BBQ Queens - Emporia Farmer's Market

Interested in Free Grilling Classes and Samples of Gourmet Dishes?

Be at the Emporia Farmer's Market, Saturday, Aug 9, from 9 am to 1 pm. The World Famous BBQ Queens, Karen Adler and Judith Fertig, are experts on all things barbecue. They've blown away the competition at countless barbecue contests, they've cumulatively authored more than 20 cookbooks, and they've taught more than 75,000 culinary students all across the country. Featured on the Food Network, Better Homes and Gardens TV and appearing in numerous national magazines, including Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Cooking Light and many others, these ladies will help you become a grill master in no time with quick and easy recipes that will leave your guests cheering for more!
Local produce, beef, cheese and additional ingredients will be provided by area vendors. Come early to get a taste-samples will be available for only the first 80 people! This free event is courtesy of Flint Hills Technical College, the Emporia Area Chamber and Visitor's Bureau, KVOE, Emporia Main Street, and the Farmer's Market.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Voices of the Wind People - Council Grove

This is a six-week lead, but worth putting on your calendar as a "must-see!"

More than 100 cast and crew are preparing for the production of the Voices of the Wind People, an outdoor historical pageant to be presented Sept 12 & 13 in Council Grove (link at lower end of left navigation bar).

Voices of the Wind People brings the past alive from multi-cultural perspective and is set in the Old Riverbed Amphitheater near the Santa Fe Trail crossing of the Neosho River.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Ranching Weekend - Aug 2-3 - Strong City

On the 1st and 3rd weekend of each month - 1st weekend of August upcoming - experience daily activities on a working ranch as you visit with living history interpreters; at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, 2 miles north of US 50 and K-177 intersection, north of Strong City.


Special activities may include historic cooking, music, quilting, carpentry, roping, gardening, saddling and blacksmithing. Programs given at 10 am and 2:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Old Stone Fort, - Wabaunsee County - Flint Hills

My Google Blog Alert on the words "Kansas Flint Hills" brought me a fascinating blog today, that I feel I must share. First, it is the Alex Hawley photography blog - which is enough of a reason to visit, in itself.

However, today, his subject was especially of interest to me: An old stone fort, located in southwestern Wabaunsee County. He shares the information he knows about the site. Does anyone know anything else about this site?? I'd sure like to hear more about it. Is his story the real one? Is his speculation reasonable? What can we find out?!?! THANKS!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Harvey County Free Fair

The Harvey County Free Fair, at the Harvey County Fairgrounds, in Newton, KS, runs August 1 to August 4, 2008.

This is an annual county 4-H fair event. The family fair event has food, exhibits, animals, carnival, rodeo, demolition derby, parade and bull blowout.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

The Central Kansas Free Fair and Rodeo

The Central Kansas Free Fair and Rodeo runs July 30 to August 5, 2008, at the Eisenhower Park Fairgrounds in Abilene, Kansas.
The Central Kansas Free Fair includes the Wild Bill Hickock Rodeo, Demolition Derby, Bull Riding and on Saturday a full day at the Western Heritage Festival with chuck wagon meal, children's games, period reenactments, gunfighter action and wagon rides; Cowboy church on Sunday.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Lyon County Free Fair

The Lyon County Free Fair runs August 2 to August 9 at the Lyon County Fairgrounds in Emporia.

Enjoy an old-fashioned county fair with carnival rides, livestock shows and grandstand events. Grandstand events include a mud-a-thon, ranch rodeo, buck, rumble & roll, 4-H rodeo, truck and tractor pull and demolition derby.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Goessel Threshing Days

The Goessel Threshing Days are August 1 to 3, 2009, in Goessel, KS. This is an old-fashioned threshing demonstration and show full of entertainment and education from musical groups to storytellers about the "good old day."

More than 100 exhibitors from a 7-state area will display and demonstrate antique equipment related to farming during the past century.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills, Tall Grass - New Blog

I am very pleased to introduce you all to a new blog, by my good friend and colleague, Dennis Toll. It's called "Flint Hills, Tall Grass." You can see the fruit of his efforts at http://flinthillstallgrass.com. I am confident you will like it, so feel free to pass the link along to others (he says; and I do too!).

