Cool and Rainy Kansas 150 Celebration

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Kate F. Eaton

It was the first rain we’d had in weeks, so Kansans gathered in Wichita for the Kansas 150 Celebration weren’t complaining. It didn’t seem to faze the longhorns sedately marching south on Main much, either. The much-anticipated Sunflower Parade and Home on the Range concert commemorating the Kansas Sesquicentennial on October 8 was a classic Kansas event, threatened by weather but still a great time.

As floats, honor guards and even the Governor on horseback rolled through Wichita’s downtown streets, talk in the crowd near me revolved around who had attended the state’s Centennial celebration and whether those longhorns would stampede.

But the cattle were docile and soon made way for cowpokes riding shotgun for the stagecoach. The hardy Kansans who had come from Kansas towns like Parsons (great band uniforms, by the way), Leavenworth and Erie cheered on square dancers, two giant Spirit airplane balloons and Wichita state rowing teams.

I have to say a special ‘thank you’ to the high school bands who braved the rain and never missed a beat. They added a nice touch to a parade highlighting the diversity that makes Kansas exceptional.

But it finally did rain on our parade and the crowds scurried for the shelter of Century II, where a few brave souls moved their booths under the building’s apron and continued exhibiting their wares.

Yes, it was damp and cool and just a bit disorganized, thanks to the weather, but the final event of the day left a cozy glow in my heart. The Home on the Range Concert in Wichita’s Century II Convention Hall blended African American spirituals, Native American dance and some of the sweetest cowboy music I’ve ever heard.

The multimedia presentation was well-planned and included contributions from all sectors of Kansas life. I’m still smiling about standing with a couple thousand of my fellow Kansans to sing America the Beautiful.

From a vignette on Jesse Chisholm to Judy Coder singing Over the Rainbow, the show was a reprise of a Kansas 150 concert by the Kansas Chapter of the Western Music Association in March. Having missed the original, I’m grateful for the hard work that created the encore performance.

All in all, it was an excellent day. It’s a grand old State and I can’t think of a better way to spend a rainy Saturday than celebrating one hundred fifty years of Kansas.

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Leadsled Spectacular – Salina’s Premier Custom Car Fest

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Kate F. Eaton

Mix a scenic park, a hot Kansas day and hundreds of custom cars and trucks and you’ve got Salina’s premier car event – the Leadsled Spectacular.

Kustom Kemps of America, according to their website “America’s Oldest Running Custom Car and Truck Association”, has hosted this national event for thirty-one years. This year’s show offered clues to its longevity. First, there are the cars…whether you love rat rods, leadsleds or the wildest custom cars imaginable, they were there this weekend at Salina’s Oakdale Park.

Then there are the bikes! Although schedules didn’t allow this blogger to see the large group of bikes that came Friday and Saturday to the first “Spoketacular” segment of the show, the bikes we saw were amazing. Some awfully savvy welding and design went into the more radical bikes and the classics weren’t without considerable charm. A nice side benefit of stopping to admire the bikes was a conversation with John and Laura McClure from Blue Hills Bikes in Osborne, who came to admire the two-and-three-wheeled creations.

There was also a wide variety of vendors offering everything from smoked turkey legs to awesome auto-related clothing. Our favorite at this show? Greasers Alley Car Culture Clothing, where Frankie B. hooked us up with a sweet ’58 Impala- emblazoned work shirt.

No asphalt environment for Kustom Kemps’ premier show, this event is set in acres of tree-lined parkways with enough room to spread out and relax. It’s a four day celebration of the cars, trucks and bikes that have spawned a truly American art form.

Put this car show on your calendar next July if you’re in love with all the ways custom car guys can bend sheet metal. Easy access on I-70 or I-135 make getting to Salina a breeze, so I’ll plan to see you next year when America’s best cars come to Salina!

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D’s Dairy Freeze in Wichita – It’s All About Family

Posted on July 23, 2011 by Kate F. Eaton

While doing my Friday night Google search for a non-restaurant-chain, inexpensive place to eat in Wichita, I found an awful lot of online chatter about a south-end spot called D’s Dairy Freeze. Fortunately, my hubby is a big fan of burgers, fries and family owned diners, so we were soon on our way to Mount Vernon and Hydraulic.

