Dodge City, Kansas

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5 2 www.wildwestcountry.com 0 www.wildwestcountry.com 3 Welcome to Southwest Kansas

We’re glad that you’ve taken the time to check out the place that we call home— Southwest Kansas. We believe that after you’ve looked through these pages, and then experienced the beauty of the landscapes, the warm hospitality of the people living here and the history of this great land, you will truly appreciate one of the Midwest’s hidden treasures, that we call Wild West Country. Hands on adventure and honest to goodness fun is the experience you will have in any of the 22 counties that make up this diverse part of Kansas. Excitement around every corner and new attractions and events being added on a regular basis .Come join our families in ex- periencing the wonders of the Kansas high plains. After you’ve been here for just one day, you will notice something magnificent: our sunrises and sunsets. With our wide-open spaces and endless horizons, our sunrises and sunsets are some of the most breathtaking you will find anywhere. While you are here, please take some time to stop by our small towns, visit our main streets and enjoy our people. Once you have visited with the people who live and work here, you will see why they call the “the heartland of America.” Our people are hard-working, fun-loving people who till the soil and feed the world. Welcome to the Wild West country. Enjoy your stay.

4 www.wildwestcountry.com www.wildwestcountry.com 5 Table of Contents Calendar of Events...... 49 Clark County...... 9 Commanche County...... 8 Edwards County...... 13 Finney County...... 33 ©Wild West Country Travel Guide Ford County...... 15 Grant County...... 43 Advertising Sales: Gray County...... 35 Carol Schuetze Greeley County...... 25 Empire Advertising Inc. Hamilton County...... 29 P.O. Box E, Garden City, KS 67846 Haskell County...... 39 Graphic Design and Layout: Hodgeman County...... 17 J. R. Brown, Garden City, KS. Kearny County...... 31 Kiowa County...... 11 Wild West Country has made every Lane County...... 21 effort to insure the accuracy of materi- Map...... 6 al presented in this guide. However, we Meade County...... 37 assume no responsibility or liability for Morton County...... 47 errors, changes, or omissions in this Ness County...... 19 guide. Reproduction without permission Scott County...... 23 is strictly prohibited. Seward County...... 41 BEHIND OUR COVER Stanton County...... 48 I saw this little quote Stevens County...... 45 on a T- shirt and I Welcome to Wild West Country...... 4 guess it sums up why Wichita County...... 24 I love photography. “ I can freeze time with one click, so, what is your super power?”. When I’m not on the tractor or helping my husband Clinton with the many duties of a farm wife in South West Ness County I have camera in hand. I love to shoot just about anything and can’t wait to stick the SD card in the com- puter and start editing. With growing grandchildren in sports and activities it has kept me busy along with Senior photos and families. After seeing the theme of Honest to Goodness Fun for the cover photo contest for Wild West I started trying to think of something that would fit the title. Not far from our place in Ness County is a Miss Rodeo Kansas with a four year old little boy named Gunner Foos. He was a sure candidate for my idea. He was a natural with his cowboy hat, spurs, rope and two Corgi’s Meg and Ozzie who follow him everywhere. He loves horses and farm life with dad and mom. He knows he is going to be a super star now that he is going to be on the front cover of a magazine. Something he can share WILDWEST COUNTY at pre-school! 6A www.wildwestcountry.com A www.wildwestcountry.com With its rich history dating back to the 1880s, Comanche County offers tourists a blend of the old and the new. Here tourists can see wheat, corn, and milo fields stretching across the plains, as well as some of the most rugged land in the Red Hills — reminding them of the Black Hills in the Dakotas. Also evident are cattle grazing on the plains and the hills, providing beef for consumption throughout the nation and the world. Designated as one of Kansas’ Scenic Highways, US 160 crosses the county, offering travelers a cross section of the types of land and scenic views available here. Comanche County also boasts a number of murals painted by world-renowned artist Stan Herd — who grew up in Protection — depicting the county’s history. Actually, the county’s history predates settlers in the area, with prehistoric Indian sites located in various places around the county. Some of the old Indian relics can be seen at the Comanche County Museum in Coldwater where those and “newer” items from the “Old West” are displayed. The three towns in Comanche County — Coldwater, Protection, and Wilmore — all offer visitors and residents alike a slower-paced life-style with friendly faces and hospitality not always seen in the larger cities across the nation.

All three towns boast city fine parks for picnicking and outdoor relaxation. Coldwater and Protection both offer various recreational opportunities, including baseball diamonds, swimming pools, a bowling alley, a shooting range, two golf courses, and Lake Coldwater. The 250-acre lake in a 1,000-acre park offer swimming, boating, skiing, fishing, and camping for those who enjoy the out-of-doors, as well as a short jaunt for site seeing or hiking. Coldwater’s downtown Heritage Park is home to an impressive memorial to all the veterans for the county. Nearby is the historic Chief Theatre with its pr-1950s decor, playing the top movies of today every weekend. And for the outdoorsmen, some of the finest pheasant, quail, water fowl, and deer hunting in the nation can be found right here as well. Coldwater is the home of a modern, recently renovated hospital and medical clinic, offering criti- cal care for young and old. The local school district, with grade and middle school facilities in Protection and the high school in Coldwater, offers the youth a quality education, and excellent extracurricular and athletic opportunities. And both Coldwater and Protection have modern nursing home facilities to provide for the elder-care. All-in-all, Comanche County is a great place to live, as well as an exceptional place to spend time relaxing or exploring the rich history of the area. 8 www.wildwestcountry.com Clark County was organized in Clark County is part of the southernmost tier of counties in the southwest region of Kansas. It is 1886. It was part of Ford County bordered by Oklahoma to the south, Ford County and Dodge City on the north, Meade County to previously. The county was named the west and Comanche and Kiowa counties on the east. after Charles Clarke. Clarke was a The typography of Clark County is so varied as to include a plains area in the north merging into the Big Basin, a huge natural sinkhole, then the canyon region, and finallythe beautiful, red Sixth Kansas Cavalry captain. Clark dolomite cliffs in the south. This county is primarily agricultural and depends on farming and cattle County is located in the southwest for its livelihood. portion of Kansas. The county is bordered on the south by the state of Oklahoma. Ford County to the north; Meade County to the west and Comanche County and Kiowa County to the east. There is approximately 960 square miles in Clark County.

The county’s historical significance begins with the Plains Indians and their dependence on the buffalo, the exploration of Coronado and his search for Quivera, the conflicts between the pioneers and the Indians in the Indian Wars, and the eventual pioneer settlements. In the 1500’s Coronado and his conquistadors were the first Europeans to travel through the county to the Arkansas River and northeast in their quest for gold. After the Civil War the Homestead Act encouraged many from the East to search for land in Kansas. This area was consequently the site of some violent clashes between Indians and soldiers sent to protect the pioneers. Clark County wasalso home to millions of buffalo until the early 1800’s when the buffalo hunters’ slaughter for hides eventually wiped out these massive animals and the Indians’ important source of food and warmth. The dusty Western Cattle Trail of the early 1800’s passed through the county as cowboys herded their cattle from Texas to the railroads of Dodge City. During this time St. Jacob’s well in the Big Basin was an important watering hole for the pioneers and Indians as well as for the cowboys traveling north with their herds. Several towns sprang up around this era, but the successful ones in the county, Ashland, Minneola, and Englewood, survived because of the railroads, and Ashland was chosen as the county seat. The Clark County Historical Society was established in 1939 to preserve the early history of the county and its pioneers, and today these volumes of Kansas history are kept in the Pioneer-Kri- er Museum of Ashland.

www.wildwestcountry.com 9 315 S. Sycamore 620.723.4102 www.bigwell.org

106 S. Main Street 620.723.9025 340 S. Main Street Like us on facebook in the Kiowa County Commons @eatcrazymule! 10 www.wildwestcountry.com620-723-1125 At the Kiowa County Historical On May 4th. 2007 an EF5 tornado destroyed 95% of Greensburg. Although some tor-nado dam- Museum, visit the restored Hunter age is still evident, we have rebuilt .is one of the greenest cities in the United States. We have been Drug Store Soda Fountain featured as one of Budget Travel’s 2011 Coolest Small Towns in America, seen in 2013 USA Today’s Sustainability magazine, and appeared on TV in Planet Green’s series, Greensburg. Rescued from the rubble of Hunter “It only took Mother Nature a few minutes to utterly destroy what over a thousand residents Drug store following the Greens- spent lifetimes building and nurturing, and it would take years for those individuals to rebuild burg tornado, this 1950s soda their lives, homes, and businesses. But this was not a routine rebuilding effort, quite the contrary. fountain was sent to Chicago to be It would be¬come one of the most radical transformations any city had ever attempted.” Kevin Rich- restored. The soda fountain serves berg, TED WEEKENDS, Huffington Post as an example of living history, and is located in the Kiowa County Historical Museum. Enjoy an old fashioned treat like a Green River Soda or Chocolate Hickey!

Greensburg is home to the world’s largest hand dug well. When the well was completed in 1888 it was 109 feet deep and 32 feet across. The well was used as the town’s water supply until 1932. In1939. it was opened as tourist attraction allowing visitors to descend to the bottom of the well. The Big Well Museum, which opened in 2012, features the history of Greensburg, stories, photos and videos from the 2007 tornado, and the rebuilding as a sustainable community. Walk the spiral stair- case into the well, or enjoy the view of Greensburg from the 2nd floor observation area. The citizens of Greensburg have come together, rebuilding with efforts focused on energy efficien- cy and sustainable living. With the most LEED (Leadership in Energy Environmental Design) certified buildings per capita in the world. Greensburg has become a model for a sustainable future. In 2017, we celebrate 10 years of rebuilding. Come visit our rebuilt, restored and rethought community! While in Kiowa County, enjoy some of the other sites in Haviland and Mullinville! Haviland is home to Barclay College and the Heart of America Science Resource Center. In Mullinville, stop by to enjoy the kinetic artwork of artist M.T. Liggett that lines nearly 1 miles of US Hwy 400 just outside Mullinville. Ranging in subject from political themes to some of his favorite people, his art is a must see attraction. Visit his “stew-dee-oh” at 111 N. Cherry Street. While you’re in Mullinville, take a short drive south of town to visit the Fromme-Birney Round Barn. Built in 1912 to house draft horses, this 16 sided barn is a beautiful piece of architecture and one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas architecture. www.wildwestcountry.com 11 12 www.wildwestcountry.com The Chicago Workingmen’s Town Kinsley is Midway USA, 1561 miles between San Francisco and New York! We’re in the middle Company founded a nearby town in of everything! Located at the junction of Highways 183, 50 and 56, we are on the way to many of 1872, naming it “Petersburg” for the wonderful destinations in Wild West Country. Relive your childhood at the Carnival Heritage Museum or take a trip along the Santa Fe Trail and visit an authentic Sod House. Hunt your limit of T. J. Peter, a director of the Santa Fe pheasants or bag a trophy buck. Edwards County has something for everyone! Railroad. In 1874, Kansas Legisla- Kinsley and Edwards County gained the distinction of being the half-way point between San ture defined Edwards County and Francisco & New York when they hit the cover of the Saturday Evening Post. The April 22, 1939 named it for W. C. Edwards, who issue featured two cars meeting, both traveling to the World’s Fair (there were two that year, one in built the first brick block, which San Francisco and one in New York). Midway USA is now known world-wide and thousands each became the center around which year stop to take their picture in front of the Midway Sign. Don’t rush off! Located right next to the the county was built. The City of Midway Sign is the Edwards County Historical Society Museum, featuring an authentic sod house, antique farm machinery exhibit and a steam engine. To the south of the museum, at the VFW, is the Kinsley was founded in 1873, and All Veteran’s Memorial, built by local volunteers as a tribute to all men and women who have served named after e. W. Kinsley of Boston, our country and featuring a M603A Tank. MA, who donated money to the town Another amazing monument is located just west of Kinsley in the Hillside Cemetery. A Civil War to build a Congregational Church. Monument, crafted completely of concrete by local artist David Lester in the early 1900s, still stands Within 5 years (1878) Kinsley was and has recently been renovated. incorporated. Kinsley is known for another kind of Midway! At the turn of the 20th Century, four families started large traveling carnivals. This rich heritage is now celebrated at the Carnival Heritage Museum. Come see authentic carousel horses, midway games, broadsides and other memorabilia donated by the carnival families. Travel along the Santa Fe Trail and visit the many trail markers that describe historical events. You can learn about the Battle of Coon Creek which was one of the first uses of breech-loading rifles and featured brave acts by GERONIMO and a mysterious Native American woman in a scarlet dress. Or the legendary “Pot of Gold” that was buried along the Trail shortly before an Indian attack and has never been recovered. The Historic Palace Theatre, built in 1917, has been in continuous operation ever since. Now completely operated by community volunteers, the Palace uses the latest technology to bring current films on the weekends. Come enjoy a movie or schedule a tour of this site that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If hunting is your passion, the opportunities in Edwards County are always rich! Abundant pheasant, turkeys, quail, doves, prairie dogs, coyotes and deer are hunted locally and by folks from all over the Country. The three libraries in the County will entice any history buff to spend some time exploring the great culture and heritage of the Plains Indians and the immigrants and their families that settled the wide-open plains. The Kinsley Public Library features historic photograph collections, cemetery registries and frequent historical and cultural programs. The Henry Laird Library in Belpre is the oldest privately funded library in Kansas. While you’re here, stop at our specialty gifts shops, antique shops and restaurants. Shoot a round of golf at the Oasis on the Plains, take a stroll on our walking trail, or have a picnic and play Frisbee golf in our beautiful parks. www.wildwestcountry.com 13 14 www.wildwestcountry.com It gives us great pleasure to Dodge City, Kansas is internationally recognized as the epitome of the Wild West and continues to invite you to Dodge City and Relive be a top destination for tourists seeking the Wild West Experience. Dodge City is crowned “Queen of a Legend! When you make your the Cowtowns”! While Dodge City is famous for its western hospitality and Cowboy History, these days, the com- “get away” to Dodge City, you’ll find munity has much more to offer! everything you need to ensure a Families will definitely enjoy the perfect oasis after being on the long dusty trail at the newLong memorable time. Dodge City offers Branch Lagoon, Dodge City’s premier water park. Dodge City is also home to the Dodge City Law the perfect retreat, plenty of peace arena football team, hosts the 3i Farm Show, and every summer, celebrates its Western heritage and quiet for a productive meeting, with a 10 day celebration, called “Dodge City Days”. Rodeos, Bull Fry, with live concerts taking and when your business is done, the place most nights. Year-round, our calendar is filled with trade shows, festivals, celebrations, con- charm and excitement of the Old certs, sporting events and other special events. At Boot Hill Museum, be sure to stroll down the boardwalk and be transformed into a time gone West are close at hand. You’ll feel by. Plant your feet atop the original Boot Hill Cemetery, located in the heart of modern day Dodge at home in Dodge City just as the City. The museum located on the original site of Boot Hill Cemetery. cowboys did in the 1870’s Built in 1898, the Santa Fe Depot was home to the Harvey House Hotel and El Vaquero Restaurant. Now days it is home of the Depot Theater Company, nestled in the heart of beautiful Dodge City. This restored depot is the largest Santa Fe depot in Kansas. The Depot Theater is Dodge City’s very own “Broadway on the Prairie.”