I have had the pleasure of working closely with Dennis for more than a couple of years now on the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition and the Heritage Task Force, in particular. I really admire the way Dennis uses words to convey images - I think that is called "Good Writing!" I certainly look forward to the articles in his blog. His passion for the Kansas Flint Hills, and all things Tall Grass, have only grown since his return to Manhattan with his family a number of years ago.


Together with interested others, we are committed to seeing the Kansas Flint Hills region achieve the status of a National Heritage Area; something that a number of our colleagues have been working on for many years. It is a long, slow process, but the local residents are getting on board, slowly and surely, to make the current effort a successful one. We need more people involved, though, so if you are interested in supporting this movement, do not hesitate to let either Dennis or I know of your interest and desire to be involved. It is a worthy endeavor, for the future of Kansas, and the Kansas Flint Hills!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

300 mile lap around the Flint Hills - check this out

I really enjoyed the blog by "The Rick" today

See: http://kansasflyoverusa.blogspot.com/2008/07/300-mile-lap-around-flint-hills.html

I just had to share it with you all. Be sure to check out the US 50 link, as well. I was reading about it elsewhere, just last weekend, and was glad to see that website.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Cowley County Fair

The Cowley County Fair, at the Fairgrounds in Winfield, takes place July 31 - August 4, 2008.
Come see 4-H exhibitors, open class events, entertainment, grandstand events, rodeo and educational events.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Pottawatomie County Fair and Parade

The Pottawatomie County Fair and Parade runs July 31 to Aug 3, 2008, with livestock, crafts, food, parade and carnival highlights.

Four day county 4-H fair packed full of fun activities and events for the whole family. Don't miss the parade down Main Street, Onaga, KS, to the Fairground/City Park entrance.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Washington County Fair

The Washington County Fair is July 29 to August 2 in 2008. You can see exhibits, livestock showing, pedal pull, parade and entertainment. The parade begins Friday night at 6:30 p.m.

The Fair is held at the Fairgrounds in Washington, KS 66968 (785) 325-2121.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Morris County 4-H Fair

The Morris County 4-H Fair runs from July 25 to July 27, 2008. Come to the Annual Morris County 4-H Fair with livestock, gardens, clothing and horse judging.

Enjoy an old-fashioned county 4-H fair at the fairgrounds at the east edge of Council Grove. 4-H youngsters from around Morris County participate by exhibiting livestock, crops, clothing, rabbits, sheep, goats and horses. Family entertainment for all - young and old.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Greenwood County Fair

The Greenwood County Fair will be held July 25 to July 27, 2008, at the Fair Grounds in Eureka.

Enjoy livestock exhibits, arts and crafts exhibits, pedal power tractor pull, crop and garden exhibits and other entertainment.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

2008 Shawnee County Fair

The 2008 Shawnee County Fair runs from July 24 through July 27 at the Kansas Expocentre, Topeka.

The 2008 Shawnee County Fair includes 4-H projects, horse shows, carnival rides, food vendors and much more.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Jackson County Fair

The Annual Jackson County Fair will be held July 28 to August 1, 2008, at the Jackson County Fairgrounds - Hwy 75, Holton KS 66436. Phone: (785) 364-4125


This is an annual county fair complete with livestock shows, food and clothing exhibits, carnival rides and games - Bring the family for a night of fun and games!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

2008 Butler County 4-H Fair

The 2008 Butler County 4-H Fair will be held July 26-30.

The 2008 Butler County Fair Book, in pdf format, is available for download at the linked site.

The 2008 Butler County 4-H Supports Picnic will be held Monday, July 21, at 7 p.m. at the Butler County Community Building.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

El Dorado Prairie Port Festival '08

The El Dorado Prairie Port Festival '08 runs Jul 24-27.


Their website states: "Providing old fashioned fun for the past 24 years, the Prairie Port Festival is one of the premier events in Kansas."

See the events entry at the Kansas Flint Hills website.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Geary County Free Fair

For the 2008 Geary County Free Fair, pre-fair events are scheduled for July 17-20, the Fair from July 21-24, 2008.In recognition of Junction City's Sesquicentennial, each Open Class Department of the Geary County Free Fair has designated a Sesquicentennial class.