Here’s what we found at this little piece of magic across the street from South Linwood  Pool–a delightful bunch determined to make their diners feel like family. We were greeted at the door by De’Andre, a young man who could make a living teaching customer service classes.

We settled on Single Cheeseburger Combos and when my Dr. Pepper came in a  chilled glass mug I knew I was in the right place! While we waited for our made to order combos, we met the queen of the kitchen, De’Andre’s mama, Dana. We understood that Dad was back there in the kitchen, too, but he stayed out of range of the camera!

She discussed her extensive menu and urged us to return soon for the Steak Strip Salad or Granny’s BBQ Beef Tip Sandwich. A fellow diner assured us he had  eaten everything on the menu and it was all top-notch.

We noticed some yummy homemade desserts lining the counter, but when our enormous cheeseburgers arrived, knew those would have to wait for another trip.

Those burgers didn’t sacrifice a bit of flavor for their size, and neither did the fries or onion rings. And we hadn’t finished meeting the family. Two delightful youngsters, Danielle and Caylin, kept our soda mugs full and the room lively with friendly banter. Danielle even treated us to a peek at the diner’s trademark cow costume!

We took home half our meals and we also took home the feeling we’d be remembered the next time we visit D’s Dairy Freeze. We give this diner in South Wichita a ten fry salute and urge you to discover it soon.

 

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Kansas Bloggers – Five of the Best

Posted on June 14, 2011 by Kate F. Eaton

The creative force flows strongly in Kansas, and so choosing my five favorite Kansas blogs was a challenge. Here are five from a range of viewpoints I believe you’ll find interesting. Feel free to respond with your favorite bloggers from the Sunflower State. I’m always looking for new ways to celebrate the creativity of fellow Kansans.

Frank Thompson’s Kansas Journeys – This veteran photojournalist keeps a keen eye on all things Kansas from his home in Overland Park. Witty commentary illustrated with remarkable photographs–what could be better? Hats off to my fellow blogger to the north.

TravelKS – It may be the official Kansas travel blog of the Kansas Department of Commerce, Travel and Tourism, but the feel is friendly, fun and fascinating. They do a great job of highlighting the well-known and the off-the-beaten-track attractions in the Sunflower State. I can proudly say, “My Kansas tax dollars at work!”

Kansas Sampler Foundation – Not only do they tirelessly promote the people and places of Kansas, they also produce a first-rate blog! Photos, calendars, Kansas tourism tips and a constant stream of ideas for promoting Kansas attractions keep this blog one of my ‘must-reads.’

FlyoverPeople – Emporia Gazette columnist Cheryl Unruh’s marvelous musings on the Sunflower State.  Her book by the same name is already a Kansas classic.

Kansas Plains People – Well-published Kansas author Peg Nichols has put together a blog dedicated to Kansas writers. Nicely researched resource for all things literary in Kansas.

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Why I Came Back to Wichita’s River Festival

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Kate F. Eaton

Here’s an admission it pains me to make–for years I avoided the Wichita River Festival, deeming it too noisy, too crowded and too expensive. Given the fact that I blog about Kansas tourism, that’s a bitter pill to swallow! But this year, I decided to give Kansas’ largest city’s largest public event another look, and what I found will keep me coming back for more.