Don’t miss the Historic Trolley Tour! Hop on for a narrated tour of our historic sites in and near Dodge City. This historical site tour is offered four times daily through the peak season. The Trail of Fame Walking Tour winds its way through the Dodge City historic district giving you a real feeling of the historical town. Sidewalk medallions and statuary commemorate the many famous and infamous denizens of historic Dodge City along the trail. Now you can even sit at the gaming tables just like Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson did. Themed “Old West—New Entertainment,” the Boot Hill Casino & Resort has been designed with high style and finish, evoking a sense of the western history of the 1870’s combined with today’s desire for the highest level of comfort, service and entertainment. The Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau would like to invite you to Dodge City for a don’t-miss-once-in-a-lifetime experience! Once you’ve arrived, be sure to stop at the Visitors Infor- mation Center at 400 West Wyatt Earp Blvd. for more information on all there is to see and do! Phone number (620) 225-8186, or visit our website at www.visitdodgecity.org So—what are you waiting for---“Get the Heck INTO Dodge!” www.wildwestcountry.com 15 16 www.wildwestcountry.com Choose from one of our “ready- Just Add Water! made” adventures - or create you Hodgeman County, including the Cities of Jetmore and Hanston, has long been known for their own! Whether you choose to golf, outstanding hunting opportunities of both upland game and deer…however, with the addition of HorseThief Reservoir, we are now the the outdoor destination in South West Kansas. Pleasure hunt, fish, hike, kayak, visit the boating, water-skiing, jet-skiing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are Haun Museum, attend Camp Wild just some of the water fun for those looking for adventure in Wild West Country. Fishing, camping, Women, Hunt Zombies in the dark hiking, equestrian trails, archery, GLAMPING, and now….beautiful weddings and special events at . . . or simply relax in front of the fire The Lodge at HorseThief! Your ready-made adventure starts right here with an overnight stay in and reconnect . . . Hodgeman Has It! our unique lodging – have you ever dreamed of falling asleep under the stars…luxuriously in a king sized bed? If so, reserve one of our Glamping Yurts. RV Hookups, tent sites, teepees and cabins are all options here. Of course our Jetmore City Lake is located just outside of Jetmore and boasts a brand new gun range in addition to camping, fishing and water sports. Outdoor Fun, from Mild to Wild! HorseThief Reservoir hosts a number of events that range from mild to wild. Camp Wild Women in April; HorseThief The Festival in early June; and the infamous Wild West Zombie Paintball during the month of October. Choose your adventure! Just Putter Around . . . Cheyenne Hills Golf Course and Clubhouse, located in Jetmore, is a 9-hole course with all of the amenities you would expect from a much-larger community. We are proud of our course and host many tournaments throughout the year.

Downtown . . . Our historic Main Street (also Hwy 283) features some beautiful limestone architecture, as well as the Historic Hodgeman County Courthouse; Veterans Memorial; Haun Museum and Sunshine Park…home to the Jetmore Downtown Farmers Market on Thursday evenings. Local restaurants dot the block and each offer their own local flavor. Sunset Capital of Kansas! Recently designated the Sunset Capital of Kansas…you will soon find that our spectacular sunsets are best shared around a firepit. Truly spectacular shows, every night…just about the same time! Make sure you plan your trip so you can enjoy more than one! www.wildwestcountry.com 17 Debby

18 www.wildwestcountry.com Ness County is the northeast county Ness County, a rural county in Western Kansas is largely a farming, ranching, and oil community. of “Wild West Country”. It is home Ness County was organized in 1867. The current courthouse was completed in 1917. to farming, ranching and the oil in- Ness City, at the junction of K-96 and US-283 in Ness County. Best known for the “Skyscraper of the Plains.” A four story 18,000 square feet ornate limestone building. Construction began in 1888 dustry. Ness County is a prime spot when Ness County Banker, N.C. Merrill and the bank’s board of directors chose plans designed by for the fishing enthusiast. Ness City the architectural firm of Holland & Hopkins from Topeka, Kansas from among nine different build- is the county seat, and downtown is ing plans. located at the junction of Highway Downtown Ness City offers a variety of retail shopping including jewelry, clothing, gift, and K-96 and U.S. 283. antique stores. A full-service hotel, and a bed and breakfast are nearby along with three RV parks with full hook-ups. Various restaurants offer everything from steaks, barbecue, pizza, Mexican, and Pleasant Atmosphere fast food. Bazine is located in Ness County on K-96, between Ness City and Rush Center. The “Christ Pilot Stunning Architecture Me” hill and marker are located just east of Bazine along K-96. The marker is a beautiful limestone Interesting History tribute. Near Bazine, you can enjoy geocaching and mystical Western Kansas landscape. Beeler is located 11 miles west on K-96 from Ness City. George Washington Carver homesteaded

a mile south, where a marker is located. There is also a state highway sign along K-96. Beeler is a small, friendly rural community typical of Southwest Kansas. Ransom, the southern entrance to Cedar Bluff Reservoir, is located 2 miles west of K-4 and US- 283 junction in northern Ness County. Ransom has a full-service gas station, restaurant and grocery store. Excellent deer hunting can be found from Ransom to Cedar Bluff and elsewhere around the county. Brownell is located 8 miles east of K-4 and US-283 junction. Cedar Bluff State Park lies just 12 miles north. The Cedar Bluff wind farm is located around Brownell. Gas is also available by credit card just east of town. Utica is located 14 miles west of K-4 and US-283 junction. Utica hosts an annual May Day parade, antique & craft show, the first Saturday in May. They also have a bed and breakfast along with a community owned café. Utica is also the southern entrance to Castle Rock one of the eight wonders of Kansas. To get to Castle Rock from K-4 near Utica, turn north at E road just east of Utica near the cemetery. Continue traveling north from E road onto Gove 82 road. Take a left at G road travel west for a mile and again head north on Gove 80 road. Continue on north approximately 5 miles and you are at the Castle Rock entrance. After you visit Castle Rock you can either head south back towards Utica or you can head west to Castle Rock road and then north approximately 12 miles to Quinter Kansas which has I-70 access. www.wildwestcountry.com 19 “A North American Agri-Business Tradition”

SHOW Irrigation Implements Industry Dodge City, Kansas Western State Bank Expo Center ~ 11333 U.S. Hwy. 283

FREE Admission - FREE Parking Cattle Handling ~ Congressional Forums ~ Consumer Products Crop Protection ~ Farm Marchinery & Equipment ~ Health Programs High School Ag Career Day ~ Ride & Drive Opportunities Trucks & Truck Equipment ~ Vintage Saturday and MUCH MORE!

For complete information, visit www.3iSHOW.com

ERN KAN ST S Western Kansas Manufacturers Association E A S W

1700 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd. ~ PO Box 1382 Dodge City, KS 67801 620-227-8082 ~ 877-405-2883 [email protected] ~ www.3iShow.com

20 www.wildwestcountry.com Our landscape diverges from rug- WELCOME . . .“Wild West Country” is a treasure-trove of adventure and intrigue nestled in ged range to rolling hills to flat-out Southwest Kansas. Bound by shared culture and history, this 22 county area is part of the historic farmland. Small town hospitality prairie expanse of the Great High Plains. *Wild West Country is a branded trade-name for the Kan- sas Southwest Travel & Tourism Region. with wide open spaces exemplifies EXPLORE . . .Our landscape diverges from rugged range to rolling hills to flat-out farmland. Americana at its best. With front Small town hospitality with wide open spaces exemplifies Americana at its best. With front row row seats to the celestial milky-way seats to the celestial milky-way and an abundance of sunny clear weather, we are prime for the and an abundance of sunny clear adventurous! weather, we are prime for the adventurous!

EXPERIENCE . . . There’s just something about heading down the road looking for your next escapade. The intrigue of what you might find . . . new people . . . new places . . . mix well with a good dose of spontaneity and see what happens! LOOK . . . for these in Lane County, the cities of Dighton and Healy! The first Renewable Energy Biomass Plant in Kansas Efforts for merging high technology, bioscience & agriculture Vintage architecture & modern streetscapes Electronic message boards & wireless connects Retail shopping wares & customized mechandising goods A variety of celebrations that eminate as a labor of love Historical re-enactments & depictions of infamous figures Jeep crawls that twist the joints of seasoned 4 X 4 drivers Bank fish’ng for blue catfish or skim the top for black crappie Guide hunting for white-tail or mulies, prong-horn & ringnecks Trail rides & 4-wheeler safaries across native rangeland Car shows with muscle cars, motorcycles & antique tractors Poker runs for charitable causes & coast-to-coast bicycle trekkers Bluegrass festivals & rock-n-roll parties Fine-arts display gallery & works studio Mineral and fossil hunting with unique geological formations Indian encampments and frontier trail crossings . . . the list goes on! SHARE THE FUN . . . bring your family & friends . . . ExploreLane County! www.wildwestcountry.com 21 22 www.wildwestcountry.com Looking for an exceptional adven- Travel to the place where the last Indian battle in Kansas was fought. Punished Woman’s Fork, at ture? Then come spend the day or Battle Canyon, is about one mile south of Lake Scott State Park, a State and National Historic Site off of the weekend in Scott County, rich Hwy. 95. A monument overlooks a cave, a canyon, and the bluffs where the Northern Cheyenne hid, waited to ambush the U.S. Cavalry. The creek no longer flows as it did in 1878, but one can still sense in history and full of fun! Breath- the historic drama that took place here. taking views can be found at Lake Duff’s Buffalo Ranch Tours take a ride on the wild side with a buffalo tour! Get up close and person- Scott State Park, Monument Rocks, al with one of the most magnificent animals ever created. In the spring you will have a chance to see or even enjoy your own personal the buffalo cows with their new calves. Duff’s Buffalo Ranch gives tours you won’t soon forget in the buffalo tour. There are also midst of a great buffalo herd! several historical sites, one of them Hidden in the Western Kansas prairie, Lake Scott State Park is a startling oasis of natural springs, being Battle Canyon, which saw the deep wooded canyons, and craggy bluffs. The 1,020-acre park surrounds the 100-acre, spring-fed Lake Scott. Nature trails accommodate hikers, horseback riders and naturalists and provide opportunities last Indian battle in Kansas. You to observe wildlife in natural habitats. especially won’t want to miss El Nearly two centuries before the Steeles homesteaded the area, a group of Taos Indians fleeing Quartelejo Museum, Jerry Thomas Spanish rule migrated to the park region. In 1664 they constructed pueblos and cultivated crops with Gallery & Collection and Keystone irrigation ditches from a nearby spring. From the pueblos came the name El Qaurtelejo, meaning Gallery. “home away from home”. It is the northernmost pueblo in the United States. Herbert Steele first came to Scott County in 1888 and found the present state park area to be an ideal location for homesteading. The Steele Home has been preserved much as it was over a hundred years ago, and serves as a museum displaying the furnishings and tools used by early settlers. El Quartelejo Museum is a unique timeline museum. It leads the visitor through the history of

Scott County from the fossil remains of the inland sea over 80 million years ago through modern-day agriculture. A second building houses vintage tractors & buggies and miscellaneous household and farming artifacts. Jerry Thomas Gallery houses a beautiful array of original artwork by the renowned artist. Jerry’s penchant for realism, incredible detail and historic research and facts has become legendary. His work resides in private and corporate collections in the U.S. and abroad. View the breath-taking Monument Rocks, also known as the Chalk Pyramids. The natural formations are 18 miles north of Scott City, then turn east at Keystone Gallery. This site is the first National Natural Landmark in Kansas designated by the Department of Interior on October 31, 1968. These limestone formations stretch to 50 feet in height. Monument Rocks also has been chosen as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. Keystone Gallery is a combination museum, art gallery and gift shop. The museum section contains an extensive, scientific collection of local Kansas fossils, including a 20-foot Mosasaur and a 14-foot Xiphactinus. www.wildwestcountry.com 23 Wichita County is a community of Leoti, the county seat, is located in the center of the Wichita County at the junction of Highways 25 2,200 residents with an economy and 96. The Museum of the Great Plains and Washington Ames House are located there. based on agriculture and agricultur- Marienthal, located 8 miles east of Leoti, is the home of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Heartland Mill (an organic grain processing plant that ships its products internationally.) ally related businesses. It is home Selkirk, located 11 miles west of Leoti, is the home of an 1887 hand-dug Railroad Well with a Santa to the Wichita County Amusement Fe Depot and Caboose on site. Association’s Community-owned Coronado, (now a ghost town), located 4 miles east of Leoti was the site of the infamous county Carnival, which draws thousands of seat war between Leoti and Coronado, which was considered the “bloodiest” in the state. people every July. Wichita County also has a remarkable Barn Quilt Trail that spans the county.

