Come to Fort Scott Public Library for the 5th Annual Holiday FamilyParty on Monday, December 16, at 4 p.m.
Miss Val will read and sing with everyone, and then families will experience the party in smaller groups.
Activities for teens will be held upstairs while games, snacks, and crafts for children and adults will be downstairs.
Children first grade and below must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
The party will run from 4 – 5:30 p.m. Registration will open at 3:45.
All kids and teens will receive a gift and book.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
Volunteers are needed to help supervise the activities.
Please contact youth librarian Valetta Cannon at vcyouthlib@gmail.com, fill out a donation form at the library, or call 620-223-2882 if you would like to help. Happy Holidays from Fort Scott Public Library!
The big rock shelter house at Gunn Park is lit by Christmas as part of Christmas in the Park in 2017.
Christmas in the Park 2019 organizers hope to provide the community with a great holiday experience, according to Tom Robertson, one of the event coordinators. Robertson is the director of the Fort Scott Recreation Center. He and Diana Mitchell are spearheading the annual event.
Food, entertainment, crafts, and photo opportunities are provided with help from the City of Fort Scott many community volunteers who donate time and materials.
“If you haven’t been before, come,” Mitchell said. “It’s a wonderful evening. Where else can you go and spend three hours and it cost nothing.”
The event will take place on December 7th from 5 – 8 p.m. at Gunn Park.
The activities include chili for the family, a live band by Danny Brown Christmas music, real reindeer for viewing, a live nativity by Bethel Community Church, Christmas crafts for children to make, and a visit with Santa, portrayed by James Wood.
New this year is a coffee/hot chocolate bar with all the fixings and a selfie bar for fun family photos.
“The selfie bar will be provided by the Terrell Vann family,” Mitchell said. “You can hold crazy things up with a backdrop.”
Bring the camera for many other photo opportunities with Santa and real reindeer, Mitchell said.
All participants will be bussed into Gunn Park from parking lots at the Fort Scott Community College Nursing Department at 8th and Burke Street and the Fort Scott Professional Building at 8th and Osbun Street. Fort Scott Community College, USD 234, and some nursing homes are providing busses.
“We bus for the safety of participants,” Mitchell said. “Traditionally, there are about 1,600 people there.”
Some adventurous people walk into the park, she said.
“And that is acceptable, it is three-fourths of a mile to the center of the park,” Mitchell noted.
There will be long lines to some of the activities and patience is asked of participants.
The event is coordinated by members of the community in conjunction with the City of Fort Scott, according to Robertson.
The Fort Scott Police Department, the Fort Scott Fire Department, Fort Scott Community College, individual families, Winfield Scott Elementary School first-grade teachers and the Eye Center all are a part of the annual event.
“We want to provide a great holiday experience in a beautiful park in Fort Scott,” Robertson said. “It will allow our patrons to eat, listen to Christmas music, make crafts, decorate a sugar cookie, pet a live reindeer and of course… see Santa.”
Gunn Park will be closed to the public from Wednesday, Dec. 4 until the event to prepare for the event, Mitchell said.
The following is where the activities are scheduled:
Park at parking lots and buses will pick up attendees at those sites.
Shelter 1-chili will be served.
Outside of a tent near this shelter will be the live band, provided by Danny Brown playing Christmas music. Inside the tent will be the hot chocolate/coffee bar and kids can decorate a cookie.
Shelter 2- the selfie bar is provided for photo opportunities, bring your camera.
Outside of the selfie bar will be live reindeer from Towanda, KS.
Shelter 6-Santa will be available for listening to Christmas requests.
Shelter 7-Christmas crafts for children sponsored by Buck Run Community Center.
Buses will transport attendees back to the parking lot to their cars.
Download ebooks, audiobooks, comics, TV episodes, movies, music, and more. All you need is your library card login and a valid email address. Ask us if you need assistance.
Download ebooks and audiobooks from the State Library of Kansas. All you need is a Kansas Library eCard. Ask us if you need assistance.
5th Annual Family Holiday Party
Join us for a family holiday party! Enjoy holiday stories, songs, games, snacks, crafts, prizes, and gifts. Be sure to invite your friends or share on your timeline, too! Children 2nd grade and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Activities include cookie decorating, candy cane hunt, “snowball fight,” teen games, and crafts. All children and teens will receive at least one gift and a free book!
