil War, Baldwin, 785883-2106, blackjackbattlefield.org.

City, 800-879-9803. 531-0147.

9-12 Smoky Hill River Festival, Oakdale 10 Dream Night at the Zoo, Rolling Hills

Zoo & Wildlife Museum, Salina, rolling hillswildlife.com. 10-11 Orphan Train Riders Annual

Celebration, Concordia, 785-243-4471, ridersontheorphantrain.org. 11 Symphony in the Flint Hills,

Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

17-19 International Forest of Friendship

Celebration, Atchison, 913-367-1419. 18-19 Downing Childrenís Garden Grand

Opening, Botanica, Wichita, 316-264-0448, botanica.org. 18-19 Juneteenth Celebration, Atchison,

913-167-2481.

Wabaunsee County, 816-471-0400, symphonyintheflinthills.org.

18-19 Midsummer’s Festival, Lindsborg,

13 Mosaic Rock Concert, Garden City,

19 Father’s Day Car Show, Rolling Hills

800-879-9803.

888-227-2227. Zoo & Wildlife Museum, Salina, rolling hillswildlife.com.

State of the Art with the Art of the State!

Featuring 250 Kansas artists, craftsmen, authors and food producers at two locations: Topeka Wilson On the turnpike, 1-70 Exit 206 Mon.-Sat. : 9 am - 6 pm 5 miles east of Topeka Daily : 9 am - 6 pm Sunday : 11 am - 6 pm 785.379.0200 785.658.2602

www.kansasoriginals.com

Wilson

The Czech CapitAl of Kansas

Celebrating Our Heritage

51st Anniversary Czech Fest July 29-30, 2011 # Events throughout the year # Lake Wilson For more information, contact the Wilson Chamber of Commerce at: 785-658-2211

Hodgden House Museum Complex 9 historic properties • 785-472-3059

Ellsworth Village Mall

‘Expect the Unexpected in Lucas’ Grassroots Capital of Kansas Discover 17 “Outsider Art” Environments

Antiques • Gifts-Espresso bar • Deli 210 N. Douglas Ave., 785-472-4659

Robson’s Card & Gift Shop

Hallmark Gold Crown Store • Gifts for all occasions 211 N. Douglas Ave. • www.robsonscardgift.com

Paden’s Place Restaurant & Bar 785-525-6288

lucascoc@wtciweb.com www.lucaskansas.com

Family Dining • Chicken Fried Steaks Specialty 785-472-3643

America’s Best Value Garden Prairie Inn

Indoor pool, spa, meeting rooms, guest laundry 785-472-3116

Garden of Eden • 785-525-6395 www.garden-of-eden-lucas-kansas.com

C&R Old West Trading Post

Western wear • Antiques • Saddles • Accessories 123 N. Douglas, 785-472-3919

Grassroots Art Center • 785-525-6118 www.grassrootsart.net

$1 Off All Tours with Ad

26 l

785-472-4071 • ecofc@eaglecom.net

19-24 National Bass Tournament, Wilson

Lake, russellks.org.

23-26 Country Stampede music festival,

Manhattan, countrystampede.com.

25 Territorial Day, Lecompton, re-enact-

ments, tours, parade, carnival, 785-8876148.

26 Amelia Earhart Century Bike Ride,

Municipal Park, Hays, 785-623-4476, wildwestfestival.com. 9-10 American Indian Festival, MidAmerica All-Indian Center, Wichita, 316350-3341, indiancenter.org. 15-16 Amelia Earhart Festival, Warnock Lake, Atchison, 800-234-1854, atchison kansas.net.

Atchison, 913-360-2617.

16 Great Planes on the Great Plains Fly In,

7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hays Regional Airport, 785-628-7350, flyhays.com. 20-23 74th Pretty Prairie Rodeo, Pretty

Prairie, 800-638-2702, pprodeo.com. 23 National Day of the Cowboy, Old

Abilene Town, 785-263-2681. Continued on page 28.

A Top 100 Event in North America

26-28 Hot Air Balloon Classics, Garden

City, 800-879-9803.

The 18th Annual

26-28 Sky’s the Limit Championship BBQ

Contest, Garden City, 800-879-9803.

September 24 & 25, 2011 Lakeside Park, McPherson

July

(Centrally located, between Wichita and Salina on I-135)

2 Celebrate America, Old-Fashioned

Independence Day, Wichita, 316-219-1871, oldcowtown.org. 2-4 Highlights in History, Fort Scott National Historic Site, 1-800-245-3638. 2-4, 23-24 Ride Steam Engine #3415,

Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, 200 SE Fifth, 785-263-1077.