The 8 Wonders of Wichita County: - Wichita County Courthouse: Plantation Style building, dedicated in 1916 and completed in 1917. Located in Leoti. - Fossil Murals at the Museum of the Great Plains: Painted by Chuck Bonner and dedicated in 2006 to the memory of his father, Paleontologist Marion Bonner. Located in Leoti. - Cargill Cattle Feeders: Largest cattle feedlot in Wichita County. Located 8 miles north of Leoti. - Charlie’s Mexican Restaurant: Known for its fine Mexican food and atmosphere since 1962. Located in Leoti. - Wichita County Fair and Carnival: A county fair started over 100 years ago and hometown carnival known for its 25 cent rides and games. Held annually the 1st weekend in August in Leoti. - White Woman Creek: Legends and ghost stories abound over this creek located in the west part of Wichita County. - Wichita County’s County Seat Fight: A “bloody” February day in 1887 with five killed and 2 more injured (one died later from his injuries). (Information at the Museum of the Great Plains). - Steve Tasker: Pro-football player and sportscaster who attended Wichita County Schools (information at the Museum of the Great Plains). 24 www.wildwestcountry.com Greeley County was named for the For visitors traveling through or overnight guests, Greeley County offers a warm welcome to pioneering editor, Horace Greeley, share in the community’s small town charm. after his famous quote: “Go West Here are few activities to enjoy while visiting Greeley County: • Bask in the beauty of an uninterrupted sunset on the open plains. Young Man.” Visitors to modern day • Walk in the footsteps of early pioneers as you visit the Horace Greeley Museum and the Greeley County will find that pio- community’s historical points. neer, can-do attitude alive and well • Spend a night under star-filled skies. in its residents and community. • Experience Western Kansas hunting at its finest at Barrel Springs Hunt Club or enjoy the county’s vast walk-in spaces. • Play a round of golf at Greeley County’s Prairie Ridge Golf Course. • Bowl a few games and enjoy dinner at The Alley Bar & Grill.

• Tour the Greeley County Library and experience its unique architecture and welcoming atmosphere. • Take in a new movie at Tribune’s community-owned and operated Star Theater. • Dine on local cuisine and experience local culture at the Alley Bar & Grill, Karen’s Kitchen, or The Trench. • In the summer, enjoy the Greeley County Pool, which features a wading pool and slides. • Have a picnic at one the community’s parks: Peggy’s Place, Holland Park, City Park and Orchard Park. • Find antique treasures at Colleen’s Place of Antiques and Karen’s Kitchen Antiques and Collectibles. • Play Sunday night Bingo at VFW Post 7521. • Challenge your friends to a match on Tribune’s newly refinished tennis courts. • Visit with family and make new friends at the Greeley County Fair, the June Jaunt, or any of the community’s other family-friendly events. • Shop at local, family-owned businesses including Crosswire Tire & Auto, Dixon Drug True Value, The Flower Shoppe, Gooch’s Foods, The Isle Boutique, Moser’s Garage, Myers Implement, Pierce Lumber, Sacks on Broadway, and T-Town Liquors. • Put technology to work as you check out local geocaches. • Stay at Barrel Springs Hunt Club, the Beary Nice Cabin, Colleen’s Country Cottage Lodging, Grandma Pile’s Guest House, Jules’ B & C (Bed & Coffee), the Loft Guest House, Prairie Lavender & Sage Guest House, the Sunflower Guest House, or the Trails End Motel. For hours, contact details, and further information, visit www.greeleycounty.org. www.wildwestcountry.com 25 26 www.wildwestcountry.com www.wildwestcountry.com 27 28 www.wildwestcountry.com The Syracuse Sand Park is the larg- American patriotism runs strong in Hamilton County. Dedicated on November, 2003, the est sand dunes park in Kansas and Western Kansas Veterans Memorial is a moving tribute to veterans living and deceased from all one of the largest in the Midwest. branches of the military. Honored veterans are not limited to Hamilton County, and include a number of dignitaries. Opened in 2007, the park offers over The town of Syracuse began as a water tank and a railroad side track in 1873. By 1888 it had a 1,300 acres of amazing dunes, population of 1,300. Syracuse has always been a popular place to live, with many opportunities rolling hills, bowls and some linked to the land; it lies along the Arkansas River making it one of the most productive areas for fast flat areas that will appeal to wheat, hay, corn and milo. Our agriculture-based economy is also fortified with feedlots and dair- the sand drag enthusiasts. The ies. The huge elevators and shiny railroad tracks reveal the major source of our prosperity. park also includes a 40-plus acre Syracuse is a town of values and friendliness, and is an excellent place to raise a family. Syracuse kid-friendly fishing pond that has is the county seat of Hamilton [HM] County. We have an active downtown, a movie theatre and well- stocked library. Our town supplies many activities throughout the year. been stocked. Located 1 mile south The mascot of the high school is a bulldog and evidence of school spirit is everywhere. A giant of Syracuse on Hwy. 27. statue of a bulldog sits in front of the school and our mascot is represented all over town.

Coolidge, Kansas is an a historic, western town that served as an outlier for cowboys moving cattle across the Great Plains from the Texas Panhandle region on the National Cattle Trail through “No Man’s Land”. No Man’s Land referred to a three-mile strip where the Kansas and Colorado borders failed to meet. Known for being a little rowdy, the town entertained the likes of Bat Mas- terson, Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Today, Coolidge is a sleepy, hospitable town of roughly 100 residents that has a rich history and western charm. Situated along the Santa Fe Trail, Coolidge is home to such notable history as the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, Harvey House (no longer standing), an old west jail house and the crown jewel – Potter’s Opera House. Potter’s Opera House was built in 1886 and was placed on the Kansas Register of Historic Places in 2011. Kendall, Kansas is an unincorporated town in Hamilton County, located 12 miles southwest of Syracuse. Kendall was originally know as Aubrey due to its close proximity to old Fort Aubrey. The Fort Aubrey site was originally established in 1850 by the U.S. Army as a temporary resting place for traveling troops. As Indian troubles increased in 1865 a permanent fort was built by two compa- nies of the 48th Wisconsin Infantry. Fort Aubrey was closed in 1866. In 1886 frontiersman Charles “Buffalo” Jones - alarmed by the pending extinction of the buffalo - set off from Kendall toward the Texas Panhandle to capture some of the remaining animals and return them to Kansas. www.wildwestcountry.com 29 Wards

30 www.wildwestcountry.com From the Kearny County Museum In 1974, the museum property, one-half city block, was given to the Kearny County Historical to Indian Mound and Charlie’s Society by Jennie Rose O’Loughlin, daughter of John and Mary O’Loughlin. The museum complex Ruts that were declared a National consists of the museum building and annex, the White House, the School House, Santa Fe Depot, Farm Machinery building and the Round Barn, totaling over 20,000 square feet of historical Historic Trail, there is something displays. for every history buff in Kearny The museum also houses a large reference library, with volumes reaching back as far as 1847. County. Researchers will find a wealth of information on the history and people of Kearny County, including special family files that are available for those seeking their family’s history. Extensive files are kept in the archives along with original newspapers and other publications, photographs and microfilm. The main building houses a wide variety of displays. Visit the turn-of-the-century parlor, dining room, and kitchen. Browse through the general store and millinery shop. Stop by the Hospital, Doctor’s office or Barbershop. Glassware, china, clothing, jewelry, watchmakers’ tools, and a newspaper linotype are also among the displays.

The annex exhibits include musical instruments, military items, quilts & sewing machines, photography, government, western, appliances through the years, tools & blacksmith, pre-historic, a Santa Fe Trail information display and a Conestoga Wagon. Charlie’s Ruts - Declared a National Historic Trail May 8, 1987, 4 miles east and up and over the bank of the ditch, one can see the wagon ruts of the Santa Fe Trail. You will notice a difference in the color and texture of the grass in the ruts. This is characteristic of the ruts along the trail. Between Pawnee Rock and Santa Fe, New Mexico, it was customary for the wagons to travel four abreast. This allowed for quicker circling in case of attack. During the early years of the trail, this was the boundary between Mexico and the United States. Chouteau’s Island had disappeared because of erosion by the Arkansas River, but it was located due south of Indian Mound during the Santa Fe Trail days. It was here in 1829 that the first military escort on the Trail camped while the trader caravan proceeded to Santa Fe. In the spring of 1816, Auguste P. Chouteau’s hunting party, traveling east with a winter’s catch of furs was attacked near the Arkansas River by 200 Pawnees. Retreating to what was once an island five miles southwest of the marker the hunters beat them off with the loss of only one man. In 1825, increased travel on the Santa Fe Trail brought a government survey and Chouteau’s Island was listed as a turning off place for the dangerous “Jornada” to the Cimarron. For a time, the river here was the Mexican boundary. Indian Mound, a prominent point west of Lakin, Kansas, stands as it did many years ago when Joseph C. Brown, a government engineer and his surveying expedition made official note of it in 1825. Back in the Trail’s “hey day”, Indian Mound was much higher and larger. Indian Mound is approximately 5 miles southwest of Lakin, Kansas. www.wildwestcountry.com 31 Dusty Trails from page 6

32 www.wildwestcountry.com For over 30 years, Garden City has Just the name Garden City evokes visions of dreamy fields and breathtaking sunsets. As you been the host for Kansas’ longest enter our corner of Southwest Kansas, you will be transported by the amber waves of grain and the running professional golf tour- fresh tilled fields. But wait there is so much more… Garden City is home to the area’s largest Zoo. The Lee Richardson Zoo has 50 acres of discov- nament, The Southwest Kansas ery, with over 350 animals from around the world and a variety of botanicals from the area. You Pro-Am. Lastin almost a week, the will experience the majesty of the mighty lion all the way to the tenderness of the tiniest bird. The Pro-Am consists of many different Zoo also takes an active role in global conservation programs aimed at protecting the many rare events along with the main tourna- and endangered species. Look for the species ment, proving there is something survival plan symbol throughout the Zoo. For for everyone. With 2017 being the your convenience, a cell phone tour is available 38th Anniversary of the Southwest, to guide you through the Zoo and as an AZA accredited (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Kansas Pro-Am plans are underway facility, you are assured you are visiting a place to add additional events and bring that is dedicated to providing excellent care for back events held in years past. the animals and a great experience for you and your family. If wondering through our lovely Zoo is not for you, then hit the links for the best golf Kansas has to offer. Buffalo Dunes, a municipal course was rated the number one municipal course in the nation by Golf Digest and is always at the top of the list in the best bang for your buck category. This challenging regulation course is co-host to the Southwest Kansas Pro-Am annually. Over 400 golfers come to Garden City the first week of August to compete in Kansas longest running Pro-Am tournament. The Golf Club at Southwind (co-host) is also a regulation golf course and is reciprocal with other country clubs. Garden City is host to many golfing events of notoriety including the Amer- ican Junior Golf Association Kansas Championship and most recently, the Garden City Charity Classic, a stop on the Symetra tour, the road to the LPGA! After a long hot day on the course, cool down in the World’s largest Hand Dug Pool AKA (THE BIG POOL). The pool is one city block of pure refreshment for visitors and the community to enjoy. Built in 1922, the big pool is a part of history that is still making a huge splash nearly 90 years later. Always moving forward Garden City added a new splash park to further enhance the pool park. If you are looking for entertainment all year round for the family, come enjoy our indoor water park “Parrot Cove”, which is equipped with a lazy river, slides that suspend the riders outside of the building, a rock-climbing wall, and an arcade! Garden City is also host to several festivals such as Beef Empire Days and a PRCA Rodeo, the Tumbleweed Music Festival and Mexican Fiesta, just to name a few. Finally, you can top off your evening at one of Garden City’s many fine eateries. With such a diverse community base, you can travel the world from restaurant to restaurant, with foods from Vietnam, Mexico, that good ole Southwest Kansas steak or anything else your heart desires. Check into one of our fine hotels and rest peacefully as you are treated like family in any of our lodging facilities. We invite you to come experience Garden City, Kansas. For more information please call 1-800- 879- 9803 or visit us on the web at www.finneycountycvb.com www.wildwestcountry.com 33 Montezuma ads

34 www.wildwestcountry.com Gray County is a county located in Gray County was founded in 1881 and named for Alfred Gray. Between 1887 and 1893, a county Southwest Kansas in the Central seat war took place in Gray County that involved several notable Old Westfigures, such as Bat United States. In 1887, Gray County Masterson, Bill Tilghman and Ben Daniels. As a result of the dispute, Cimarron became the permanent county seat of Gray County in 1896. was organized, having been origi- The Santa Fe Trail follows through Cimarron. Wagons carried trade and supplies each day trav- nally a part of Ford County. At that eling about 17 miles per day. The most direct route was through the Cimarron Crossing. The actual time, Cimarron had a population of point of crossing was somewhere between the present towns of Cimarron and Ingalls, depending approximately 1,500. Gray County on the condition of the Arkansas River. The Cimarron Crossing Park has two markers describing includes the cities of Cimarron, the trail through this area. Montezuma, Ingalls, Copeland and Cimarron, a steadily growing community located between historic Dodge City and Garden Ensign. City in western Kansas, is home to over 2,262 residents and a variety of retail, service and manufacturing businesses. Cimarron offers a high quality of life in a friendly, small-town atmosphere, diverse recreational opportunities, including a recreation center, baseball fields, city park and municipal golf course. The area is well known for hunting, hiking, biking, 4-wheeling and other outdoor pursuits.