  • Boats Back on the Arkansas River: How could I stay away from something that celebrates my favorite part of Wichita? Wichita’s River Corridor is beautiful, functional and constantly being improved to provide more outdoor recreation possibilities. As I walked along the east bike path beneath the Douglas Street Bridge, something wonderful unfolded. People in boats! On the Arkansas River! Having a happy, uncomplicated time enjoying the beauty of the river that lies at the heart of our city. Big kudos to the Wichita River Festival for bringing boat rentals back to the river. Now about that boat house just downstream…
  • Heart of River Fest Back on the River! I’m old enough to remember the days when most River Festival action took place on the banks of the Big Arkansas River. That’s why finding the food court moved to the west side of Century II brought a happy wave of nostalgia. Last night’s stroll through A. Price Woodard Park revealed families, couples and veteran people watchers camped in lawn chairs, strolling along the river and enjoying a concert on the floating stage. The adjacent food court offered something for everyone, from chicken on a stick to wonderfully creative burritos. I hope the location change is permanent; the green space, fountains and attractive Arkansas River Corridor beat the concrete jungle hands-down.
  • Music, Wichita River Festival Style: We hadn’t planned to attend the Coleman Country Concert featuring Little Big Town, but when the music floated across the river, we found ourselves crossing the Second Street Bridge to the Kansas Star Music Park. And we’re glad we did! Thousands of people lined the hill in front of the West Bank Stage. Little kids dancing on blankets, teens flirting and seniors settling back and taking in the crowd at sundown. And the concert was fantastic! Another round of applause to Wichita River Festival for lining up great talent.
  • The River Run! Early Saturday a.m., runners from all over crossed the starting line to embark on the Bank of America River Run. Through neighborhoods, city streets and iconic Wichita Riverside Park, more than fifteen hundred runners rushed as we on the sidelines cheered them to the finish line. So glad this venerable event is still an important part of the River Festival.

What would I change about the Wichita River Festival? Not much! Here’s my wishlist for minor improvements:

Make Food Pricing Obvious – signage was non-existent at food booths on the West Bank, until you reached the counter after waiting ten minutes in line. Knowing you must buy tickets to buy food, and how much it was going to cost, would have saved families around us some disappointment.

More Food Booths = Shorter Lines on the West Bank (see above)

Keep Vehicles off River Run Course - Seemed to be some confusion about allowing vehicles to turn onto McLean in the middle of the race.

That’s it! Minor stuff, but nothing that will keep this born-again River Festival attendee from coming back. Looking forward to what’s in store this week…


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Top 10 Reasons You’ll Love the New Flint Hills Book!

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Kate F. Eaton

A new pictorial history book, Flint Hills, became available May 23. Here are author Greg A. Hoots’ top ten reasons he thinks you’ll LOVE every page!

10. The great photographs…wow.

9.  There were forty-one different contributors to Flint Hills, the most of any publication I’ve produced. While it was more time consuming and more work for me, it resulted in a really great collection of photographs.

8. This is the only publication available which features photographs exclusively along the Native Stone Scenic Byway and the Flint Hills Scenic Byway or the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Not only is this book the only source for images of these three venues, the images are extraordinary.

7. Did I mention the great photographs?

6. There are really great cowboy and rodeo photographs, and a couple great cowboy stories. The reader can see Alma’s own bull rider, Whitey Butts receiving the all around cowboy championship saddle from President Harry Truman which Butts then “sold for a hundred silver dollars.” And, the reader can learn the history of the State’s most prestigious rodeo, the Flint Hills Rodeo at Strong City, founded and operated by a rodeo dynasty, the Roberts Family. Likewise, the reader can learn about Lester Marten’s Rodeo Arena at Alma, and read of the last rodeo held at that arena.

5. The book contains really great photographs.

4. In the chapter titled, “Native Stone Scenic Byway,” this book presents views along K-4 and K-99 Highways as they wind through the Mission Creek and Mill Creek valleys. K-4 Highway is historic in that it was the first paved highway in the history of the State of Kansas. The photographs range from a view of concrete being poured on the first section of highway to views of the towns along the route.

3. The book contains exceptional photographs.

2. This book is the definitive historical reference for the property on which the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is now located. Not only does the book provide a detailed history of George Davis’ mighty Z Bar Ranch as never told before, it also traces the history of the property to the first homesteaders which settled in Chase County’s expansive hills. This is the historical reference book for the visitor to the Tallgrass Preserve.

1. The book is a great collection of exceptional historic photos!

Greg A. Hoots, a noted photograph historian and author of the new book Flint Hills (available May 23), has produced a volume of over 200 historic images of the Flint Hills. Other books by Hoots include Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America: Wabaunsee County and Images of America: Topeka. Hoots resides in Kansas City, Kansas, with his wife, Cheryl.