4 Freedom Safari, Rolling Hills Zoo &

Wildlife Museum, Salina, rollinghillswild life.com. 4 Old-Fashioned Independence Day Celebration, Historic Fort Hays, 785-625-6812. 4 Wild West Festival, 9 a.m. to Midnight,

For balloon festival dates, see page 18; for Kansas 150th anniversary events, page 20; and holiday events, page 23.

McPherson Opera House

e First-class live entertainment in an elegant and intimate setting. e Rental spaces for every occasion, including conferences. e 21st-century amenities in a beautifully restored 19thcentury Opera House.

Visit our website mcphersonoperahouse.org for a complete show schedule. 620.241.1952

Year of the Pipe & Drum

Come see 100 pipers and drummers from several states perform at this family-centered weekend of traditional Scottish activities. Massed bands • Highland athletics Celtic singers & dancers • Kids’ crafts & games Clan tents • Nationally known musicians Children 12 and under admitted free

Ad funded in part by McPherson CVB grant

Photos © Laurel Kenney, Jr.

S p e c i a l t r av e l k a n s a s o f f e r

$1 off admission (you may photocopy)

1-800-324-8022

www.macfestival.org

l 27

Calendar continued from page 27.

24 Taste of Adventure, Rolling Hills Zoo &

Wildlife Museum, Salina, rollinghillswild life.com.

29-30 Bluegrass & Old Tyme Music Festival, Milford State Park, junctioncity.org. 29-30 51st Czech Festival, Wilson, 785658-2211. 29-Aug. 7 Dodge City Days & PRCA Rodeo, Dodge City, 620-227-3119, visitdodge city.org. 29-31 Kustom Kemps of America (KKOA) Leadsled Spectacular Car Show, Oakdale Park, Salina, 877-725-4625.

August 3-7 Tri-Rivers Fair, Rodeo & Draft Horse

Show, Saline County Livestock & Expo Center, 877-725-4625.

4-6 65th Annual Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo,

Abilene Fairgrounds Arena, 785-263-4570.

4-6 Ride Steam Engine #3415, Abilene

& Smoky Valley Railroad, 200 SE Fifth, 785-263-1077.

5-6 Follow the Yellow Brick Road Event, Garnett, 785-448-6767, garnettchamber.org.

The Emma Chase Cafè in downtown Cottonwood Falls hosts local musicians in a jam session every Friday evening throughout the year. Photo by Harland J. Schuster

5-7 Goessel Country Threshing Days,

620-367-2229 goesselks.com.

– An Enchanted Summer’s End, Arkansas City, 620-442-6750.

8-21 Civil War on the Western Frontier, Lawrence, 785-865-4499, visitlawrence.com.

19-20 El Kan Western Riders Rodeo and

13 3rd Annual 19th Century Vintage Base-

19-21 K&O Steam and Gas Engine Show,

ball Game, 1 p.m., Eisenhower Grounds, 785-263-6700.

Winfield Fairgrounds, 620-221-7608, kosteamgas.org.

19-21 Cherokee Strip Renaissance Festival

20 4th Annual Topeka Railroad Festival,

Cowtown Festival, Ellsworth, 785-472-3900.

Kansas Largest night Downtown Historic Council Grove

Prairie Victorian B&B centrally located on historic Santa Fe Trail. Perfect place for romantic getaways, family reunions, girls’ weekends, meetings or retreats. Modern Comforts in Nostalgic Surroundings 26 Rooms in Main Building Two Honeymoon Cottages Near Famous Hays House Restaurant On-site Motel Units Perfect for Hunters High-speed Wireless Internet Breakfast Buffet with Fresh-baked Muffins Rates from $70-$190

th 4 7

July 20-23

Pretty Prairie • Starts at 8 p.m. all 4 nights

Foto Cowboy

• Get autographs before each performance • Wednesday/Thursday are Family Nights (kids 12 and under FREE) • FREE DANCE after rodeo all nights

www.pprodeo.com

Save on Advanced Ticket Purchases Call1-800-638-2702 after July 4

Visit Morris County www.councilgrove.com

800-732-9211 25 North Neosho, Council Grove

chamber@councilgrove.com

620-767-6828 or 800-727-7903 cottagehousehotel.com photos courtesy of Harold Gaston/Kanscape Photography

28 l

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Great Overland Station, 785-232-5533, greatoverland station.com.

3 Kansas Cattle Towns with Jim Gray, Caldwell, 620-845-6666, kansas humanities.org.

17-18 Freedom Festival, Osawatomie, 913-

20 Western Vista Sunflower Classic Bike

3-5 Ride Steam Engine #3415, Abilene

Ellis County Fair Grounds, 785-628-7350, midwestdeutschefest.com.