We are looking for volunteers to help supervise the activities and groups, and donors to help provide food. Please pass the word along and let Miss Val know at vcyouthlib@gmail.com or by calling 223-2882 if you want to help.
For Kids
Storytime
Join Miss Val for Storytime on Tues. or Wed. at 10 am weekly for a themed children’s program! Storytime features stories, crafts, snacks, singing, and sometimes, special guests, all centered around seasonal themes or ideas from attendees. The program is free and open to all ages! Each event also features a play and coloring table, which families with energetic little ones or special needs children find especially helpful. Join us and see for yourself! Upcoming themes: Firefighters & Fire Trucks (with a special appearance by our Fort Scott Fire Dept. on Nov. 19!), Thanksgiving, Royalty, Dragons & Fantasy Creatures, and the Holidays.
Miss Val is always seeking volunteers to help with programs and prep. Interested? Contact her at vcyouthlib@gmail.com.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Join our free early literacy program and steer your baby or preschooler toward academic success! Studies show that children who are read to from an early age develop better vocabulary, make more connections in their brains, and form the needed skills to read by themselves much quicker than their average peers who are not read to. Sign up by stopping in at the library for your first reading log, welcome letter, and other paperwork. Take a look at our awesome readers here.
For Families
Come to Holidays Maker Monday!
December 9, 4 – 5 pm
Create holiday gifts, cards, ornaments, and decorations with Miss Val! Enjoy snacks & water and work as a family at this free program. Kids 2nd grade and below must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Marvelous Monday
November 18, 2 – 3 pm
Go on an Autumn and Digital Walking Scavenger Hunt down Main Street at our Marvelous Mondays program for homeschool families and friends! Each participant may try to fill in our BINGO hunt cards and earn a free book for each BINGO. After our walk, we will share treats and crafts in the event room, and complete a brief survey to share tips with fellow homeschool families. In case of inclement weather, we will have an indoor library scavenger hunt.
FIGHTERS for Teens & Tweens
Middle & High School Students, come on Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. for a free program just for you! Join our ongoing reading challenge, which will run through the end of next May. Reading prizes and books will be awarded for every 500 pages of reading. FIGHTERS stands for Familiar Inviting Group Helping Those Entities Recover from School. The name was chosen and voted on by our members.
November & December meetings will run as follows:
November 20, 4:15 – 5 pm: Steampunk-Themed Games & Snacks Night
November 27: NO MEETING DUE TO THANKSGIVING
December 4, 4:15 – 5 pm: Community Service: Decorate the library for the Holidays & Winter
December 11, 4:15 – 5 pm: Holiday craft night
December 18, 4 – 6 pm: Teen & Tween Holiday Party Games Night
NO Meetings on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1 due to Christmas & New Year’s.
Need a ride from public school to FIGHTERS? Parents or guardians, call Joe Allen at 223-0800 to arrange bus transportation for your student.
Three murders in different regions of England reveal the work of a sinister killer who is sacrificing victims for an evil agenda, compelling Charlie Parker’s gripping search for clues in multiple countries.
Returning to Ireland after her mother’s death, Elizabeth Keane is focused only on saying goodbye to that part of her life until, while she is going through her mother’s belongings, she discovers a small stash of letters that reveal a startling truth.
The annual Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce holiday shopping event is this evening.
From 5-8 p.m. Nov. 14, stores in the downtown area will welcome shoppers with new displays and perhaps a snack.
Also Bartlesmeyer Jewelry, 1519 S. National; Sekan Occasion Shops, 2210 S. Main and the Lavender Patch, 2376 Locust, will be open late for shopping convenience.
New this year, Kenny Felt Photography will be offering $10 professional photos to make Christmas cards, with 10 percent of the sales going to local organization Care to Share. He will be a part of the Sekan Occasion Shops happenings.
Dolley the Trolley will be going store to store for those whose feet get tired going from store to store.
In addition to snacks to enjoy while shopping, many stores will be offering special drawings, including $50 in Chamber Bucks.
Santa sits on a bench in front of The Ironstar and gets a second look from Ernestine Eden at a past Holiday Open House.
Stores participating in the holiday event are Bids and Dibs, Books and Crannies, Country Cupboard, Courtland Hotel and Spa, Empress Event Center-Marketplace Vendors, Front Door Christmas Store, Hedgehog.INK Book Store, Here We Go Again Upholstery and More, Iron Star Antiques and Such, J&W Sports Shop, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Main Street Gallery and Gifts, Mayco Ace Hardware, Ruddick’s Furniture, Sekan Occasion Shop, Sunshine Boutique, the Lavender Patch, Trader Dave’s, Treasure Hunt Flea Market.