The Free Fair is held at the Geary County Fairgrounds, 1025 S. Spring Valley Road, Junction City, KS 66441. (785) 762-3009

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Marshall County Fair

This will be the first of several county fairs I have the pleasure of mentioning, this year. The Marshall County Fair was begun in 1883. In 2008, it begins at 8 am on July 18 and ends at 8 pm on July 23. Check it out. Be sure to see the judging and show schedule, the demo derby and the entertainment pages on the fair web site, for details.

[Logo from website]

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Explore Kansas Prairie Series at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains

Explore Kansas Prairie Series at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains on Mondays, July 14, July 28, August 11 and August 25. Take a walk under the setting sun as you identify wildflowers and grasses in bloom, hand-collect seed, learn about herbal and medicinal uses of native plants, listen to the calls of the dickcissel, observe the flitting and feeding of fritillarys and skippers, smell the sweet nectar of milkweeds, as the Kansas wind cools you and lifts your spirits. All ages are welcome! The cost is $5 per person and children under 14 are free. We will meet at the Arboretum at 4 p.m. to carpool to the site. We can provide directions if you wish to go directly to the site, or will arrive late. Please call to sign up for any of the Explore Kansas Prairie dates. Julie Irish Torseth, Executive Director, Dyck Arboretum of the Plains: 177 W. Hickory Street, Hesston, KS 67062, (620) 327-8127 [This information based on a press release.]

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Death Ride

Start July 26 - End July 27. This event is not for the weak at heart. Over 5,000 vertical feet of climbing... off-road... in the July heat - it is called the Flint Hills Death Ride. The ride is 70 to 80 miles long, and runs through cow pastures, along fire roads, and only the most insane, grueling, determined, excited, and motivated cyclist in the country participate in the Flint Hills Death Ride. Check both links!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

A Benefit for the Community of Chapman

Consider being in Clay Center, at The Rex Theater, Sunday, July 20 for a benefit concert for the community of Chapman, featuring Ann Zimmerman, live in concert.

The Rex serves Clay Center by hosting live performances and cultural exhibitions in addition to its regular weekend movie schedule.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Butterfly Count

On July 12, from 8 to 11 am, in cooperation with the North American Butterfly Association, the Chaplin Nature Center will be conducting its annual butterfly count in the Arkansas City area.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

National Day of the Cowboy Celebration

Plan to be in Abilene on Saturday, July 26, for the National Day of the Cowboy Celebration.
In addition, each Saturday night in July, check out the: "Memories of the Prairie" programs beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Heritage Center's Historical Museum. Visitors to Abilene are invited to the programs which are free of charge.


The Heritage Center of Dickinson County is located directly east of the Eisenhower Center. Check out hours and location details at: Heritage Center

P.S. I'm trying to run down a list of all the County Fairs and Festivals in the Kansas Flint Hills and their dates, to share here. Please list name of event and website or email in a comment, below, or send to me directly at billsmith2003@gmail.com - THANKS!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture

The 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture announced recently by the Kansas Sampler Foundation include FOUR from the 22 counties of the Kansas Flint Hills, again making our case for the Kansas Flint Hills as an international tourism destination!

Chase County Courthouse, Cottonwood Falls
Kansas State Capitol, Topeka
Lebold Mansion, Abilene
Seelye Mansion, Abilene


Come visit, and enjoy the many other attractions of the Kansas Flint Hills!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Independence Day Music at the Ranch

Independence Day Music at the Ranch, July 4, 10 am to 4 pm, at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, north of Strong City, KS

On Friday, enjoy a day of music and clogging in the historic barn. Bring your instrument for jammin'. Clogging demonstration at 10 am and 2:30 pm.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Chisholm Trail Festival 2008, Newton, 3-6 July

The Chisholm Trail Festival in Newton is the annual community July 4th celebration, which runs from the 3rd thru the 6th of July in 2008.

On 5 July 2008 the Festival welcomes Ricochet live in concert at 8 pm, with 7 pm opening act, Maddijo, fromWhitewater, KS. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Old Fashioned 4th of July, Marysville

The Old Fashioned 4th of July in Marysville, KS, starts with a Flag Raising followed by a Fireman's Breakfast and a Fast Draw Competition. "The Taste of Marysville" will feature local restaurants all under one roof.

At 7 pm, "The Black Squirrel Revue" will feature local talent followed by a performance by the Marshall County Community Band and the Marshall County Community Choir. Fireworks will be at dusk, followed by a dance at the American Legion and an outdoor movie.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)