Tour and Family Fun Ride, Annie Oakley Park, Oakley, discoveroakly.com.

& Smoky Valley Railroad, Abilene, 785263-1077.

26 Zoo Brew, Rolling Hills Zoo & Wildlife

3 The Cherokee Strip Land Rush of

Museum, Salina, rollinghillswildlife.com. 26-28 Tumbleweed Festival and 150th

1893 with Heather Ferguson, Caldwell, kansashumanities.org.

Birthday Celebration, Lee Richardson Zoo, 620-275-8621, gardencitychamber.net.

4 Old Settlers’ Day, Russell Springs, discoveroakley.com.

27 Victorian Ball, Old Cowtown Museum,

9-18 Kansas State Fair, Hutchinson fair-

316-219-1871, oldcowtown.org.

grounds, kansasstatefair.com.

27 Big Brutus Polka Fest, West Mineral,

10 Fort Scott Air Show, Fort Scott Airport,

620-827-6177.

620-5490, fortscott.com.

14-18 40th Annual Walnut Valley Festival

September 3 Adams Apple Festival, Lucas, 785-525-

6288, lucaskansas.com. 3-Oct. 17 Kansas City Renaissance Festival,

Bonner Springs, weekends, kcrenfest.com. 3-Oct. 31 Haunted Atchison Season, Atchi-

son, 800-234-1854, atchisonkansas.net. 3-4 Age of the Gunfighter, Old Cowtown

Museum, Wichita, 316-219-1871, oldcow town.org. 3-5 Clyde Watermelon Festival, Clyde, cloudcountytourism.

and National Flat-Picking Championship, Winfield Fairground, 620-221-3250, wvfest.com. 16-18 5th Annual US Highway 36 Trea-

sure Hunt, 785-282-3548, ushwy36.com.

17 Art in the Park/Fall Fest, Garden City,

800-879-9803.

17 42nd annual Hillsboro Arts & Crafts

755-4384, kshs.org.

17-18 Midwest Deutsche Oktoberfest,

22-24 Bald Eagle Rendezvous, Lecomp-

ton, 785-887-6148.

22-25 Santa Fe Trail 2011 Symposium, Dodge City, 620-227-7377. 23-25 Medicine Lodge Indian Peace

Treaty Pageant, peacetreaty.org.

23-24 23rd Annual Kansas Championship

Ranch Rodeo, Medicine Lodge.

24 Old Settler’s Day, Marion, parade, food

and games, Central Park, 620-382-3425, marionks.com.

24 National Drovers Hall of Fame Kansas

150th Longhorns Cattle Drive End-of-theTrail Celebration, Ellsworth, 785-4725085.

24 Rails ’n Trails Festival, Herington Fair-

grounds, 785-258-2115.

24 Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair, 8th &

Iron, Salina, 785-309-5776.

Fair, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hillsboro, 620947-3506.

24 Fall Fest, Downtown Concordia,

17 32nd annual Art in the Park and Craft

Continued on page 30.

Show, Marion, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 620-3823425, marionks.com.

Coronado Quivira Museum Three Golf Courses Sterling Lake Motels Unique Shopping Bed and Breakfast Historic Courthouse

concordiakansaschamber.com.

Whole Wall Mural Longest sculpted brick mural in the US at 6th & US81

National Orphan Train Museum 1 in 25 people are connected to an Orphan Train Rider

Brown Grand Theatre Nazareth Convent POW Camp Concordia Great Lodging & Dining

LYONS “Fair on the Square” September 24, 2011

STERLING Old Fashion 4th of July July 3 - 4, 2011

www@ricecounty.us

620-257-5166

l 29

Calendar continued from page 29.

24 Fair on the Square, Lyons, 620-257-5166. 24-25 Cider Days, Kansas Expocentre,

Topeka, 785-230-5226.

October 1 33rd Annual Chisholm Trail Day Festival,

Abilene, 785-263-2681.

1 Glasco 25th Annual Fun Day, City Park,

24-25, Oct. 1-2 Ciderfest, Louisburg

Cider Mill, 913-837-5202, louisburgcider mill.com. 24-25 McPherson Scottish Festival, Lake-

side Park, 800-324-8022, macfestival.org.

Glasco, skyways.org/towns/glasco.

1 Oktoberfest Arts & Crafts Festival,

Museum, 785-689-4846, kansas humanities.org. 1 Winfield Art in the Park, 620-221-2161,

winfieldarts.com.

1-2 Ciderfest, Louisburg Cider Mill, 913837-5202, louisburgcidermill.com.

