Category Archives: Food

Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Starts Today at Bourbon County Fairgrounds

Come and visit the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta!  Today is the first day!  The quilt show opens from 9am to 4pm today and Saturday.  Sunday’s hours are noon to 3pm.  There are many beautiful quilts to admire.  Cassino Richardson is here with her fabrics, precuts, books and more.  Erica of Nine Patch Quilt Shop has a variety of Christmas gifts and ideas to choose from.  Watch Bobbi Schroeder do wonders with her quilting machine.  At 1pm Saturday come to listen to Paul Milks as he tells us of his journey with Cross Stitch.  He has beautiful designs for you to see.

Don’t forget the bean feed Friday evening complete with cornbread and all the add ons.  It is free with a Pioneer Harvest 2023 Collector button.  $5 gives you a button which gets you in the show all three days.  What a deal!  There is also a car show on Saturday off Eddy Street at the north end of the fairgrounds.

Submitted by Jackie Warren

COVID-19 Supports for Kansas Kids Dropped Poverty and Food Insecurity

Data Shows Pandemic-era Supports Drove Down

Child Poverty, Food Insecurity among Kansas Kids

TOPEKA, KAN.
— Poverty and food insecurity rates among Kansas children dropped significantly in the early years of the pandemic, according to the
2023 Kansas KIDS COUNT® Data Book, which analyzes child outcomes in economic well-being, education, and health indicators. The
Data Book was created by Kansas Action for Children, which collected state and county data from national and state sources.

Kansas children living below the poverty line (or a household income of less than $26,500/year for a family of four) decreased from 101,000 children in 2019 to 92,000 children in 2021. And
kids experiencing food insecurity (or not having enough to eat for every meal) decreased even more significantly from around 120,000 kids in 2019 to about 94,000 in 2021.

These improvements correlate to early pandemic-era supports targeting kids and families, such as increased food assistance benefits, no-cost school meals for all children, the temporarily
expanded federal child tax credit, and other measures that helped relieve financial burdens for families living on low- or middle-incomes.

Additionally, more Kansas kids became enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), reaching a combined peak across the last decade of nearly 300,000 children accessing
some type of coverage through KanCare, the state’s Medicaid program. This number is in stark contrast to a combined total of about 271,000 kids enrolled in 2019.

Due to the public health emergency, KanCare enrollees did not have to submit paperwork with the state to determine continuing eligibility, and enrollees were able to keep their coverage for
prolonged periods. However, with the public health emergency ending in May 2023, those redeterminations are underway, and thousands of kids are losing coverage.

“The data is clear that measures implemented during the early years of the pandemic helped families make ends meet,” said John Wilson, President and CEO of Kansas Action for Children. “But
with those programs having ended, advocates are concerned with the data trends we are likely to see in 2022 and beyond.”

He continued, “We can build on the success of pandemic-era programs by ensuring families can achieve financial security. Expanding Medicaid, implementing a state child tax credit, breaking
down barriers to food assistance, and raising the minimum wage are all solutions to make that a reality.”

Other notable data shifts highlighted in the report include:

·
Income statuses of families in Kansas have been on a constant incline since 2011, but there are still large discrepancies between racial groups. For instance,
Asian American/Pacific Islander households made around $102,100 in 2021, while American Indian/Alaskan Native households were at $32,400.

·
Fewer young children were enrolled in early learning programs. From 2019-2021, about 54% of Kansas 3- and 4-year-olds weren’t in nursery school, preschool, or
kindergarten. This is about a 2-point increase from 2017-2019.

·
Basic reading and math proficiency continued to trend downward in the last decade, following trends across the country. Reading proficiency has dropped about
10 percentage points since 2015 (80% vs. 70% in 2021). Math proficiency decreased even more significantly, seeing 8th graders drop from 71% in 2019 to 61% in 2022 and 4th graders drop from 79% to 75% across the same period.

·
Low birth weights are statistically much higher among Black newborns compared to every other racial/ethnic group. In 2021, around 7% of all Kansas newborns were
born at less than 5.5 pounds, but Black babies were twice the state average at 14%.

·
Racial disparities were also present in infant mortality rates. While the overall state rate is 5.9 infant deaths per 1,000, around 16.5 Black infants per 1,000
died in 2021.

·
Children without health coverage stayed steady at around 5%. With KanCare redeterminations currently occurring, this number could increase in future years.

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! September 29th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Special activities all this weekend! See link below.

Visit your National Park!

Trolley Tours of Fort Scott

50-minute narrated historical tour

Every Friday & Saturday on the hour

Fridays 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturdays 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 12 & under, leaves from the Chamber

Click this link: The Artificers

October pottery class/workshop

schedule, a creative space for all ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

9/29 ~ The Artificers presents Darrell Williams Opening & Reception, 6-9pm, click here for more info!