Lora Holdridge shows off a Christmas treasure she found at the Holiday Open House.
A Representative of the VFW will be presenting flags to three (3) Veterans: Daniel Longfellow of Fort Scott, Ward Wools of Fort Scott and James Quirk of Prescott.
These flags will be honored in the Veteran’s names and flown over our State Capital.
We start with Coffee, Great Company & Conversation
Located: 902 S. Horton St. Please use the Main Entrance off Horton Street. Next to the VA Clinic on the main floor.
Chamber Members and guests are encourages to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about hosting business or organization.
***Members may pay $1 to make announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
uUPCOMING COFFEES
November 21th – Sunshine Boutique
November 28th – No Chamber Coffee
December 5th – FSNHS (Fort) “Candlelight Tours”
December 12th – FSCC-EFAC – Santa’s Workshop
December 19th – City of Fort Scott
December 26th – No Coffee – Merry Christmas break!”
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Holiday Open House late night shopping event will be held this Thursday, November 14th from 5 to 8 p.m. Retailers in the Downtown Historic District and other locations will be open late to shop, snack and win.
The Holiday Open House will feature nearly 20 merchants offering holiday décor and unique gifts. “Dolly the Trolley” will provide transportation between shopping locations so attendees can shop and ride. Many of the locations will be offering drawings, treats and beverages to enjoy.
Participating retailers include the following locations in the Downtown Historic District: Bids & Dibs, Books & Grannies, Courtland Hotel & Spa, Empress Event Center Marketplace, Front Door Christmas Store, Hedgehog.INK, Here We Go Again Upholstery, Iron Star, J & W Sports Shop, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Main Street Gallery & Gifts, Mayco Ace Hardware, Ruddick’s Furniture, Sunshine Boutique, Trader Dave’s and Treasure Hunt Flea Market. Other locations include Bartelsmeyer Jewelry and Sekan’s Occasion Shop.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information on this event at 620-223-3566 or visit www.fortscott.com.
If you have questions on the survey or other input,
please email Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Development.
Bourbon County Commission, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance livability and quality of life for its residents and to grow our economic base and resulting job opportunities, has commissioned a feasibility study for a multi-use event facility to be located in the Fort Scott area.
Markin Consulting, a national consulting firm specializing in these types of facilities, is conducting this two-phase study. The first phase is an intense look at the market viability of this type of facility.
We are thankful for Bourbon County stakeholders Jim Keller,
of Keller Ranch, and Steve Buerge, of Buerge Farms and
Buerge Enterprises, Inc. who have made substantial contributions toward the market demand study.
By completing a rigorous cost benefit analysis, we are not only showing to be good stewards of taxpayer resources but we are also planning for the future.
We believe the feasibility study for the multi-use event facility is very important to our business community and are asking business and residents for your help by taking time to complete a very short, on-line survey for this study process.
The Missourians will be live in concert tonight at Memorial Hall.
You are invited to this special faith and freedom event with a special patriotic salute to all Veterans.
Tight harmonies, upbeat concerts, soul touching songs, and the love of Jesus Christ, that’s what The Missourians are best known for. For twenty-five years they have been spreading the message of Jesus Christ through song. During that time they have recorded 16 albums and 2 videos including their latest release “Hymns & Classics.”
The group, based out of Joplin Missouri, is comprised of five talented musicians and singers who have a true desire of spreading the good news to people of all ages and locations. Whether it’s a rural church or city auditorium The Missourians have one purpose…to share the love of Jesus through music.
The Missourians have shared the stage with such greats as Gold City, Brian Free & Assurance, Ivan Parker, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers and many others. The group also hosts a weekly radio show called “Make Mine Southern” on multiple broadcast and internet radio stations.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see The Missourians live in concert at Memorial Hall tonight. Memorial Hall is located at 1 East 3rd Street in Fort Scott.
The concert will start at 7 pm.
Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 9, and admission is free for children 4 and under.
All proceeds from this event will go to the building fund for First Southern Baptist Church.
For more information, call (620) 223-2986 or go to the website www.fortscottfsbc.com.
Fort Scott High School invites everyone to embrace their inner elf by seeing Elf – The Musical this fall.
Elf – The Musical; with a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar, and lyrics by Chad Beguelin; is presented at 7 p.m. on Nov. 12, 14, and 16 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 16 at the Fort Scott High School Auditorium.