For more information visit http://bit.ly/hFwPhR.

 

Save 20 % on the new book, Flint Hills, by entering FLINTHILLS at checkout.

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You Know You’re a REAL Kansan If…

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Kate F. Eaton

Thanks to the wonders of late-night cable, I’ve listened to plenty of “You Know You’re a _____ If…” monologues. They’ve started me thinking it’s time to rewrite what the national media (and some of our own journalists, sadly) have to say about the Sunflower State and its inhabitants. Without further introduction, I’d like to offer my own version of “You Know You’re a REAL Kansan If…”

You Know You’re a REAL Kansan If…You don’t feel the need to apologize for the local cuisine. Guess what? Local cuisine, depending on where you live in Kansas, can mean carne asada, spring rolls or baba ganouj. It can mean pizza from a hometown giant, bierocks or barbecue. (What is this obsession about chicken fried steak among certain food columnists, anyway?)

You Know You’re a REAL Kansan If…You appreciate the strength of Kansas communities, the compassionate courage that comes from caring about what happens to your neighbors and your hometown.

You Know You’re a REAL Kansan If… You aren’t working feverishly to make our state like the East Coast or the West Coast, or to go live there. Don’t have anything against either of those places, lots of beautiful scenery and nice folks in both, but Kansas has plenty to be proud of, too.

You Know You’re a REAL Kansan If…You enjoy the subtle beauty of the tallgrass prairie, the  rocky red soil of the Gypsum Hills and towering Missouri River bluffs that offer a glimpse of four states. You’ve probably visited the redwood forests, white sand beaches and magnificent peaks in other states, but coming home to Kansas still makes you smile.

You Know You’re a REAL Kansan If…You understand that every vote counts, even when you’re ignored by national candidates.

You Know You’re a REAL Kansan If…You aren’t afraid to change in order to survive. You learn to check online grain futures instead of chatting down at the Co-Op, use your farm-born welding skills to build precision parts in a factory and change your major to business to help the family store run more efficiently. You help plan sustainable cities, market your Kansas tourist attraction on the internet and open B&Bs on family farms. You will, in fact, do just about anything to keep your family, your business and your state moving in the right direction.

You Know You’re a REAL Kansan If…You aren’t defined by what people who’ve never even been to Kansas say about our state in the media (don’t know what excuse to give local journalists, though.) You know the beauty, strength and creativity of Kansans. You know we’re not monolithic, believing the same things or belonging to one political party, religion or education level.  Because Kansas was built by the Swedes, the Lebanese, the Russian Mennonites, the British and the Native Americans, enriched even more by the Vietnamese, Samoan, Cuban and a dozen other ethnic influences, you also understand we’re not finished welcoming new Kansans into the fold.

You Know You’re a REAL Kansan If…You moved here from another state and found lots to love. You love the lower housing costs, safer communities and solid schools. You love that big retail centers are never more than a couple hours’ drive away in Kansas, but you’ve also learned to love the small shops, restaurants and attractions close to home.

You Know You’re a REAL Kansan If…You understand that Kansas, like every other state in the Union, has had its felons, fiends and malcontents. You’ve read Kansas history and you watch the news…it’s no secret to you that, since the first inhabitants took up housekeeping on the prairie, we’ve had our share of Kansans who haven’t made our state proud. And what do you do about that? You pay attention to the kids in your neighborhood, you help your city build strong law enforcement and you speak up when it’s easier to stay silent.

There it is, my first installation of You Know You’re a REAL Kansan If…  So, what would you add to the list? What is it about Kansans that stands out as you travel, live in or raise your family here?

I can’t wait to see your comments and witticisms, good or bad, and that’s because I Know I’m a REAL Kansan because I’m never afraid of a little dust!

Kate

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Making Sure Your Business Will Run (Even When You’ve Run Out of Steam!)

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Kate F. Eaton

When I work with a new copywriting client, I always suggest we create a stockpile of blog posts before they start publishing. The reason for this, I explain, is that emergencies happen in the midst of running a business.