Montezuma, with a current certified population of 988, is a self-sufficient and fast growing community. The main industries in the area are agriculture or agriculture-related. Montezuma is a clean town with many positive qualities not found in most small towns of its size, such as paved streets, medical services, 3 churches, grocery store, coffee house, a new drug store, restaurant, city library and weekly newspaper. Other assets include Bethel Home, a renowned extended care facility, a senior center, a 9-hole golf course, an RV park, a recently paved municipal airport, and the Stauth Memorial Museum. Ingalls is located north of the Arkansas River on Hwy US-50. The Santa Fe Trail passed through the town site long before it was permanently settled and two small markers erected by the DAR in 1906 mark this route. Ingalls, founded in 1884 by Asa T. Soule, a millionaire and early Kansas investor, named it for John J. Ingalls, then a U.S. Senator from Kansas. Mr. Soule had grand dreams of building a canal from Ingalls to Spearville, KS to take water from the Arkansas and use it for irrigation. Mounds of dirt excavated during construction still mark the route and one of the giant pumps from the Soule Canal is on display in front of the local museum. Ingalls lost its last battle to be county seat in 1896 after a long and violent struggle with nearby Cimarron. Gray county’s first settler, D. W. “Doc” Barton (1850-1946) came to Western Kansas in 1872 to graze Texas cattle on the open rangeland. He was very successful until he was bankrupted by the Great Blizzard of January 1886. Ensign, was originally laid out 1 mile south and 1.5 miles west of the current city location in 1887. The current town site was established in May, 1912 at the location staked out and numbered by the Santa Fe Railroad. Copeland - named after E. L. Copeland, secretary-treasurer of the Santa Fe Railroad. www.wildwestcountry.com 35 36 www.wildwestcountry.com Meade County is the definition of Fowler: Leave Highway 54 just west of the Pit Stop convenience store and journey north across rural America . . . agriculturally the railroad tracks and you are on Main Street in Fowler. If you’re hungry or thirsty you will find it based with three small towns and well worth the stop. The Neon 57 is like walking back into the 1950s . . . here you can buy great sandwiches, yummy hundreds of farms and ranches. You homemade desserts, or cool off with a soft drink or ice cream creation. The Neon is also a great lit- will finde here small family-owned tle gift shop with unique items. Prepare to find yourself lingering much longer than you expected. businesses offering totally unique The Duck Inn is where you’d go to cool off with a cold beer and feast on the best burgers in the restaurants, cafes and taverns . . . county. You will meet some friendly folks there and leave with a smile on your face . . . guaranteed. pumping gas at convenience stores, Medrano’s Restaurant offers great Mexican food as well as American fare. Family owned and offering rooms in small friendly operated, Medrano’s offers consistently good food and service. motels and spaces to rent in camp- Meade: US-54 goes right through the center of Meade . . . so you can’t miss it! Meade is the largest town in Meade County as well as the county seat. The traveler will find lots of options in grounds. Every county has its story Meade . . . be it food, lodging, gas or groceries. . . . we invite you to visit and get acquaited with ours.

PHOTO BY [email protected] Hungry? Bob’s Drive-in on east Hwy 54 offers burgers, fries, shakes and soft-serve ice cream, dine in or carry out… the Cancun Mexican Grill downtown offers authentic Mexican fare… Love’s Country Store on the stoplight corner (54 &23) has a full-sized Subway if a sandwich is in order… the Chuckwagon on west Hwy 54 offers a meat & potatoes menu like hand-breaded chicken fried steaks and homemade pies… Pizza Hut offers its familiar Italian menu… and if you venture north on Post street half a block you will find Bart’s Tavern if light food and a cold beer are on your mind. Need lodging? The Circle-O Motel & RV Park on E. Hwy 54 can give you a place to park your RV (32 sites) and 6 motel rooms. The Dalton’s Bedpost on E. Hwy 54 is all done up like the Wild West offering clean rooms at reasonable rates. The Moon Mist Budget Host Motel on W. Hwy 54 has 23 rooms, breakfast, and a restaurant nearby. Plains: On the western edge of Meade County, Plains serves as the hub of an expansive, irrigated farming area. Turn north from Highway 54 at the EZ Stop convenience store and cross the railroad tracks to enter Grand Avenue . . . the widest Main street in the USA! If hunger strikes as you go through Plains, you might eat at Mama Fina’s Mexican restaurant on Hwy. 54… pull into the EZ Stop for something quick… or go on downtown where you will find J&D Donuts & Deli which offers a great little café in addition to pastries… or perhaps you’d like to cool off at the Plains Tavern for a great burger and glass of cold beer. Each of these eateries offers home-town ambiance you won’t find in the big city. www.wildwestcountry.com 37 38 www.wildwestcountry.com Organized July 1, 1887, Haskell Haskell County was organized July 12, 1887 when it was sliced off of the southern part of Finney County was named in honor of County. The town of Santa Fe was named the temporary county seat in 1887. Haskell County is the Dudley C. Haskell, of Lawrence, who flattest county in the State of Kansas. The first train pulled into Haskell County in October, 1912, some seven miles south of Santa Fe. Its whistle was the signal for Santa Fe to pull stakes and move died while serving the State as Con- to Sublette and Satanta, new towns founded on the railroad. The county population is 4,256 accord- gressman, December 16, 1883. ing to the 2010 census. Sublette was voted the official county seat in 1920. The town was incorporated March 5, 1923. The petition to incorporate was signed by approximately 80 residents of Sublette. Sublette took its name from William Sublette, one of the first to engage in the business of hunting, trapping and trading in the country west of the Missouri River. Sublette is strategically located in Southwest Kansas, nearly equidistant from Dodge City, Garden City and Liberal, with two highways that intersect at the west edge of town. Our current population is 1,453. For more information visit www. sublettekansas.com

On October 22, 1912, Satanta was the last town named by the AT & SF Railroad. This community was named for the famous Kiowa Indian Chief Set’tain-te, also known as the “Orator of the Plains”. In observance of Kansas’ Sesquicentennial in 2011, Governor Brownback selected Chief Satanta as being one of the first five Notable Kansans. Today, Satanta continues to be a thriving, farming community. The citizens take pride in their schools, medical facilities, exceptional housing for the aging, as well as organizations such as the Satanta Arts Council, Satanta Chamber of Commerce, emergency personnel/vehicles and seven active churches. The current population is 1,129. The chief business of Haskell County is agriculture. The discovery of gas in large quantities under nearly every quarter section of land has had a profound effect on the manner of our agriculture and industry. There are several cattle feed yards in the county, with 444,000 head of cattle fed daily if all the feed yards are at capacity.

www.wildwestcountry.com 39 40 www.wildwestcountry.com We would love to have you come Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Dorothy’s official hometown of Liberal, Kansas, where you can visit Seward County where we have become a part of the “Wizard of Oz” story. a tremendous amount of history, Skip with your Dorothy tour guide as you visit her home, a farmhouse built in 1907, carefully restored and furnished to replicate the house shown in the movie, reproducing the warmth of attractions and wide-open spaces the farm where Dorothy realized, “There’s no place like home.” Then fly into the Land of Oz, 5,000 for you to see. One of our most noted square feet of good and bad witches, Munchkins, talking trees, winged monkeys, and of course, landmarks is the Samson of the Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and Toto, too. Cimarron. An engineering marvel History buffs will also get a chance to tour Coronado Museum, where the history of Seward at the time it was built in 1938, the County comes alive with displays dating back to Coronado’s travels as he searched for the seven bridge is 1,200 feet long and 100 feet cities of gold. To reach Dorothy’s House and the historical museum just turn north off Highway 54 above the riverbed. Support pylons on Yellow Brick Road and travel one block. were driven to a depth of 165 feet to resist the shifting quicksand of the then swift Cimarron River.

Try your hand at being the pilot at Mid-America Air Museum, one of the largest general aviation museum in Kansas and one of the largest in the nation. Aircraft, flight simulators, hands on exhibits and educational videos make this a place to spend hours learning about all aspects of flight. Dwight Eisenhower’s Air Force One, a Beech Starship, LTV A-70 Corsair II and a 1937 Rearwin Sportster 7000 are just a few of the over 100 aircraft you will see. Come visit anytime but if you come on Fat or Shrove Tuesday, you are in for a treat as you can watch the International Pancake Race, a friendly competition with Olney, England, bringing the USA and the United Kingdom together in a symbol of peace and unity. A tradition since 1950, the women of Liberal and Olney square off in a fun, fast-paced race to the finish line carrying skillets complete with pancakes inside. While the race is the featured event, the 4-day Pancake Day Festival also includes eating and flipping contests, a talent show, All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast, children’s and men’s races, a Shriving Service, Live Video Chat with England and a parade. Kismet, the only other town in Seward County, is also well known for a long standing local event—the Little World’s Fair. A truly family event, the Little World’s Fair kicks off Saturday evening of Labor Day weekend with an old-fashioned street dance featuring a live band. Labor Day kicks off early with 5K and 10K runs and breakfast. Other events throughout the day include a parade, free ham and bean feed, turtle races, bike, trike and stick horse races, water balloon toss, three-legged race and a carnival. Events are added and substrated each year to keep the event fun for those who always attend and those who are coming for the first time. For more information go to VisitLiberal.com or call 1-800-Liberal. www.wildwestcountry.com 41 42 www.wildwestcountry.com SOMEHOW Ulysses is the county seat of Grant County and is located near the center of the county. It’s the Western Kansas kind of gets you, largest town in a six county region and serves as a regional shopping area. You leave its paths behind; At the height of the county seat contest between Ulysses and Appomattox in 1888, Ulysses boasted a population of 2,000 and supported twelve restaurants, four hotels, several other busi- Only to find you, somehow, nesses, six gambling houses, and twelve saloons according to information from the Historic Adobe Can’t get it from your mind; Museum. The battle was so expensive that the town of Ulysses went deeply into debt. In 1909, the The shadows of the summer’s eve buildings of the town were moved three miles to the present site to prevent foreclosure at the old The columns in the snow townsite. Only a masonry school was left behind for the East Coast bondholders. Stop by the His- Seem to keep calling, somehow, toric Adobe Museum and tour the Old Hotel which is a part of the hotel that stood on the original No matter where you go. town site. The Old Hotel has been restored and is furnished with items from that time period. The Your steps seem to travel Historic Adobe Museum was voted one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas History for the depiction of the Dust Bowl Days captured by a local photographer. The museum, constructed of adobe blocks in the The old familiar gait; 1930s, is listed on the State Historic Register. And like old friends the buildings And the lowing cattle wait — Almost before you know it Your feet will take the track And like a homesick pilgrim You’ll come roaming back. By Judge Herbert Rhoades, Omaha, Nebraska County Attorney, Grant County 1906-1913

The town (and Grant County) was named for Ulysses Grant (1822-1885), Union general in the Civil War and 18th president of the United States. There is also a Ulysses in Nebraska, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Idaho; the one in Kansas is the largest.The North fork of the Cimarron River wanders across Grant County, passing just south of Ulysses. The broad valley carved by the often dry river provides a dramatic setting for the town. The Santa Fe Trail wagon wheel ruts can be seen in several locations throughout the county. Lower Cimarron Springs, known today as Wagon Bed Springs, sits in the southern part of the county. It was an oasis on the route followed by most travelers to Santa Fe prior to the Mexican War. The springs were located on the most dangerous stretch of the journey to Santa Fe. Not only were the springs a welcome site to thirsty travelers, but they also served as a watering spot for immense herds of buffalo and prairie animals as well as for Indians of the area. Highways US 160 and K-25 intersect at Ulysses. The Santa Fe railroad also serves the town.

www.wildwestcountry.com 43 Discover Stevens PLACES TO STAY Motels B & B Motel Hagman Motor Lodge th County Hwys 51 & 56 415 E. 11 620-544-2466 620-544-2712

Best Western Shady Lane B&B Stevens County Inn 110 N. Main 1004 E. 11th (Hwy. 51) 620-544-7747 620-544-7766 RESTAURANTS & SUPPER CLUBS Hugoton Flamingo Motel China Restaurant Pizza Hut 709 S. Main 610 E. 11th 601 E. 11th 620-544-4382 Dominos Mexican Grill Ranchito Tex-Mex 506 S. Main 611 S. Main

Hunting Lodge Jet Drive In Sonic Sandwells Outdoor Lodge 401 S. Main 611 E. 11th 902 Road S McDonald’s Subway 620-453-1125 612 E. 11th 1025 S. Trindle RV Parks Eagle RV Park Nieto’s Café Just south of Intersection Hwy’s 56 & 25 110 W. 4th 620-544-3069 or 620-544-5293 Moscow Antlers Bar & Grill Hugoton RV Campground 102 Antlers Dr. 1039 West City Limits 620-544-4080

44 www.wildwestcountry.com

The County Seat and Largest City in Stevens County, Kansas is a progressive county with a “Vision for the Future”. Our community Stevens County is Hugoton, which is diversified with a milk processing plant, ethanol plant, feed lots and dairies. We enjoy outstand- has long been known as the “Nat- ing educational, recreational and medical facilities. Stevens County is also blessed with thousands ural Gas Capital”. Hugoton was of acres of irrigated farmland. Our greatest asset, however, is our friendly people. The Stevens County Gas & Historical Museum was established as a memento of the Hugot- originally named Hugo in honor of on Gas Field and the progressive development of Stevens County. There are displays of Indian French writer Victor Hugo, but then artifacts, early 1900 furnishings, farming tools, as well as a printing and western shop that bring changed to Hugoton to distingish it back life in the days of long ago. Completely restored buildings on the half-block museum complex from Hugo, Colorado. Natural gas include the Santa Fe Hugoton Train Depot. was discovered southwest of the city in 1927, leading to the development of the Hugoton Natural Gas Area and the transformation of Hugoton into a major center of natural gas extraction. The Hugoton natural gas field is the largest such field in North America and the second largest in the world.

