Rudolph is played by Tommy Johnson and Santa is played by Shannon Johnson. Courtesy photos.
The lights from a local family’s Christmas display just might be able to be seen from space. The yard is loaded with lights and displays to entertain the community, and Santa will be there Dec. 8 for those who want a photo opportunity.
The home of Shannon and Tommy Johnson at 753 S. Clark has been transformed into a winter wonderland since 2009.
“Every year we just grow more,” Shannon said. “We offer pictures with Santa and also do a huge Halloween display with a haunted house.”
The Johnson home is located east of Hwy. 69. Go east on Third Street, then turn south on Clark.
“We light up every night from 5 p.m. to 9:30 or 10.00 p.m.” Shannon said.
“It roughly takes two weeks to do (the decorating) inside and out,” Shannon said. “We will have them lit until around Jan 3rd or so.”
A free will donation will be accepted to help with costs and lighting for upcoming years, Shannon said.
“We also will have Santa here on the December 8th for picture taking, Shannon said. “Popcorn cookies will be served and people can walk through the winter wonderland.”
“We enjoy doing it for the community,” Shannon said.
The Johnson’s also decorated their home for Halloween and had over 1,000 visitors, Shannon said.
Bourbon County Arts Council members Deb Halsey and Elaine Buerge welcomed guests of the Chamber coffee Nov. 15.
The Bad Art by Good People 2018 Art Exhibition was the feature of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee Nov. 15 at the Ellis Center.
Deb Halsey, board member of the Bourbon County Arts Council told guests the auction is this evening (Nov. 15)at 7p.m. at the Ellis Center located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College. Marty Read will be the auctioneer.
“This is the fifth year of Bad Art by Good People,” Halsey said. “It’s our number-one fundraiser. Ninety-seven people have painted for us over the years and let us auction it off.”
Chamber members look over the artwork Thursday morning.
This year’s artists are Laura Agee, Karen Billiard, Susan Carillo, Rhonda Dunn, Bob Eckles, Lucy Gladbach, Kristin Gorman, Emily Hinkle, Jody Hoener, Rebekah Houses, Linda Jackson, Casey Lewis, Laura Meeks, Susan Messer, Bryan Ritter, Addi Smith, and Clyde Wendel.
“There is a great variety of artwork,” Halsey said.
The exhibit is open for viewing at 7 p.m. this evening for voting on a favorite piece of work. Appetizers are served.
At 7:30 p.m. the auction starts.
Kale Nelson looks at the artwork at Ellis Center.
Some of the activities of the BCAC are providing scholarships for students pursuing art, Project Art at Fort Scott Middle School, the Gordon Parks Poetry Contest, musical concerts for the community and schools, Art Walks, and a summer patio concert series at Crooner’s Lounge.
“Come out and vote on your favorite piece of art and help us to continue to promote the arts in our community,” Halsey said.
Betty Boyko drinks coffee while looking over the artwork.
Bourbon County Arts Council Members are Deb Anderson, Tedene Tucker, Dan Magee, Ray Streets, Terri Floyd, Steve Floyd, Elaine Buerge, Rob Shaw, Laura Meeks, Breann Martin, Chris Woods, and Halsey.
This Friday night, Nov. 1 “Take A Note” will be the featured, according to Ralph Carlson, the coordinator of the free, weekly concerts.
The concert will be held at The Common Grounds Coffee Shop Friday at 7 p.m. Come early as seating is limited.
“The group, led by Dr. Buck features a seven-member band from Iola, Kansas,” Carlson said. “The group does Gospel, classic country and traditional music. They have been a favorite with the Friday night crowd.”
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Invites you to join Mercy Hospital for their 13th Annual Chili Cook-off on Tuesday, November 13th, 2018 at 11 am!
Banners of local veterans line Main Street in downtown Fort Scott. Call the Fort Scott Visitors and Convention Office at 620.670.2750 for more information.
Veterans Day festivities take place November 9-12, throughout the county. All veterans are invited.
Area schools have been providing Veteran’s Day Assemblies to honor those who have served their county for several years, and continue in 2018.
On Friday, November 9 at 9 a.m. Winfield Scott Elementary School will have a Veteran’s Day Program in the gym.
Fort Scott Middle and High School students will have their program in the high school gym from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. the same day. Guest speaker is Nick Trim, an Air Force Veteran.
St. Mary’s Catholic School will have a Veteran’s Day program at 1 p.m. on Nov. 9 at the Veteran’s Memorial on Skubitz Plaza in front of Fort Scott National Historic Site, weather permitting.
A new Bourbon County School, St. Martin’s Academy, will present a public faculty lecture on Friday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Boiler Room Brewhaus, located at National and Wall Street.
Patrick Whelan, the headmaster at the boy’s Catholic school, will be giving the lecture, entitled Warfare in Epic Poetry. Whelan is a Marine veteran and still serves as an officer in the Marine Reserves in addition to pursuing a Ph.D. in combat trauma in literature.
The presentation event starts with a mixer /cocktail hour at 7:30 p.m. Whelan will speak at 8:30 p.m. and allow time for questions.
On Monday, November 12, Eugene Ware Elementary School will have a vet’s program at 9 a.m. in the gym, while USD 235 will also have their program at 9 a.m. in the high school gym on Nov. 12.
Fort Scott Community College is offering free haircuts to veterans Nov. 9-12. The haircuts are provided by the cosmetology department. Call this number for an appointment: 620-223-2700 Ext. 5220.