Commercial Street Mall, Atchison, atchison kansas.net.

1-2 OZtoberfest, Wamego, ozmuseum. com, 866-458-TOTO.

1 Railroads in Kansas with William S.

1-Jan. 8, 2012 Creatures of the Abyss National Traveling Exhibit, Exploration Place,

Worley, 2 p.m., Dane G. Hansen Memorial

The hotel is unforgettable. The cuisine divine. Life is good . . .in the Flint Hills!

Grand Central Hotel & Grill

Cottonwood Falls, KS 800-951-6763 (reservations only) 620-273-6763 www.grandcentralhotel.com AAA Four Diamond Historic Hotel Since 1998

Facilities available for meetings, executive retreats, seasonal parties, incentives. suzan.barnes@sbcglobal.net

WELLINGTON’S

Chisholm Trail MuseuM HOURS: Spring Mid-April thru May

1-5 pm • Sat. & Sun.

Summer June thru October Fall

1-5 pm • Daily All of November 1-5 pm • Sat. & Sun.

ADMISSION:

Donations Graciously Accepted

Open Year Round with Fun for the whole family Old Western Movies Horse-drawn Wagon Rides & Train Rides Special Kids’ Activities

(We are supported by donations.)

Across the street from the Sumner County Courthouse, the Chisholm Trail Museum contains over 40 rooms filled with over 20,000 artifacts and pictures, most collected locally, some dating back to the Civil War and the early-day cattle trail that passed west of Wellington.

100 95 75

Featuring Cowboy Entertainment by 25

502 N. Washington Wellington, Kansas 67152 620 326-3820

1904 Pope Hartford Single - 10 hp - 78” wb

“You need to preserve your heritage, ... or you lose your way.”

30 l Chisholm Trail Museum 2010 Monday, March 01, 2010 12:05:05 AM

Southern Gospel Sounds of

15 min. northeast of Wichita off K-254 Reservations required: 316-778-2121

www.prairierosechuckwagon.com

Wichita, 316-660-0670, exploration.org.

Theatre Atchison, atchisonkansas.net.

2 Apple Festival, Old Prairie Town, Topeka,

26-29 Arkalalah, Fall Festival, Arkansas City, 620-442-6077.

7-8 Old-Fashioned County Fair, Old

28-29 Halloween Haunted Train, Atchison Rail Museum, atchisonkansas.net.

785-363-3888.

Cowtown Museum, Wichita, 316-219-1871, oldcowtown.org.

7-8 Svensk Hyllningsfest, biennial Swedish

celebration, Lindsborg, 888-227-2227.

7-9 Columbus Hot Air Balloon Regatta and

100

28-30 Night of the Living Zoo, Sedgwick County Zoo, Wichita, scz.org.

95 75

29 Graveside Conversations, 7 to 10 p.m.,

Historic Fort Hays, 785-625-6812.

A journey on a historic two-lane highway

Columbus Day Festival, Columbus, 620429-1492, columbusdayballoons.com.

29 Hay, Hooves and Halloween, Wichita,

8 Oz Festival, Dorothy’s House, Liberal, 620-624-7624.

316-219-1871, oldcowtown.org.

31 Legends of Old Boot Hill Cemetery, 7 p.m.,

8 Pumpkin PaZoola, Rolling Hills Zoo & Wildlife Museum, Salina, rollinghillswild life.com. 8-9 Antique Engine & Steam Show, Yester-

year Museum, Salina, 877-725-4625.

15-16 54th Annual Maple Leaf Festival,

Baldwin, 785-594-7564, mapleleaffestival. com. 16 Century of Toys Toy Show, Bicentennial

Center, Salina, 877-725-4625.

20-23 9th Tallgrass Film Festival, Down-

town Wichita, 316-974-0089, tallgrass filmfest.com.

21-22, 27-29 Night Terrors, 7 p.m.,

18th & Fort Street, Hays, 785-628-2624.

November 1- Dec. 26 Sandzèn Art Gallery Annual Holiday Gift Show, Lindsborg, 785-2272220, visitlinsborg.com. 13 Taste of Adventure, Rolling Hills Zoo

& Wildlife Museum, Salina, rollinghills wildlife.com.

30 Gordon Parks Birthday Celebration,

Travel Kansas

SVHA Travel Kansas 10

Thursday, March 04, 2010 3:17:47 PM

and stay at these exclusive hotels & motels managed by

Fort Scott Community College, 1-800245-3678, gordonparkcenter.org.

For holiday events, see 23-24.