The Beautiful Forewinds Golf Course is a nine-hole oasis on the prairie. The course rating is 35.0 and has a slope rating of 113 on bluegrass. The course is open year round. Located in Hugoton City Park, the Hugoton swimming pool is an oasis on a hot, summer day. The pool is opened at the end of May and stays open through August.

Hugoton/Stevens County Events *Information on all events listed can be found on our website www.stevenscountyks.com Park Day/July 4th Celebration is Hugoton’s annual celebration of the nation’s independence, and has become a tradition! Park Day always takes place on Independence Day in Hugot- on’s city park beginning at 9 am. We welcome all vendors, have large inflatables for the kids, and hold an annual Little Miss/Mr. Hugoton Pageant for ages 0-3, along with many other activities and plethora of great tasting food. Contact Alisha at the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-544-4305 for more information. High Plains Music Fest and Craft Show - September 9th, 2017 (2nd weekend in Septem- ber) *Craft Fair 10-6 at Eagle RV Park – Music at Dirtona Raceway 4pm-Midnight. Join us for an incredible evening of Red Dirt Country, Classic Country, and Southern Rock! Contact the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-544-4305 or Jan Leonard 620-544-3069.

www.wildwestcountry.com 45 46 www.wildwestcountry.com The Cimarron National Grassland, Small parks within the communities have their own enhancements. Depending on the park, one north of Elkhart, reclaimed from may find cooking facilities, picnic areas, playground equipment or tennis and basketball courts. the Dust Bowl, is over 108,000 acres The newest city park, Whistle Stop Park, runs parallel to the railroad tracks of Elkhart and covers 23.5 acres. Visitors will find a trail suitable for walking, roller blading, bicycling, or relaxing on of multiple use land that is admin- benches next to the trail. istered by the USDA Forest Service. The Cimarron National Grassland, north of Elkhart, is the largest parcel of public land in the State Trails allow visitors to see first-hand of Kansas. Arising from the Dust Bowl, it is over 108,000 acres of multiple use land that is adminis- the native flora and fauna indige- tered by the USDA Forest Service. Trails allow visitors to see first-hand the native flora and fauna nous to the area. Mule and white tail indigenous to the area. Mule and white tail deer, foxes, coyotes, blue quail, and pronghorn are among deer, foxes, coyotes, blue quail, and the wildlife that can often be spotted on the Grassland. Also look out for lizards, turtles, and snakes, pronghorn are among the wildlife including prairie rattlesnakes. The Companion Trail follows the Santa Fe National Historical Trail, that can often be spotted on the Grassland. Other recreational interests on the Grassland include bird watching (over 360 species), fishing, hunting, camping, and picnic areas.

of which 23 miles crosses the Grassland. Other recreational interests on the Grassland include bird watching (over 360 species), fishing, hunting, camping, and picnic areas. The Cimarron Recreation Area includes a campground; drinkable (potable) water during the summer season; four fishing ponds, including one with a dock for persons with disabilities; vault toilets; and a designated group site that can be rented. The USDA Forest Service office, located on U.S. Highway 56 in Elkhart, offers information and maps about auto tours, hunting, ATV trails, and more. Morton County . . . a land of contrast and historical diversification. Coronado traveled across this land on his return to Mexico. Kiowa, Cherokee and Apache Indians hunted buffalo until Army gener- als ordered the massacre of 400,000 in one day, believing “the only way to get rid of the Indians was to kill the buffalo.”Twenty-three miles of the Historic Santa Fe Trail cross 108,000 acres of the Cimarron National Grassland. Today one can still see ruts and the site where freight wagons camped at Middle Spring and used Point of Rocks as a lookout point from 1821-1880. A former trading post, Richfield became the county seat. It was shot up on many a Saturday night by cowboys who traveled the National Cattle Trail from Texas to Nebraska because of the cattle quar- antine. The Santa Fe Trail Railroad headed southwest from Dodge City, and the towns of Rolla, Wilburton and Elkhart sprung up along the southern border because of the tracks. Morton County was established in 1886 and after several battles for the county seat, it was moved from Richfield to Elkhart in 1961. A land of notable people, two Olympic medal winners . . . Glenn Cunningham and Thane Baker call Morton County “home”. Elease Tucker, 1962 World Barrel Racer trained and practiced her sport in Morton County. Ranching and farming were the main businesses until the latter 1950’s when natural gas was discovered. Land owners who have retained their “mineral rights” during the Dirty 30’s realized their “dream” and the country became prosperous and progressive. www.wildwestcountry.com 47 Not every town welcomes you with a flag flying high on a 90 foot tall flagpole, but Johnson City, in Stanton County, does. A vibrant county, that is tucked up against the Colorado border, Stanton County is a great place to visit and a wonderful place to call home. Stanton County is named after President Lincoln’s Secretary of War, Edwin McMasters Stanton, an indication that the county was platted much earlier than the organizational date of 1887. One of the earliest towns was also named Edwin. Johnson City was voted to be the county seat after a some- what acerbic battle with the town of Eli, whose chief backer was C.J. “Buffalo” Jones of Garden City. Johnson City was named after a Santa Fe Railroad land commissioner, Colonel A.S. Johnson--the ploy didn’t work as the railroad did not come to Stanton County until 1922 when the first work train pulled into to Johnson City. The other towns that still remain, Big Bow and Manter, were named by the Santa Fe Railroad.

The early history of Stanton County begins with the ranchers and homesteaders, often living in sod homes, who took advantage of the many opportunities this new land provided. They survived the early years of drought and insects, weathered the storms of dust and depression, and still continue to meet the challenges of surviving on the high plains. Agriculture, both farming and animal feed- ing, are the major industries in Stanton County. The county population remains around 2,600 and residents enjoy many amenities with fine schools, a wonderful museum and library, a golf course, a modern airport, community concert association, and active recreation programs. One of the most often asked questions is, “Is it Johnson or Johnson City?” The answer is...both. When the city was registered in 1886, it was registered with the state of Kansas as the City of Johnson City. The postmaster registered the post office as simply Johnson. That is why mail comes to Johnson, Kansas and transportation map show it as Johnson City. Pioneer Day is the big celebration, usually held on the fourth Saturday in July, when the town comes together to for the 4-H fair and town-wide activities sponsored by many organizations. Satur- day kicks of with a fun run and breakfast and the fun doesn’t end until the Stanton County Historical Society’s ice cream social on Sunday afternoon. Stanton County Museum Stanton County Museum shares the history of Stanton County and the surrounding area with a focus on the Paleo-Indian Winger Bison Kill Site, early town history and growth, the impact of the Dust Bowl and Depression, and the growth of modern agriculture. The exhibits found at the museum tell these stories and many more. A complete collection of county newspapers and other archival materials are available for research. Stanton County Museum moved into the current location in 1992. The museum complex features 6 historic buildings, including a 1935 Public Works Project native stone building. Museum hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 am -5:00 pm. Evening and weekend tours are available by special appointment. Special programs are planned throughout the year to also offer weekend access. Inquiries for field trips and other group tours are always welcomed. Field trips and school programs are planned to meet state educational standards. 48 www.wildwestcountry.com with a practice round for all competitors. On Monday, What’s Happening in Wild West Country . . . April 18th, teams will play 18 holes followed by 18 holes on January AMBUCS Home & Leisure Show; Western State Bank Tuesday, April 19th. FMI: contact Scott Crawford at (316) 337-5999 or Buffalo Dunes at (620) 276-1210. Tournament of Champions; United Wireless Arena. Expo Center; FMI: 620-225-3430; Check out all things for FMI: 620-227-1777, Kansas’ longest running high school the home and your leisure time, getting ready for Spring. KCAC Women’s Golf Championship April 23-25, 2017: The basketball tournament for various size schools Vendors galore. Mar. 3-5. Women's KCAC Golf Championship Tournament will be held over a three-day period at Buffalo Dunes Golf SPIAAA High School Basketball Tournament; United Wire- To My Plate and Beyond explores the world of healthy Course. The tournament will begin on Sunday, April 17th less Arena; FMI 620-723-2145 Southern Plains-Iroquois eating with Max & Munch as they go on a healthy food with a practice round for all competitors. On Monday, Athletics Association League for 1A & 2A teams. adventure– this exhibit provides exciting opportunities April 18th, teams will play 18 holes followed by 18 holes on Miss Southwest Kansas Pageant is one of the premier to experience hands-on benefits of healthy eating habits! Tuesday, April 19th. FMI: contact Scott Crawford at pageants leading up to the Miss Kansas Pageant. Multiple Their exploration of the world of MyPlate uses simple (316) 337-5999 or Buffalo Dunes at (620) 276-1210. titles are given with substantial scholarships awarded to guidelines for healthy eating put out by the USDA in 2011. Spring Fling brings out bargains galore at this trade show the winners. The pageant is held in January each year at Exhibit toured by Purdue University Agriculture Exhibit on April 21-23, 2017 at Grant County Civic Center, Ulysses. the Kepley Middle School Auditorium in Ulysses. Contact Design Center. On display at the Stauth Memoral Muse- Great local, regional and out-of-state vendors. Entertain- the Grant County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism um, Montezuma March 11, 2018 to May 27, 2018. FMI: ment throughout the 3-day show. Contact the Grant Co. FMI: 620-356-4700. 620.846.2527 www.stauthmemorialmuseum.org Chamber of Commerce & Tourism FMI: 620-356-4700. Winter Expo; Western State Bank Expo Center; FMI: Antique Appraisal Fair March 12, 2017: This is a live, all-day Kansas High School Rodeo; FMI: 620-225-2244 or www. www.facebook.com/WinterExpo or 620-225-8080 event, styled like the Antiques Road Show television dodgecityroundup.org Tomorrow’s Rodeo stars, today. Several Specialty Trade Shows in ONE BIG EVENT! program, during which participants bring heirloom Apr 21-23 It's a Woman Thing, Big Boy Toys, Lawn Flower and items to be evaluated on stage by a panel of antique deal- Garden, Gun Show, New Car Show, "El Mercado!", Kids ers and other experts. The event raises funds for the Dodge City Raceway Park season opens; Dodge City Race- Corner, Fashion Shows, Food Vendors, Entertainment Finney County Museum, while providing history-related way Park FMI: 620-225-3277 or www.dodgecityraceway. com. Do you have a need for speed? Then Dodge City February information and entertainment for participants, spectators, and collectors. For more information, contact Steve Raceway Park is the right place for you and your family Shrine Circus (3-Ring); Dodge City Civic Center; FMI 620- Quakenbush at (620) 272-3664. each summer! This 3/8 mile dirt track hosts thousands 255-3720; Family fun for children of all ages. An opportu- of racing fans each season and boasts an impressive nity for making memories that last. Feb 24-26 Spring In Scott Barrel Racing March 4, March 18 : This is a racing schedule. Apr 15, Apr 29, May 6, May 25, June 3, barrel race series held over several weekends at the Scott June 16, June 17, July 1, July 15, July 28, Aug 19, Sept. 16, Annual Gun & Coin Show will be held at the Grant County City Indoor Arena. Call 620-874-0964 for information. Civic Center in Ulysses in February. Contact the Civic Oct. 27-28, 2017 Center FMI: 620-356-1808 Dust Bowl Marathon which consists of 5 marathons in 5 Camp Wild Women at HorseThief Reservoir Event is by states in 5 days will run the middle marathon in Ulysses International Pancake Day- Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday Reservation Only and limited to 70 Held at HorseThief at Frazier Park beginning early morning. Grant County Reservoir, 19005 SW Hwy 156 in Jetmore, KS. This is a many people are familiar with the Mardi Gras celebra- Tourism will host a reception the evening before the race tion on the day before Lent. But in Liberal Kansas the day Women’s Only Outdoor Skills Training Camp. Certified on March 23, 2017 at the Historic Adobe Museum from Instructors: Handguns, rifles, shotguns, archery, Wom- before Lent means just one thing – it’s Pancake Day. The 5-7p.m. The race takes place on March 24, 2017. Contact friendly little competition between Liberal and Olney, en’s Self Defense, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding the Grant County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism in the daytime . . . by night it’s a “Glampfire Girls” Event England, with women running down the streets of each FMI: 620-356-4700. town with pancakes, has been going on for more the 60 filled with Glamping (Glamour Camping), food and drink. years now. It is still the only race of its kind on the planet. April FMI: www.hodgemancountyks.com, find us on FaceBook, Pancake breakfast kicks off the day at the Seward County Spring In Scott Barrel Racing April 1, April 22, This is a or call 620.357.5561 Activity Center. 620-624-6423 www.pancakeday.net barrel race series held over several weekends at the Scott The Cruisin' into Summer Car, Bike & Buggy Show is held Firemen’s Ball Hodgeman County 4H Bldg. , Jetmore; 5:00 City Indoor Arena. Call 620-874-0964 for information. the last Saturday in April. Three blocks of Main Street p.m. – Midnight; Annual Fundraiser Extravaganza for the Depot Theater Spring Production; Santa Fe Depot; FMI are blocked off for this annual event. All kinds of cars Jetmore Volunteer Fire Dept. www.hodgemancountyks 620-225-1001 or depottheaterco.com/ Offering state- from restored Model Ts to new makes as well as a com. of-the-art dinner theater productions, cutting-edge number of motorcycles and sand vehicles are on display for all to enjoy. Other community events taking place that Depot Theater Winter Production; Santa Fe Depot; FMI “side Track” productions, cabarets and much more with day include a night Poker Run at the Syracuse Sand 620-225-1001 or www.depottheaterco.com; Offering professional talent, atmosphere and meals. April 7-9; 21- Dunes Park. FMI:620-384-2480 state-of-the-art dinner theater productions, cutting-edge 23; 28-29, 2017 “side Track” productions, cabarets and much more with Easter Egg Hunt: Hunt on the lawn of the Morton County May professional talent, atmosphere and meals. Feb 3-5; 10- Historical Society Museum; Saturday before Easter at May 21st – UHS Graduation 12; 17-18, 2017 2:00 p.m. for children 1-8 years old. Meet the Bunny and UTICA May Day, Utica Kansas Shop Hop Feb. 17 & 18: Come enjoy quilting demonstrations, get a gift. Morton County Historical Society Museum, First weekend of May, FMI: uticamayday.com a quilt show, product sales and much more in Scott City, Elkhart, KS, 620-697-2833. Spring In Scott Barrel Racing May 20 & 21: This is a barrel KS Call 620-872-2723 for information. Edward S. Curtis: Indians of the Southwest The Edward race series held over several weekends at the Scott City Groundhog Day Dinner – First Saturday in February. St. Curtis 1920's collection of photographs of the North Indoor Arena. Call 620-874-0964 for information. Joseph’s Catholic Parish Hall, Tribune. For over 50 American Indians is one of the largest photographic Rebuilding Greensburg -May 4-7, 2017 Celebrate the 10th years, the congregation of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church archives ever produced by a single artist and probably anniversary of progress rebuilding Greensburg since the has sponsored their annual Groundhog Day event. the most profound representation of pure Indian culture May, 4th 2007 tornado. Memorial service, tours, events Serving locally grown, hand-made whole hog sausage ever compiled. The 50 images in this exhibition are from and more! Visit www.greensburgks.org for more info. and breakfast all day, this dinner promises to delight your his portfolio of the Southwest and constitute a testimony taste buds. to record significant aspects of Indian culture in mod- Countywide Garage Sales – 1st Saturday –30-40 garage ernized Indian nations. This traveling exhibit provided by sales throughout the cities of Lewis, Kinsley, Offerle, March Blair-Murrah Inc. on display from April 15, 2017 to May and Belpre. For a map and description, visit the local Dodge City Law Arena Football Season opens; United 28, 2017. Stauth Memorial Museum, Montezuma FMI: convenience stores on Friday or Saturday morning. Wireless Arena; FMI: 620-371-7240 or www.dodge- 620.846.2527 www.stauthmemorialmuseum.org FMI: 620-338-1557. city football.com; One of several indoor football leagues KCAC Men’s Golf Championship April 16-18, 2017: The Cinco de Mayo/Culture Festivals- First Sunday in May throughout the US bringing hard-hitting, fast-paced, “so Men’s KCAC Golf Championship Tournament will be What started as a Cinco de Mayo celebration has grown close you can FEEL it” action to Southwest Kansas. Home held over a three-day period at Buffalo Dunes Golf into a day of celebrating all different ethnic groups repre- Games Mar 4, Mar 25, Apr 1, Apr 15, May 13, May 27 Course. The tournament will begin on Sunday, April 17th sented in the area. The day often includes a pageant,