Music Theatre International describes the show this way: “Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.”
Buddy is played by energetic junior Noah Martin. His family includes Walter Hobbs (junior Sage Hill), Emily Hobbs (senior Addy Labbe), and Michael Hobbs (sophomore Brian Stumfoll). Buddy falls for Jovie, played by senior Mesa Jones. Other notable characters include the money-hungry boss Mr. Greenway (senior Dominic Cannon), the Macy’s manager (senior Jo Goodbody), and spirited office secretary Deb (played by senior Madi Toth).
The company is comprised of three separate ensembles of elves, office workers, and NYC citizens bringing the total cast to nearly forty students. Another twenty-some students work backstage to bring the show to life. The show is directed by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin and the music directed by FSHS Choral Director Emily Elliott. FSHS Alumni Taylor (Schilling) Qualls and DeLynn (Drake) Abati are Assistant Directors and Choreographers for the production.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children and available at the FSHS Office and Common Ground. Seating is limited, so audiences are encouraged to buy tickets in advance. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.
Elf – the Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIshows.com.
Veterans Day Weekend: Schedule of Events Honoring All Veterans since “1842” – Annual Veterans Day Celebration!
UPDATED
FRIDAY – NOVEMBER 8, 2019
Afternoon. 5 – 7pm. Veterans Reception at VFW Post 1165. E3 Ranch and Butcher Block providing food.
Evening Event – 7pm * Missourians Concert @ Memorial Hall, 1 East 3rd St.
SATURDAY * NOVEMBER 9, 2019
Afternoon: 1pm * Grand Ball Lessons @ Memorial Hall, 1 East 3rd St.
3pm * Veterans Day Parade @ Downtown Fort Scott, Main Street
Evening: 7pm * 1800’s Remembrance Grand Ball @ Memorial Hall, 1 East 3rd St.
SUNDAY * NOVEMBER 10, 2019
Morning: 9am * Veterans Church Service
10:45am * Community Christian Church Service, 1919 Horton St.
Evening: 6pm * Brent Giddens is ELVIS @ Memorial Hall, 1East 3rd St.
MONDAY * NOVEMBER 11, 2019
Morning: Avenue of Flags. 7 am. Weather permitting. Help the VFW place flags along East National.
Mid-Morning Ceremony: Please join us at The United States Cemetery No. 1
11am * Veterans Day Service * 900 E. National Ave.
Noon: 12pm * Veterans Day Lunch @ VFW Post #1165, 1745 S. National Ave. (Free will Donations)
Afternoon: Avenue of Flags. 4 pm. Help the VFW retrieve flags along East National.
All area Veterans are encouraged to participate in these Veterans Day activities. You do not have to be a member of the American Legion, VFW, DAV to attend any of these activities. All Veterans are welcome!
The “Friends” of Fort Scott National Historic Site cordially invite you to the Veterans Day Weekend 1800s Grand Ball
Saturday, November 9, 2019
7:00 to 10:30 PM.
At Historic Memorial Hall, 1 E 3rd Street, Fort Scott, KS.
Doors open at 6 PM
The Grand March begins promptly at 7 PM.
1800s Period Music will be selected from the best CD’s available.
Dress: 1800s Period Dress Highly Encouraged OR Semi-Formal Party Wear OR Military Uniforms
Gloves are required and will be available. Long trains, spike heels, hobnails/heel-plates, spurs/
swords/side-arms, pipes/cigars/chewing tobacco, and liquor are prohibited.
Dressing rooms are available.
Sweet and Savory refreshments will be served.
Tickets: General Public- $20 in advance/$25 at the door per person
or two for $30 in advance/$40 at the door; Friends members- $15 in advance/$20 at the door;
Students with ID- $10; and Children 12 & Under/Dance Observers- $5.
All proceeds go to the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Tickets will be available at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall Street, 620-223-3566
(Cash/Check/Credit) or by mail.
A Free Dance Class will be held on Saturday, November 9, from 10-1 at Memorial Hall.
Street clothes, please.
For Information contact Dee at: 913-557-1632 or 913-269-1632 or
waynedeeyoung@hughes.net
Find us on Facebook at:
Fort Scott KS 1800s Dancing
And Events at
1800s Grand Ball.
For Information about Veterans Day
Weekend in Fort Scott go to: www.fortscott.com/events
The ball is only one part of the celebration for Veterans Day Weekend in Fort Scott.