Kansas-owned and locally operated

Burlington

Country Haven Inn | 1-800-942-8369

Corporate East Hotel Where Business Meets Pleasure ____ Opened____ July 2009 1110 E. Oklahoma Ave., Ulysses 620-356-5010 corporateeasthotel.com

H e r i ngton

Get Twisted 9th Annual

Coffeyville

Sleep Inn & Suites | 1-877-424-6423

Herington

Herington Inn & Suites 1-800-597-4581

Oct 20-23, 2011 • Wichita, KS For year-round screenings, festival showtimes and information: www.tallgrassfilmfest.com

Hesston

AmericInn Lodge & Suites 1-800-686-4377

Hillsboro

Country Haven Inn | 1-877-404-2836

Hoisington

Cheyenne Bottoms Inn & Suites Opening early 2011 | 1-877-406-6022

Historic Lecompton Territorial Capital of Kansas 1855

Fun for all ages

Sept. 24, 2011

For more info, call 785-258-2115 e-mail tricountyherington@sbcglobal.net or visit www.tricountycofc.com

Pre-Civil War Sites Open Wednesday-Sunday: Territorial Capitol Museum and Constitution Hall

Garnett

Garnett Inn, Suites & RV Park 1-877-448-4200

Lyons

Territorial Day June 25 Bald Eagle Rendezvous September 22-24 Christmas Vespers December 4

Celebration Centre Inn & Suites 1-866-372-0882

Tours: 785-887-6148 Lecompton Exit east of Topeka www.lecomptonkansas.com

Sleep Inn & Suites | 1-877-424-6423

Parsons

l 31

Listed by town or county, does not include calendar listings. Abilene 2-3, 4, 5, 22, 23, 24

Hamilton 7

Mulvane 11

Agenda 7

Hays 7, 10, 24

Norwich 7

Anthony 7, 18

Herington 7, 31

Oakley 14

Arkansas City 7, 32

Highway 24 31

Olathe 11

Atchison 5, 7, 23

Hillsboro 24, 31

Oskaloosa 7

Beaumont 13

Holton 7

Overland Park 18

Beloit 7, 22

Howard 7

Parsons 18, 31

Bennington 7, 8

Hutchinson 7, 24

Bonner Springs 23

Independence 7

Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper 30

Caney 7

Johnson 7

Canton 8

Junction City 24

Chanute 7, 15 Chetopa 7

Kansas B&B Association 14

Cimarron 7

Kansas Sampler Foundation 5

Cloud County 13, 29

Kanopolis 26

Colby 11

Kansas City 11, 16, 17, 23

Columbus 16, 18, 30

Lawrence 11, 12, 14, 20, 23, 24

Concordia 29 Cottonwood Falls 15, 30 Council Grove 7, 14, 15, 28 Dodge City 4, 14, back cover Edgerton 11

Leavenworth 5, 7, 11, 22, 24 Lecompton 20, 22, 31 Lindsborg 5, 23, 24 Louisburg 11, 18

Pretty Prairie 28 Rice County 29 Russell 20, 26 Quinter 7, 11 Sabetha 7 Salina Inside front cover, 9, 11 Seneca 7 Sterling 29 Topeka 7, 16. 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 26 Udall 11 Ulysses 18, 31 Wakeeney 7, 22

Ellsworth 24, 26

Lucas 26

Ellinwood 11

Lyons 8, 29, 31

Eudora 11

Manhattan 8

Fort Scott 14, 22, 24, 32

Marion County 14, 15, 21, 25

Garden City 7, 17, 18, 20, 24

Marquette 7

Westmoreland 7

Gardner 7, 18

McLouth 10

Whitewater 11

Garnett 20

McPherson 20, 27

Wichita 1, 7, 11, 15, 19, 31

Glasco 7

Medicine Lodge 20, 24

Williamsburg 11

Goessel 21

Merriam 7

Wilson 12, 15, 26

Grant County 18

Montezuma 20

Wamego 9, 11, 32 Waterville 12, 15 Wellington 30 Wellsville 20

You thought it was only a dream. Oz Museum 511 Lincoln, Wamego 866-458-TOTO (8686) ozmuseum.com Open daily except major holidays

OZtoberfest Celebrate all things Oz at our annual festival, first weekend in October

www.visitwamego.com 32 l

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Advance reservations required. Offer not available online. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Subject to availability at participating hotels throughout Kansas through 12/31/2011.

Advance reservations required. Offer not available online.reserved. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Subject to availability at participating hotels throughout Kansas through 12/31/2011. © 2011reservations Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights Advance required. Offer not available online. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Subject to availability at participating hotels throughout Kansas through 12/31/2011. © 2011 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved. © 2011 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.

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