www.wildwestcountry.com 49 pepper eating contest, food truck challenge, bounce Liberal off Highway 54. Enter the race at www.active.com. Little Britches Rodeo; Dodge City Roundup Arena FMI: houses and live entertainment. Liberal 620-272-3198 Runners/Walkers receive a t-shirt, medal and sponsor 620-225-2244 or www.dodgecityroundup.org Little www.liberalkschamber.com bag of goodies. Directed by the Liberal Recreation Depart- Britches rodeo is one of the oldest, continuing junior Cinco de Mayo; Wright Park; FMI: 620-225-0240; Fiesta ment 620-626-0133. rodeo associations in the nation. Developing tomorrow’s celebration with music and food that expands to a Multi- Garden City Grand Slam Baseball Tournament May 20-21, PRCA Rodeo stars. May 26-29 cultural celebration of Dodge City’s diversity. May 6 2017: This tournament will have three different age Historic Trolley Tours; Downtown Dodge City FMI: 620- Loyalty Day: May 6, 2017. Veterans Memorial, Tribune. divisions in it. There will be 14U, 12U, and 10U. Looking to 225-8186 or www.visitdodgecity.org; Hop on the Dodge The people of Greeley County gather at the Veterans get teams from Liberal, Dodge City, Ulysses, Scott City, City Trolley for a one-hour, narrated tour of our historic Memorial to honor our flag, our country and those Great Bend, Lakin, Hays, and other towns in Kansas, sites, Fort Dodge and the Beef industry. Happening from who serve to protect our freedom. along with teams from Oklahoma and Colorado. For Memorial Day through Labor Day, 4 tours daily. W-H Ranch Horse Rendezvous - May (always Mother’s Day more information, contact Jared Rutti at (620) 276-1200. Boot Hill Museum’s Summer Season Specials; Museum Weekend); Calling all Ranch Horse enthusiasts! If fun, An Evening in the Past May 20, 2017: This is a Chautaqua- Complex; FMI: 620-227-8188 or www.boothill.org food, and ranch horse education are your idea of a good style living history presentation, outdoors on the Finney Throughout the summer months, historical interpreters time, don’t miss the W-H Ranch Horse Rendezvous! County Museum Courtyard, featuring an old-time dinner provide you with endless entertainment. You can enjoy Bring your horse & saddle, or just your eyes, ears, and an cooked onsite, accompanied by live music and followed one of the best country-style meals. Witness exciting gun- open mind. Either way, you’ll enjoy the ride! FMI: Contact by a history re-enactment. Re-enactor will portray an Old fights between the good guys and the bad guys, listen to Channing Hawks at 620-428-1109, or Gena Henson at West or Native American character in full costume. Miss Kitty croon in the Long Branch Saloon while the 620-544-8078 Seating is sold in advance and is available for up to 88 Can-Can girls kick up their heels and experience Dodge City’s history through many different historical reenact- Annual Spring Livestock Show: May 6, 2017. Ross Kuttler guests. FMI: call Steve Quakenbush at (620) 272-3664. ments. Shows happen daily through the summer months 4-H Pavilion, Tribune. Since 1982, area youth have proud- Annual Diamond Cross Arena Open Roping – Diamond Memorial Day – Labor Day. Interactive displays through ly competed in showing their animals at the Annual Cross Arena – May (Wed. during Pioneer Days) Contact out the museum provide year-round entertainment. Spring Livestock Show. For more information, call the Tim Mecklenburg at 620-544-3421 Greeley County Extension Office at (620) 376-4284. Beef Empire Days PRCA Rodeo May 25-27, 2017: Beef Memorial Day Activities at HorseThief Reservoir; 19005 SW Hwy 156 in Jetmore, KS.; Find a full listing of Events at Yellow Brick Road Car Show: May 12 & 13, 2017 at Light Park, Empire Days PRCA Rodeo has attracted top cowboys and www.horsethiefres.com or call 620.253.8464 Liberal. The Yellow Brick Road Car Show is an annual cowgirls from around the country since its beginning in event, rooted in tradition and fueled by guys who love 1986. The rodeo passes down a tradition in the truest sen- Haun Museum opens for the Season on Memorial Day cars . . . all kinds of cars. The show is open to all types of se of the word by bringing the Old West back to life for all Weekend! Located at 421 Main Street in Jetmore, KS. automobiles.www.yellowbrickroadcarshow.com to enjoy. FMI: contact Brian Schwindt at (785) 383-3596. FMI: www.hodgemancountyks.com Call 620.357.8831 NJCAA Men’s Golf Championship May 14-19, 2017: Come see Syracuse Sand Dunes Park schedules special events June through out the year. Events over the Memorial Day and the country’s best college golf being played! FMI: contact Beef Empire Days Events June 2-12, 2017: Beef Empire Labor Day Weekends include a Dunes Poker Run on Cole Wasinger at Buffalo Dunes (620) 276-1210. Days is a week celebration, educating the community Sat. and ATV Rodeo on Sun. The ATV Rodeo includes Blues at the Zoo May 16, 2017: The Nighthawks return! Come about the beef industry. Visit www.beefempiredays.com 3-events; pole bending, barrel racing, and obstacle course. dance in the grass and chase away those ‘Blues’ at 7 p.m. or call Deann at (620) 275-6807 FMI. Participants compete by age brackets 620-384-2480 with some great blues and roots rockon the zoo’s West Beef Empire Days Rugby 7s Tournament June 3, 2017: Greensburg Memorial Weekend Events. May 26-28th, 2017 Green. Enjoy food and refreshing beverages, during the The Garden City Rugby Club will be hosting its 5th annual Annual Triangle Rodeo Club Rodeos, Arts and Crafts event. FMI: contact Jessica Norton at (620) 276-6243. rugby 7s tournament at Penrose Stadium in conjunction Festival, Alumni Events, and more! Visit www.greens- Arkalon Assault (5K & 1 Mile Obstacle Runs) —Second with Beef Empire Days. This will be an all-day event with burgks.org for more info. Saturday in May at Arkalon Park, 13 miles northeast of pool play, quarterfinals, semifinals and championship