They might, for example, have a rush of new business and not have the time to discuss new blog topics with their ghostwriter. Or they could be, as I am, looking back at a month of “Illness #1, followed by hubby’s surgery, immediately followed by Illness #2.”

Sadly, I ignored my own best advice for my customers. I never missed a beat supplying content to my clients in the midst of personal chaos, but my own SunflowerAttractions blog went woefully untended. Had I created my own “stockpile”, you might never have noticed a blip in the supply of new blog posts!

And here’s one of the most admirable traits of most small business owners: even when deathly ill, they find a way to meet their customers’ needs. But if that crisis continues long-term, will your business be able to weather the storm?

To make sure you, Kansas tourism business owner, don’t have to find that out, here are three tips to help make sure your business will run, even when you’ve run out of steam.

Tip #1: Create and follow a marketing calendar. I’m guessing most of you are already doing this–planning your marketing campaigns at least several months in advance. Not only does it save last minute scramble to introduce promotions, launch new products or target new markets, it also allows you to take advantage of joint advertising opportunities such as seasonal tourism promotions. (And it keeps your marketing from screeching to a halt when you’re not at the helm.)

Tip #2: Block out time to focus on your business. I speak from the heart on this one, my friends. It is easy to get caught up in meeting the needs of your current customers, especially when personal resources are stretched thin, and fail to take time to do the things that bring in new ones.

Block out the same time every week to review your business goals, your marketing strategies and any areas of your business not flowing smoothly. The simple act of stepping back and taking stock regularly, no matter what, can be a lifesaver when your “real” life takes you by surprise.

Tip #3: Create a list of people who can help. Ecclesiastes 4:10 says this about friends, “If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls down and has no one to help him up!”

Knowing who your “friends” are in business can make the difference between success and failure, and here’s why–small business owners do not, contrary to our own beliefs, know how to do everything, nor do we have limitless energy and, occasionally, things happen that stop even us in our tracks! Having a list of trusted friends, people who can provide wise counsel, emergency backup, and support in the areas where we don’t excel is a treasure beyond measuring. Here are some ideas for your list:

  • A mentor whose success you’ve admired who is willing to lend an ear when you’re stuck.
  • A great accountant who can help keep your finances in order, no matter how chaotic life gets.
  • A Virtual Assistant who can add “depth” to your business by answering routine email, dealing with vendors and handling online orders, based on your specific practices.
  • A marketing consultant who can keep your scheduled campaigns moving.
  • A trusted copywriter who can speak with your unique “voice” and keep your tweets, blog posts and website content fresh when you’re too busy, too stressed or out of the picture.
  • A cross-trained staff able to step in when key players are absent.
  • A “master-mind” group of fellow entrepreneurs who can offer perspective, helpful tips and referrals for essential resources.

Not all of these apply to every small business, but they may start you thinking about who can provide advice, backup and support to keep your business running smoothly.

If you must be on the premises every day, in peak form, for your tourism industry firm to be operational, maybe it’s time to plan for contingencies. Begin looking for ways to keep things running, even when you’ve run out of steam, and who knows? Maybe this will be the year you could even take a vacation to visit other great Sunflower State attractions!

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Kansas Sesquicentennial – A Great Year for Kansas Tourism!

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Kate F. Eaton

“Kansas Sesquicentennial” is quite a mouthful, but it boils down to two exciting facts–the Sunflower State has been part of the Union for 150 years, and it’s going to be a great year for Kansas tourism.

Kansas State Historical Society Official 2010 Christmas Ornament

In the spirit of those who settled the Kansas plains, and no doubt whooped it up a bit in 1861 when statehood was announced, Kansas tourism industry businesses have a chance to add their voices to the celebration.

That’s not all…we have the opportunity to showcase our state’s natural wonders and attractions in a special way all year long.

One of my favorite commemorations so far of our state’s 150th birthday comes from the Kansas State Historical Society, who introduced our sesquicentennial year with their 2010 Official State Christmas Ornament.