Along with the 1800s period dancing and music, the ball will honor all veterans and current military personnel.
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.
Veterans Day Weekend activities in Fort Scott are listed below.
Friday, November 8 –
The Lowell Milken Center will be offering a free gift to any veteran who comes to the center, 10-5, 1 South Main, Fort Scott
Welcome Reception for all Veterans held at the VFW from 5-7 pm, 1745 S. National Ave, Fort Scott
The Missourians Gospel Quartet, 7 pm, a special concert honoring veterans at Memorial Hall, 1 E 3rd Street, Fort Scott
Saturday, November 9 –
The Lowell Milken Center will be offering a free gift to any veteran who comes to the center, 10-4, 1 South Main, Fort Scott
1800s Period dance lessons, 10 am – 1 pm, free, street clothes, at Memorial Hall (updated location), 1 E 3rd Street, Fort Scott
Parade Honoring Veterans, Downtown Fort Scott, 3 pm
Free Veterans Photos after the parade until 6 pm at the Nazarene Church, 1728 Horton St., Fort Scott
1800s Grand Ball, Memorial Hall, doors open at 6:00 pm, Dancing from 7 – 10:30 pm, 1 E 3rd Street, Fort Scott
Sunday, November 10 –
Church Service honoring Veterans, 9 am & 10:45 am, Community Christian Church, 1919 Horton St., Fort Scott
Brent Giddens, Elvis Impersonator Concert, 6 pm, Memorial Hall, 1 E 3rd Street, Fort Scott
Monday, November 11 –
National Cemetery Services, 11 am, 900 E. National Ave., Fort Scott
Veterans Day Lunch, 12 pm, VFW Post #1165, 1745 S. National Ave., Fort Scott (Free will Donations)
The 2nd Annual Veterans Day Celebration is this weekend with lots of activities planned at various venues throughout the City of Fort Scott. This weekend is to celebrate all veterans and active-duty personnel.
The celebration begins Friday night from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm with a welcome reception at VFW Post 1165, 1745 South National Ave., Fort Scott. At the come and go reception, veterans and their spouses can enjoy a free hamburger meal that will be generously provided by the E3 Foundation.
Following the welcome reception, the Missourians Gospel Quartet will be performing at Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St. beginning at 7:00 pm. The concert is hosted by Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church, ticket sales will benefit the construction of the Family Life Center. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for children, and may be purchase at the Fort Scott Visitors Center, 231 E. Wall St., or at the door.
Saturday morning the Friends of the Fort will host dance lessons from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St.
Visit Fort Scott will offer free trolley rides to veterans and their spouses on Saturday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Free trolley tours will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours will leave on the hour, every hour, with the last tour at 1:00 pm.
The Veterans Day Parade begins at 3:00 pm Saturday, following the normal parade route through downtown Fort Scott. Line-up will be along Main Street from 6th Street south to Fort Scott High School. Live Local Bourbon County is the sponsor of this year’s parade.
Everyone is invited to the Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave. for a Parade Watch Party and Reception from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
The Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene and In His Image Photography will honor all veterans by offering a free professional portrait on Saturday afternoon following the parade, from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. If possible veterans are asked to bring a photo of themselves during their time in the service for their portrait at the Nazarene Church, 1729 Horton St.
At 7:00 pm Saturday, The “Friends” of Fort Scott National Historic Site will hold the 1800’s Grand Ball. Doors will open at 6:00 pm.
Sunday at 9:00 am, and 10:45 am Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, 1729 Horton Street, will welcome veterans for Church Services.
Sunday at 5:00 pm veterans are invited to a free concert by the premier Elvis impersonator at Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St. Brent Giddens is ELVIS will be free for all veterans, and $1 for others.
Monday morning VFW Post 1165 will host the Veterans Day Ceremony at National Cemetery No. 1, 900 E. National Ave. beginning at 11:00 am. The ceremony will be followed by a free-will donation lunch at the VFW.
At 1:15 pm St. Mary’s Catholic School will honor our veterans and active military with prayers and patriotic songs, performed by the elementary students and staff. The event will be held at the Veterans Memorial in Skubitz Plaza.
All these events, except for the Missourians Concert, and VFW lunch are free to veterans.
The 2nd Annual Veterans Day Celebration was made possible through funding provided by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.
For more information contact the Fort Scott Convention & Visitors Bureau at 620.670.2750 or go online to visitfortscott.com.