50 www.wildwestcountry.com matches. Trophies and cash prizes to the winners. FMI: 14 under. There will be teams from KS, CO, NE, OK, and 8th Annual Flea Market Festivals of Antiques, Collectables, call Sarah at (620) 901-7188 or Jon at (620) 275-4146. TX. FMI: contact Jared Rutti at (620) 276-1200. Arts & Crafts July 8, 2017: This is an outdoor festival of June Jaunt, along K-96 from Great Bend to Tribune. Is held Buffalo Dunes Ladies Golf Association Tournament June antiques, collectibles, arts, crafts, and food, drawing 60 the first full weekend in June, family fun along K-96 from 25, 2017: The Buffalo Dunes Ladies Golf Association uses vendors from 19 communities to offer goods to a crowd Great Bend to Tribune. FMI: nesscountyks.com/com funds raised to provide funds for the Garden City High of shoppers from much of Kansas, plus two neighboring munity. J une Jaunt: June 2 – 4: Travel K96 from Great School and Holcomb High School Girl's Golf Teams and states. FMI: contact Steve Quakenbush at (620) 272-3664. Bend to Tribune for an assortment of events in each com- prizes for the Ladies Golf Association tournament and Jungle Run Car Show July 8, 2017: Jungle Run participants munity. Go to the Chamber of Commerce link at www. league play. FMI contact Donna Gerstner (620) 272-7458. can pre-register for $25 or $30 the day of the show. Reg- scottcityks.org for more information. Summer In Scott Barrel Race June 24 & 25: This is a 2 day istration is from 8-11am, the show is from 11am-2pm. June Jaunt: First weekend in June. Tribune. Communities Better Barrel Races (BBR) event with awards and cash FMI: contact Jessica Norton at (620) 276-6243. along K-96 partner to celebrate the June Jaunt, a multi- prizes. Scott City, KS Call 620-874-0964 for information. 9-year-old Cal Ripken Baseball tournament July 13-16, 2017: community event running from Tribune to Great Bend. Depot Theater Summer Production; Santa Fe Depot; This tournament is for kids ages 12 and under. This tour- Activities in Tribune include the K-96 June Jaunt Car FMI 620-225-1001 or www.depottheaterco.com. Offering nament will consist of a host team, the six district winners Show, the Gavin B. Kleymann Memorial Livestock Show, state-of-the-art dinner theater productions, cutting-edge of the State of Kansas, and one wild card team to form an community-wide garage and sidewalk sales, a night 5k & “side Track” productions, cabarets and much more with eight team state tournament. The winner of this tour- 10k race, a free-swim event, and much more. FMI: call professional talent, atmosphere and meals. nament will represent the state of Kansas in the Regional Greeley Co. Community Development at (620) 376-2548. Tournament. FMI: contact Jared Rutti at (620) 276-1200. WEEE Entertainment Carnival will provide a family July 11 and 12 year old Cal Ripken Baseball tournament July friendly evening in downtown Ulysses on June 1-3, Park Day/July 4th Celebration is Hugoton’s annual 13-16, 2017: This tournament is for kids ages 12 and under. 2017. Ride all night bracelets or individual tickets celebration of the nation’s independence, and has become This tournament will consist of a host team, the six dis- are available. Contact the Grant County Chamber of a tradition! Park Day always takes place on Independence trict winners of the State of Kansas, and one wild card Commerce & Tourism FMI: 620-356-4700. Day in Hugoton’s city park beginning at 9 am. We team to form an eight team state tournament. The winner Dust Bowl Riders Bryan Lamberson Memorial Motorcycle welcome all vendors, have large inflatables for the kids, of this tournament will represent the state of Kansas in Ride - June (2nd Weekend in June) Run leaves at 2:00 and hold an annual Little Miss/Mr. Hugoton Pageant for the Regional Tournament. This year, they are hosting the p.m. Join us for Friends, Fun & Food! Door prizes – ages 0-3, along with many other activities and plethora of 11 year-old and 12 year-old tournaments at the same place 50/50 pot – Original Pit Cooked BBQ Dinner. Rain or great tasting food. Contact Alisha at the Hugoton Area time and place. FMI:contact Jared Rutti at (620) 276-1200. Shine. All Bikes Welcome! Contact Lizanne Shugart at Chamber of Commerce at 620-544-4305 FMI. Hamilton County Fair is an annual tradition generally held 620-544-9055 FMI. Fourth of July Church Services: First Sunday of July. in July offering visitors an opportunity to reconnect with Grassland Heritage Festival: First full week of June. Free Courthouse Lawn, Tribune. The community gathers at their roots and enjoy real down-home entertainment. En- fishing derby and kidsday, entertainment, food and the Horace Greeley Museum gazebo to enjoy a free hearty joy a variety of exhibits and family friendly entertainment, music all for one price. Festival celebrates the Santa Fe breakfast of pancakes, eggs and sausage. Immediately which with limited exceptions are free to the public. Trail and the Cimarron National Grassland. Elkhart, KS following breakfast, the Ministerial Alliance leads the com- The week's activities include a ranch rodeo, barnyard and Cimarron National Grassland. www.ghf.mtcoks.com munity in morning worship on the courthouse lawn. Olympics, dog agility contest, blacksmith presentation, or 620-697-4600 Annual 4th of July celebration, Minneola, includes a parade, horseshoe tournament, parade and more. 620-384-5459 Unique, Creative Visions: The Art of Jessie Montez Jessie turtle races, money dig, snow cones, Lucky Ducky race, a Ford County Fair; Ford County Fair Grounds: FMI: 620-227- Montez (1935-2013) was a western Kansas folk artist who community lunch and homemade ice cream social. The 4542 or www.ford.ksu.edu. Showcasing the youths’ accom- created his artwork from corrugated paperboard. He evening ends with fabulous fireworks FMI: 620-635-2297 plishments and celebrating local participation. In addition migrated to the US from Mexico with no formal educa- Old Fashioned Fourth of July; Boot Hill Museum Complex to the livestock exhibition shows and judging, style tion & worked as a custodian for the Dodge City school FMI: 620-227-8188 or www.boothill.org. Special reenact- show, and more, you’ll enjoy turtle races, pedal tractor district. When two of his children were called to duty for ments, watermelon feed, country style dinner and a pulls, great food, music and entertainment. July 20-24, 2017 the Persian Gulf War, he tried to find a way to relax. He special patriotic show with Long Branch Variety Show Clark County Fair is July 19-22. The 22nd of July will also started cutting cardboard for his children's photographs, and the Cowboy Band. July 4 coincide with the 4th Annual Red Dirt Country Barbecue then experimented with different types of cardboard to Contest. FMI: 620-635-2297 Independence Day celebration at the Grant County Recre- fill in the frames with landscapes, designs, and portraits. Grant County Free Fair will take place from July 15-22, Three dimensional sculptures came soon thereafter. His ation Swimming Pool in Ulysses during the afternoon on July 4, 2017. At dusk the city fireworks display will cap off 2017 at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Ulysses. Youth artistic career in this unique medium was launched. No activities, livestock, exhibits, carnival, tractor pull, auction, previous history of art-making, Mr. Montes created com- a patriotic day. They will be shot off on the north end of town near the airport. Contact the Grant County Cham- concerts, free BBQ and more. Contact Grant County Fair plex visual statements with simple materials. On display Board FMI: 620-356-1808. at the Stauth Memorial Museum of Montezuma from ber of Commerce & Tourism FMI: 620-356-4700. June 4, 2017 to September 2, 2017. FMI: 620.846.2527; Western Kansas’ largest fireworks display; Memorial Stevens County Free Fair - July (Last week of July). This an- www.stauthmemorialmuseum.org Stadium, FMI: 620-225-8160; The night sky lights up to a nual “free” event takes place the last week of July. Come and join us for a week filled with concerts, shows for the Farmers Market; Downtown Dodge City, FMI: 620-369-0147 spectacular fireworks display set to music that rivals kids, vendors, and other entertainment. The week kicks Browse through the bounties of local gardens and home- anything between Wichita and Denver. July 4 off with the Fair Parade down Main Street. Call the Cham- made items in the beauty of historic downtown Dodge BIG Bang Independence Day Celebration in Jetmore ber office for more information at 620-544-4305. Stevens City. Saturdays June through 1st Frost Annual County-wide Independence Day Celebration in County Fairgrounds, South Washington Street, Hugoton Main Street Festival; Downtown Dodge City; FMI: 620-227- Jetmore. Starts at Dusk. Can be seen for miles around . . . Ness County Fair, Ness City, Kansas. Held the last weekend 9501 or http://mainstreetdodgecity.org. Held in the center but the best viewing is near the 4-H Fairgrounds area. in July. FMI: nesscountyks.com/community of the historic downtown area, the event is geared to www.hodgemancountyks.com or call 620.357.8344 children and their families. The main purpose is to show- Lewis Days – annually the weekend closest to July 4th. This Hodgeman County Fair in Jetmore is always held in mid case the downtown area and familiarize the community annual event began as an all-school reunion for the Lewis July. Find a full listing of Events at www.hodgeman.ksu. with all the local businesses and what downtown offers. High School which closed several years ago. But it has edu or call 620.357.8321 In addition to showcasing what merchandise the local evolved into a yearly celebration of the community of 4-Ball Scramble July 14-16: Annual golf tournament held at downtown businesses have to offer, the event includes Lewis. This family event features a full slate of activities the Scott Community Golf Course, Scott City, Ks. Call 620- live music and entertainment, a variety of games and that fill the entire weekend! Come enjoy community 872-7109 for more information. activities hosted by local organizations, and a variety of dinners, games, parades, mud volleyball, beer garden, Edwards County Fair, Kinsley, is an annual tradition that food from downtown and area businesses. June 3, 2017 To Honor and Comfort: Native Quilting Traditions Of the starts the second week of July. A full week of family frien- HorseThief: The Festival June 9 and 10 - 2-day Red Dirt Coun- many North American Indian expressive art forms, dly activities like barnyard Olympics, turtle races, bike try Music Festival with all kinds of activities! Located at perhaps one of the least well known is quiltmaking. This rodeo, entertainment, food, exhibits, animals and more. 19005 SW Hwy 156 in Jetmore, KS, 620.253.8464 Find exhibition celebrates quilting within diverse commu- Fowler Threshing Days the 3rd Saturday in July every listing of Events at HorseThief - The Festival facebook page nities and pays homage to the artists who have expressed year. 07/15/2017. . . 07/16/2018 . . . Fowler Threshing Days Carp Derby: Mid-June: Have fun while helping Lake Scott their cultural heritage and creativity. This traveling exhi- on Facebook for info State Park remove unwanted carp from their waters. Go bition has 29 quilts and is a small version of the larger, DODGE CITY DAYS; Throughout the community July 28- to the Chamber of Commerce link at www.scottcityks.org; national touring exhibition of the same name both devel- Aug. 6, 2017 FMI: 620-227-3119 or www.dodgecitydays. Jim Clanton Memorial Baseball Tournament June 22-25, oped by the Michigan State University Museum. Approxi- com. Dodge City Days is a 10-day celebration in one of the 2017: This will be the 30th Annual Jim Clanton Memorial mately 30 other Kansas quilts will also be shown while it country last remaining Wild West towns, Dodge City With Baseball Tournament. This tournament has 3 age divi- is on display at the Stauth Memorial Museum, Montezu a western theme, event highlights include the top-rated sions that teams may enter into: 19 under, 16 under, and ma July 7, 2018 to September 30, 2018. FMI: 620.846.2527 Dodge City Days Rodeo, classic car show, arts and craft www.wildwestcountry.com 51 show, KidFest, professional barbeque contest, a western Tumbleweed Festival August 25-27, 2017: The festival theme or are made from the patriotic colors of Red, parade, longhorn cattle drive & more. The festival kicks features professional groups playing jazz, rock, Latino, White, and Blue. On display at the Stauth Memorial Muse- off with the Boot Hill Bull Fry and Bash. The Parade and South African, Caribbean, Zydeco, folk, bluegrass, a um, Montezuma September 10, 2017 to November 12, Barbeque kicks the festival into high gear on Saturday. Capella, its local and regional musicians as well as a stage 2017. FMI: 620.846.2527 www.stauthmemorialmuseum. Hold on to your hats, it’s a wild ride! July 28- Aug 6, 2017. and huge tent devoted to children’s entertainment and org FMI-Quilts of Valor www.qovf.org/index.html. PRCA Rodeo; Dodge City Round Up Arena; FMI: 620-225- art. For more information, visit the festival at www. Fall Fest September 16, 2017: Fall Fest combines local and 2244 or www.dodgecityroundup.org. The Roundup Ro- tumbleweedfestival.com. Visit their Facebook page at area arts and crafts, folk with food vendors offering and deo is the premier event of the Dodge City Days Festival www.facebook.com/tumbleweedfestival. international assortment of tasty samples, talented for 6 nights of action. They call it the “Greatest Show on Annual Gas Capitol Car Club & Rod Run Show - August (4th musicians and much more! FMI: contact Downtown Dirt”. Dodge City’s rodeo ranks among the top rodeo Saturday in August) . If you like hot rods and fast cars Vision at (620) 276-0891 or visit their website at www. events in the country and it attracts saddle-sore cowboys then you won’t want to miss this! There is always a huge gcdowntown.com/. from all over. The timing of the Dodge City event brings of assortment of vehicles and motorcycles new and old The 55th Grant County Home Products Dinner will be at the top competitors vying for points to qualify for the Nat- in the City Park. Contact the Hugoton Area Chamber of 7p.m. at the Grant County Civic Center, Ulysses. Come ional Finals Rodeo in Dec. in Las Vegas. You watch man Commerce for more details help us celebrate the agricultural bounty we produce pitted against animal. These cowboys demonstrate amaz- in Grant County. Contact the Grant County Chamber of ing skill as they hang on for the longest 8 seconds each September Commerce & Tourism FMI: 620-356-4700. September 19, evening. And then there’s the ladies, barrel racers be- Exquisite Miniatures: The Art of Wes & Rachelle Siegrist 65 2017. Always the 3rd Tuesday in September. come one with their horse as they speed through the exquisite miniature paintings can be as small as 1¼ inch Catfish Tournament: Mid-September: Compete in a catfish clover leaf patter brushing within a whisper of the barrels in diameter, but what they lack in size is made up for in tournament at Lake Scott State Park for fun and prizes! and then down the home stretch. Aug 2-6, 2017. substance. The exhibition includes portraits, landscapes, Go to the Chamber of Commerce link at www.scottcityks. August wildlife and still-life’s. This national traveling museum org for more information. exhibition produced by David J. Wagner, LLC is on display Greeley County Fair: First week of August. Fairgrounds, Bazine Community Picnic, Bazine KS; Held the weekend from June 4, 2017 to September 3, 2017 at the Stauth before school starts. FMI: nesscountyks.com/community Tribune. Greeley County 4-H kids, family, and friends get Memorial Museum, Montezuma. FMI: 620.846.2527 together to show off their talents and livestock at the www.stauthmemorialmuseum.org Octoberfest, Knights of Columbus; FMI 620-255-5834 Great county fair. The fair weekend consists of 4-H and open ex- German Cultural Event. Kids Outside play area, Horse- hibits, a hometown carnival, free barbeque, antique trac Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction; Boot Hill Museum shoe Tournament, Best costume contest, beer garden tor pulls, and a number of recreational events. Many Complex & Hoover Pavilion. FMI 620-227-8188 or www. and big screen TV's to enjoy the games. Great German class and family reunions are also scheduled. FMI: call boothill.org. The Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame honors style food including bierocks, brats, cabbage rolls, stroga-