The First Annual Veteran’s Day Celebration spearheaded by the Fort Scott Convention and Visitors Bureau includes the following, taken from its’ website:
Friday, November 9th
5 pm – 8 pm: Opening Reception “In Honor of Company ‘G’” @ Boiler Room Brewhaus, presented by Peerless Products. Finger foods and your first drink of the evening are free. All veterans that register will also receive a free goody bag with a special gift and information.
Saturday, November 10th
10 am: Special Veterans Day Program @ Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall – speakers include 12th District Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson, Gold Star Mother Jennifer Jackman, Carl Jowers of Thomas-Harkey Post 25 American Legion, and Commander of the American Legion Department of Kansas Dan Wiley. Special music will be provided by the Fort Scott High School Orchestra.
2 pm: Performance of “Bright Star” @ Fort Scott High School. Adults $7 Kids $5. Veterans will be recognized during the performance.
5 pm: Live Local Bourbon County presents the Veterans Day Parade through Downtown Fort Scott. TFO will provide trailers and rides for all veterans who can not, or do not want to, walk the parade route. Live Local BB will be serving up a hot dog meal beginning at 3:30 pm at the pavilion downtown! The staging area is located at Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS.
Fort Scott City Clerk Diane Clay decorates the exterior of city hall, 123 S. Main on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for the Veteran’s Day Celebrations this weekend.
7 pm: 1800’s Remembrance Grand Ball @ Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall, presented by The “Friends” of Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Sunday, November 11th
9 am: Church Services @ Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton
11 am: Services @ US National Cemetery #1 with 12th District Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson. Organized by VFW Post 1165 Olson-Frary-Burkhart
Noon: Lunch @ VFW Post 1165 Olson-Frary-Burkhart for Free Will Donation.
While in Fort Scott for the Veterans Day Celebration, don’t forget to purchase your “Buddy” Poppy and “Wear it proudly.”
JOIN LIBERTY THEATRE AS THEY WELCOME THE JESSICA PAIGE BAND THIS SATURDAY AT 8:30 PM!
Join us Saturday, November 10th, 8:30pm, in the Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main Street, as we welcome the Jessica Paige Band.
Jessica’s music has been described as a melding of “folk, “story-telling lyricism,” “soulful” vocals and “indie-pop” instrumentals creating an overall “bluesy-pop” sound.
Jessica combines musical elements from classic rock/blues legends Janis Joplin, Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt with the tone and style of modern artists like Brandi Carlile, Norah Jones, Sara Bareillis, Ingrid Michaelson, ZZ Ward, Sam Smith and James Morrison.
For more information, visit our Facebook page by clicking here.
Watch Jessica Paige’s YouTube video, Beautiful Life, by clicking here.
Band members march in this 2014 photo of the Fort Scott Christmas Parade.
Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting is Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at 6 p.m.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that the annual holiday Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, in Downtown Fort Scott starting at 6 pm. The parade route will take place on Main Street starting at 3rd Street, proceeding to Skubitz Plaza, then exiting northwest towards National Ave.
The 2018 parade theme is “It’s a Cowboy Christmas!”, providing a fun and festive parade for everyone to get into the spirit.
The Chamber is calling all participants. There is no cost for businesses, schools and other organizations to register a float, golf cart, foot unit, band, horse unit, car or other entry into the parade. The parade entry form may be found on the Chamber website, www.fortscott.com, or may be picked up at the Chamber office at 231 E. Wall Street. Entry deadline is Monday, December 3rd at 1 pm.
Santa will be in Fort Scott for the parade, and Papa Don’s for a meet-and-greet. There will be drawings for prizes, photos with Santa, free hot chocolate in front of J & W Sports, the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas tree and much more.
The Chamber encourages all to participate in the parade or attend as an onlooker to enjoy this magical night in Downtown Fort Scott.
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 15th Annual Forks & Corks tasting event of the year! Come out SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd for a great night of tastings, auctions, raffles and more!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend the 15th Annual Forks & Corks event. Forks & Corks is one of the most popular events among Fort Scott locals and visitors!
Forks & Corks is one of three primary fundraisers the Chamber hosts annually to benefit our mission to support business, build community, and promote spirit.
This is a tasting event where Fort Scott restaurants and caterers are invited to share tasting of several of their popular items. Standard Beverage will be present to provide tasting of numerous wines, beers and liqueurs. Awards will be presented, and the evening will end with a silent and live auction.
Please contact the Chamber at (620)223-3566 if you have any questions.
Tickets to this event are available for purchase at the Chamber – 231 E. Wall St. (open Saturday until 4pm) or at the door of the event.
The Friends of Fort Scott NHS are once again hosting an 1800s Grand Ball on Saturday, November 10, 2018, as part of the citywide Veterans Day Weekend in Fort Scott.
We will honor all veterans and current military personnel as well as remember the WW1 armistice signed on November 11, 1918.
Veterans and military personnel, along with their escorts, will be leading off the Grand March to begin our evening of 1800’s period dancing and music.
We would like to encourage everyone attending the Veterans Day Weekend activities to come and participate in the 1800s Grand Ball, and likewise, we encourage anyone attending the 1800s Grand Ball to take part in the other activities offered during the weekend in Fort Scott.
All funds raised at the Grand Ball will go to support the activities of the Friends of Fort Scott NHS.
The Friends provide support to the national historic site in a variety of ways, such as assisting with educational activities and programs for all ages as well as providing refreshments for special events.
Submitted by Dee Young
For more information contact Dee Young at 913.557.1632 (home), 913.269.1632 (cell),waynedeeyoung@hughes.net