Here’s another creative example: Legends Outlet Mall in Kansas City, a very popular tourist destination, is highlighting its unique walking tour of Kansas Legends throughout their property during the official birthday weekend. The Kansas Legends Tour was already in place as an integral part of their branding, but by highlighting the audio tour that accompanies the stroll as a way to learn more about Kansas, they’ve incorporated our sesquicentennial within their marketing strategy.

And here’s how one Kansas town is encouraging visitors and residents to recognize the 150th birthday – Iola, Kansas businesses will offer free packs of collectible Kansas 150 trading cards in the week leading up to the big celebration on January 29. The point is to visit enough businesses to collect all 20 cards, as well as having the included punch-card punched at at least two of the local Kansas birthday events.  The Allen County Historical Society will hold a punch-card drawing for Kansas themed prizes. Sounds like a fun way to bring in visitors, doesn’t it?

So, how will your Kansas tourism business continue to highlight the Kansas Sesquicentennial in 2011? Will you, like ReThink Topeka and their co-sponsors, start the birthday year off with a bash that celebrates art, poetry and fun ways to be part of the party? Or will you, like the Kansas Barn Alliance, encourage Kansans to take artistic action to celebrate this special year?

Why not highlight your region’s role in the settlement of Kansas? Caldwell, Kansas is the kick-off point for the 150th Anniversary Cattle Drive starting Labor Day Weekend. Towns and businesses along the 200-mile “old Cox Cattle Trail” will help visitors celebrate this historic drive, as well as the “Big 150″ for Kansas. Special Kansas 150 celebrations in Ellinwood, Ellsworth and Kingman during the cattle drive should bring a big boost in tourism business.

Whether you own a B&B in Kiowa County or a down-home cafe in Salina, there’s a way to honor “Kansas 150″ while attracting new visitors. Don’t give up, if you haven’t launched your Kansas Sesquicentennial marketing campaign; January 29th, 2011 is just the beginning of a great year for Kansas tourism.

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What I’ve Learned From Kansas Cemeteries – Maple City & Springside

Posted on January 13, 2011 by Kate F. Eaton

It might seem strange to deliberately visit Kansas cemeteries where nary a soul related to me is buried. Here’s the thing…by learning who was buried when and a little about their lives, it’s possible to piece together a snapshot of the local area. I’ve decided to write an on-going series about the cemeteries I visit throughout Kansas and what they teach me. Here’s today’s installation – Maple City and Springside Cemeteries.

I learned when visiting Maple City Cemetery, located between Cedar Vale and Arkansas City, that people in Southeast Kansas show respect for our state’s early settlers. Recently-added wrought iron gates display a polite sign asking visitors to close them as they leave. They guard such poignant monuments as the tall spire raised a hundred years ago in memory of a young wife.

Although the town of Maple City no longer exists (except for a large church and a few houses) someone took the time to preserve in a concrete cradle the headstone of a little girl who died in 1880. The cemetery itself, on that cold, windy New Year’s Day, displayed the beauty of the Southern Flint Hills with its windswept cedars and rocky soil. It was easy to imagine a time when wagons instead of cars lined the cemetery road during funerals.

Another quiet place where the struggles of early Kansans was evident is Springside Cemetery, east of Arkansas City. Graves lined up like sentinels date back to the Civil War and the freshly-turned red clay of a bordering field gives testimony to the hard work our pioneers engaged in to make a home on the prairie.

Springside Cemetery also reminded me that the wars our country has engaged in have a very lasting, personal impact through generations. Stars marking the graves of soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic stand across the way from a beautiful memorial to veterans’ of every war from 1776 to 1976.

And among the large cedars and neat rows of headstones, a winsome angel watches the infrequent traffic of a Kansas rural road. Being there for just a quarter of an hour gave me the sense that Kansas endures even as it buries its dead.

And so, faithful readers, those are the lessons learned from a day exploring Kansas rural cemeteries. Instead of sadness, I gained a new respect for the strength and struggles of generations who have lived in the Sunflower State. I encourage you, next time you’re driving past the cemetery gates on a Kansas county road, to stop and absorb the sense of timelessness you can find inside.

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