the Greeley County Extension Office at (620) 376-4284. and recognizes the most outstanding and important figu- noff and more. Sept 23, 2017 res in the region. Each year individuals are inducted in 5 Arts & Crafts Show; Village Square Mall. FMI: 620-227-3119 categories: working cowboy, rodeo cowboy; rancher cat- Whimmydiddle Arts & Crafts Fair: Sept. 30; Comes to Scott or www.dodgecitydays.com. Stroll through the booths tleman; cowboy historian; and cowboy entertainer/artist City Park, Scott City, KS on the last Saturday of every Sep- filled with unique arts, crafts and things! Vendors from tember. One of the largest craft shows in Western Kansas, all over the US to show off their goods. Aug. 5-6, 2017. Kansas Pro Rodeo Assn. Finals Rodeo: FMI 620-225-2244 this event features over 200 exhibitors from across the Southwest Kansas Pro-AM August 2017: For over 30 years, Little World’s Fair, Kismet – Labor Day weekend. Real old- United States who arrive with original art, metal working, Garden City has been the host for Kansas’ longest run- fashioned street fair which ofter includes three-legged pottery and crafts in wood, fabric, jewelry, silk & dried flo- ning professional golf tournament, The Southwest Kan- race, slatting, trycicle races, turtle race, bean feed, parade, wers. A variety of tempting food concessions to entice vis- sas Pro-Am. Lasting almost a week, the Pro-Am consists carnival. Sponsored by Kismet Lions Club, 620-563-7645 itors. FMI www.whimmydiddle.org of many different events along with the main tourna- Labor Day Festivities at HorseThief Reservoir located at October ment, proving that there is something for everyone. FMI: 19005 SW Hwy 156 in Jetmore, KS. Find a full listing of contact Ciara Crandall at (620) 272-2177. Events at www.horsethiefres.com or call 620.253.8464 Octoberfest, Ransom, KS; FMI: nesscountyks.com/community Longhorn Cattle Drive; Downtown Dodge City; FMI: 620- HorseThief Car Show at HorseThief Reservoir located at 628-7777 or www.wildwestcattledrive.com; The Dodge 19005 SW Hwy 156 in Jetmore, KS. Find a full listing of Classic & Antique Fly-In is held the first Saturday of October City Days Longhorn Cattle Drive will take you back to the Events at www.horsethiefres.com or call 620.253.8464 at the Hamilton County Municipal Air Field in Syracuse, late 1800’s as you get a front row seat to this event. Be High Plains Music Fest and Craft Show - September 9th, What started as a social event for pilots is now a popular there to watch history come alive. Aug 5, 2017 2017 (2nd weekend in September) *Craft Fair 10-6 at event for spectators. Many planes are vintage war planes Eagle RV Park – Music at Dirtona Raceway 4pm-Mid- that have been restored. New planes are on display for Classic Car Show, Wright Park; FMI: 620-227-3119 or www. spectators to enjoy. In addition to the Fly-In, the Syracuse- dodgecitydays.com; Stroll back through time gazing at night. Join us for an incredible evening of Red Dirt Country, Classic Country, and Southern Rock! Contact Hamilton Co. Chamber of Commerce hosts a hamburger, beautiful automobile masterpieces with these classic hot dog, bratwurst cookout & chili cook-off. 620-384-5459 cars. Other entertainment includes music and extreme the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-544- motocross rider exhibitions. Aug 5, 2017 4305 or Jan Leonard 620-544-3069 Brownell Labor Day Festival, Brownell KS; The event is held Labor Day weekend. FMI: nesscountyks.com/community Offerle Day- Offerle, this annual event is held the 2nd Satur- Garden City Charity Classic September 6-10, 2017: Watch day of August. Featuring car show, kids games, food, beer some of the top 144 pro women golfers from all over the Fall Fest will take place on Main Street in Ulysses with garden, entertainment, outhouse races, craft fair & more. world compete as this is one of the last stops on the tour activities for the whole family. The day will include a safe- ty festival for the kids, car show, entertainment, food Dalton Hideout Chuckwagon Theater the 2nd Saturday in before earning their LPGA cards. For more information, contact Cole Wasinger at Buffalo Dunes (620) 276-1210. booths and craft booths. Contact the Grant County Cham- August at the Dalton Gang Hideout in Meade. That would ber of Commerce & Tourism FMI: 620-356-4700. October be August 12, 2017 and August 13, 2018. Contact the Hide A Wild Affair September 9, 2017: The wildest night at the Zoo just got a whole lot wilder! Adult beverages are served 7, 2017 and October 6, 2018. Contact the Grant County out 620-873-2731. Chamber of Commerce & Tourism FMI: 620-356-4700. Rod Run & Show: Aug. 19 & 20 The Lake Scott Car Club while local restaurants and caterers provide a delicious taste of Southwest Kansas. Doors open at 6 pm. Food is ZOMBIE Paintball , Horse Thief Reservoir every Friday and holds the Lake Scott Rod Run each year on the third Saturday night at HorseThief Reservoir, located at 19005 weekend of August for the past 30 years. Visitors stroll served until 8 p.m. This is Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo’s largest fundraiser of the year. Tickets are $50, or SW Hwy 156 in Jetmore, KS This is similar to a hunted through the Scott City Park, Scott City on South Main and hay rack ride, but the tractor-pulled trailers take you out enjoy the outstanding craftsmanship of area rodders $40 during early bird sales. Guests must be 21 to enter. FMI: contact Jessica Norton at (620) 276-6243. to the middle of the corn fieldon two 16’ Zombie Elimina from modern to classic vehicles. FMI: Call 620-214-9039 tors . . . each one outfitted with 10 mounted paintball Seward County PRCA Rodeo: Seward County Fairgrounds, Remembering: Quilts of Patriotism and Quilts of Valor In remembrance of the 16th Anniversary of 9/11, we will guns . . . and you try to save yourselves from the hungry Liberal, third weekend in August. www.sewardcountypr hourdes of Zombies that are looking for their next meal. carodeo.com. host a very special quilt exhibit. The display has a patriotic

52 www.wildwestcountry.com (The Zombies don’t shoot back.) Marshmallows, hot November Christmas Parade December 3, 2017: Come enjoy an cocoa and popcorn are provided free for you around the NWTF Banquet, Elk Plaza at 203 N. West Street in Hanston, evening of beautiful Christmas lights on floats as they roaring fire for those that survive! Find us on FaceBook, KS. Annual National Wild Turkey Federation Banquet for drive down Main Street for the annual Evening Christ- www.hodgemancountyks.com or call 620.253.8464 members and guests alike to kick off the Pheasant mas parade! For more information, contact Myca Bunch 3i Show, Western State Bank Expo Center; FMI 620-227- Hunting Season. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Meal at 7:00 at (620) 276-0891. 8082 or www.3ishow.com. A huge trade show saluting p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. Folk Art Festival- First weekend in December, Seward industry, implements and irrigation and show place for www.hodgemancountyks.com or call 620.357.8831. County Activity Center, Liberal. Arts and Crafts show products MFD in Western Kansas. October 12-14, 2017 French Market (Shops—Holiday, Bake, Homemade Candy) featuring over 70 booths of hand-made items, baked Ozfest, second Saturday in October, Celebration of all things First full weekend in November at Baker Arts Center, 624 goods, etc. Shop for Christmas. 620-624-8534 Wizard of Oz, costume contests, live entertainment, N. Pershing, Liberal. www.bakerartscenter.org Christmas at the Museum: First Saturday in December is games, food and fun. On the grounds of Dorothy’s House Pheasant Heaven Charities Calf Fry & Beef Feed - Novem Christmas Open House at the Morton County Historical and the Land of Oz, Liberal 620-624-7624 www.dorothys- Society Museum. View the thousands of Santas, 13 trees, house.com ber 10th, 2017 (Fri. before hunting season) Food, fun, entertainment and auctions kick off Pheasant Hunting enjoy refreshments, and get a gift for Boo! At the Zoo October 21, 2017: The evening offers local in Stevens County! Funds raised at this, and other events, the kids. Hours: 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Morton County families a fun and safe trick-or-treat experience, while go to help those in need, give out scholarships, and help Historical Society Museum, 370 E Highway 56, Elkhart, also supporting Zoo improvements. Passes are $10 to make Hugoton a GREAT place to call home! Contact KS. 620-697-2833 per person, or $5 in advance. Member’s benefits include Clayton Gerrond at 620-544-6911 Santa Day and Lighted Parade: First Saturday in December. the option to purchase Skeleton Key passes ($15) for the Holly Days: Holiday Craft Show held the second weekend Visit with Santa downtown after eating lunch at the free Haunted Hay Ride, private entrance, trick-or-treat trail will donation chili feed at Elkhart City Hall. Watch the and themed train experience. Advanced gate and mem- of Novemberat the Morton County Civic Center, 400 East Orchard Street, Elkhart, KS 67950. Get some Christmas lighted parade in the evening. Elkhart Area Chamber of bers gate opens at 4 p.m. Regular admission starts at 5 Commerce, Elkhart, KS 620-697-4600 p.m. FMI: contact Jessica Norton at (620) 276-6243 shopping done at booths selling one of a kind Items, food and crafts. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Christmas Fantasy – 1st Saturday in December, Kinsley. Christmas Fair: Third Saturday in October. 4-H Building, Full day of fun including craft show, business open hous- Tribune. Crafters and area vendors market their Tumbleweed Bazaar is a great way to kick off your holiday shopping with lots of vendors carrying a nice variety of es, photos with Santa, reindeer run, free kids movie, Christmas products. The Rebekahs serve lunch. It’s a lighted Christmas parade. good time for the community to get started on their items for sale. Grant County Civic Center is the location Christmas shopping! for the show which will be November 18-19, 2017. Contact Dick Wagoner Memorial Light Parade, Downtown in each the Grant County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism of the Ness County communities in early December. Oktoberfest, Kinsley – 3rd Saturday, held in Pioneer Park. FMI: nesscountyks.com/community Food, beer, softball, music, dance and more! Christmas FMI: 620-356-4700. Traditions of Southwest Kansas 2018 This very popular Christmas Craft Bazaars & Depot Holiday Tables ; FMI: Christmas on Main, Jetmore takes place on the first week- biannual exhibit presents a fun way to enjoy Christmas, 620-225-1001 Kick off the Holiday Season with these end of December. Join us as we celebrate Christmas like get decorating ideas and share in the joy and wonder annual community events Nov 17-18 you remember . . . surrounded by family and friends in a that is the season before getting bogged down with the Christmas Parade of Lights & ChiliFest – Kick off of Christ- small town. Find a full listing for Events at www.hodge- hype. Southwest Kansas individuals, clubs, groups, orga- mas in ‘Old Dodge City’; FMI: 620-225-8186 or www. mancountyks.com or call 620.357.8831 nizations, and merchants create 12-15 mini-exhibits fea- visitdodgecity.org Nov 27, 2017 City-wide holiday festival, Museum Christmas Tea, Second Sunday in December. turing holiday themes, collections, family heirlooms, bazaars, light of City Christmas lights, parade of lights, Horace Greeley Museum, Tribune. In addition to special homemade family mementos, and more. These exhibits chili cook off and front street decorations. exhibits and refreshments, live entertainment is heard bring back memories of Christmas’ past, show you where Mirror of The Martyrs This exhibit recalls the drama of throughout the historic courthouse building. The Greeley to find the newest trends in holiday decorations, and in- people who sought to be obedient to both the government County Historical Society hosts a bake sale, and all spire ideas for fun ways to create new memories. These and the church of their day, killing and torturing people proceeds help with repairs and renovations to the exhibits are created and decorated by southwest Kansans who claimed a higher obedience. Twelve stories have building. For more information, call the Greeley County thus bringing the traditions and spirit of “Christmas in been chosen from over 800 told and illustrated in “The Historical Society at (620) 376-4996. Southwest Kansas” to the museum and its visitors. This Martyrs Mirror” of 1685 written by Tielman van Braght, Main Street Blaze will feature bonfires along Main Street beautiful, uplifting exhibit is a must see, memorable and illustrated with 104 etchings by Jan Luyken. Exhibit with warm refreshments at each bonfire. Merchants experience for all ages. sponsored by Martyrs Mirror Trust, Kauffman Museum remain open late and live entertainment will be featured On display at the Stauth Memoral Museum, Montezuma of North Newton, Kansas and Mennonite Historical Lib- at the downtown gazebo on December 14, 2017 (date October 14, 2018 to November 26, 2018. FMI: 620.846.2527 rary of Goshen, Indiana. On display at the Stauth Memo- subject to change) Contact the Grant County Chamber of www.stauthmemorialmuseum.org rial Museum, Montezuma November 19, 2017 to January Commerce & Tourism FMI: 620-356-4700. Depot Theater Fall Production; Santa Fe Depot; FMI 620- 21, 2018. FMI: 620.846.2527 www.stauthmemorialmuse Journey to Bethlehem Amazing Living Nativity, takes place 225-1001 or www.depottheaterco.com. Offering state-of- um.org on the second weekend of December in Jetmore. 1 Block the-art dinner theater productions, cutting-edge “side Christmas Light Parade – Miracles & Magic Christmas East of the Courthouse at 205 East Highway Street. A Track” productions, cabarets and much more with pro- Light Parade will kick off the Christmas Season on Main special gift to all . . . from our community. Over 80 fessional talent, atmosphere and meals. Oct 13-15; 20-22; Street in Ulysses. Stores will stay open late to help with costumed actors and actresses, along with a bevy of 27-28, 2017 your Christmas shopping. Contact the Grant County beasts including camels, donkeys, chickens, rabbits, World of Outlaws; Dodge City Raceway Park; FMI: 620-225- Chamber of Commerce & Tourism FMI: 620-356-4700. goats, and more share the story of the Birth of Christ. 3277 or www.dodgecityraceway.com. Once again the November 30, 2017 Travel through the streets of Bethlehem and meet the premier DCRP track will host this national series. You Downtown Christmas Open House: Late November. Down- tax collector . . . experience the sights and sounds of the won’t want to miss this great race. They’ll sell you the town Tribune. Merchants of Tribune stay open late for busy marketplace . . . visit with the shepherds in the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge with the fast holiday shoppers. Shoppers can find discounts, prizes, fields . . . and witness the First Christmas. Special needs paced racing evening. In addition to the World of Outlaw carriage rides, strolling carolers, free pictures with Santa tours begin at 4:30 and tours run from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 Sprint Cars, you’ll see the Colorado Lightning Sprints and at the Greeley County Library, and a free movie at the Star p.m. Dress Warmly, as some of the travel is outdoors. No IMCA Sport Modifieds. Oct 27-28, 2017 Theater of Tribune. A soup and pie supper and crafts fair charge. Free-Will Soup Supper available just a couple Trick or Treat Downtown; Downtown Dodge City; FMI: 620- at the VFW round out the evening. FMI: call Greeley blocks North from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the King 227-9501 or www.mainstreetdodgecity.org. Enjoy a morn- County Community Development at (620) 376-2548. Center. www.hodgemancountyks.com or call 620.357.6237 ing of trick-or-treating at all downtown participating bus- Breakfast with Santa; Boot Hill Museum Complex; FMI: inesses. Then move your haunting over to the Boot Hill December 620-227-8188 or www.boothill.org. Breakfast, treats, Museum Complex for the $1 hamburger feed and chance Christmasing in Plains the 1st Saturday in December in storytelling and a photo with Santa on the grounds of this for the children to win a free boys or girls bike. Oct. 28, 2017 Plains KS 12/02/2017.... 12/03/2018. Downtown Evening historic location. Dec 2, 2017

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