9/29 ~ Kick off FortFest23 with a street dance featuring Danny Brown & the Bourbon County Revival starting at 7pm, and Left of Center with Lori Hixon starting at 9pm, see flyer below for more info!

9/29 ~ Dance Party 4-5th Grade followed by Middle School, Buck Run Community Center, 4th-5th 5-7pm, 6th-8th 7:15pm-8:45pm, sponsored by FS Youth Cheer, $5 entry

9/29 ~ Chicken Fried Steak Dinner hosted by the Knights of Columbus, free will offering, proceeds go to rebuilding of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 5-7pm, click here for more info!

9/29-10/31~ Scarefest Haunted House & Clark Street Lights Display, $1 donation to enter 5+, entry comes with free popcorn and cotton candy,

see flyer below for more info!

9/30 ~ FortFest23, 400 N. National (Riverfront Park), BLUES FESTIVAL, free games/live music/BBQ Contest/Food Trucks/ FUN/ and much more, bring chairs and blankets as limited seating, free will donation, click here for more info!

9/30 ~ Children’s Business Fair at the Farmers’ Market, free business workshop taught by Small Business Development Center, 8am-12pm, stop by and check out our local young entrepreneurs!

9/30 ~ Special Saturday Chamber Coffee at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, join us at 8:30am to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of KRRP, click herefor more info!

9/30 ~ Red Bull Imagination sponsored by

E3 Ranch, click here for tickets!

9/30 ~ Elks Lodge 579 Benefit Golf Tournament for Christmas Baskets, 4-person scramble, click here for more info!

10/3 ~ Downtown Meet & Greet at City State Bank, 202 State Ave, 8am-9am. Click here for more info!

10/3 ~ Remembering When the Flood of 1986, Join John Free at Hedgehog.INK! and share your stories, 2-4pm

10/5-7 ~ 20th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration, great events and sessions to celebrate 20 wonderful years, click here for the full schedule of events!

10/5 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by the Gordon Parks Museum, 2108 Horton St, 8am.

10/5 ~ Pioneer Harvest Parade in Downtown Fort Scott, 6pm, click here to register a float or for more info!

10/5 ~ FSHS Homecoming Pep Rally Bonfire, community bonfire held in the rear parking lot in the old Mercy Hospital Building, this event is free and begins at 7pm.

10/6-8 ~ Pioneer Harvest Fiesta 67th Anniversary, one of the oldest steam & gas engine shows in Kansas, click here for more info!

10/6 ~ Mural Unveiling – First Kansas Colored Infantry Mural, the mural will be on display at the north downtown building located at 9 S. Main St. near Skubitz Plaza, 4-4:30pm, click here for more info!

10/6 ~ FSHS Football vs. Chanute – Homecoming, 7pm

10/7 ~ Chamber member Kansas Crossing Casino presents Hairball in Concert, must be 21+ attend, click here for more info.

10/7 ~ Last Cruise in the Season, Sonic Parking lot, 1708 S. National, Sonic will be doing great giveaways, starts at 5:30pm, click here for more details!

10/7 ~ 2023 Alumni Baseball Game – Fundraiser for Spring Break Trip, gates open at 4:30pm, free will donation at gate, 50/50 drawing/silent auction/E3 burgers on the grill, click here for more info!

10/7 ~ Fall Plant Sale at Tri-Valley, in the Greenhouse 4305 Campbell Drive, 9am-1pm (while supplies last), click here for more info!

10/7 ~ FSCC Alumni Rodeo, 1pm Slack & 7:30pm Performance, see flyer below for more info!

10/7 ~ First Saturday Story Time at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, this event features a guest reader and an activity, 2:30-3:30pm, click here for more info!

10/12 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott Area Community Foundation @ Landmark National Bank, 200 S. Main St. 8am, 2023 Grants will be awarded.

10/14 ~ Royal-Tea Party hosted by FSHS Thespians, $10 per child (must be accompanied by an adult), each child can have a treat and make a project with each character, feel free to dress up too!

SAVE THE DATE:

10/19 ~ Mill Creek Vet Clinic After Hours Open House and Ribbon Cutting, 5:30-7pm with remarks and cutting of the ribbon at 5:45pm

10/19 ~ Cato Days located between Pittsburg and Fort Scott (turn west on 720 and follow the signs),9am-2pm

10/28 ~ Halloween Parade & Festivities in Downtown Fort Scott, open to all ages, parade will begin at 11am starting at La Hacienda heading south to 2nd street then back around to the City Scales building, after the parade pizza and a drink will be handed out to kids in costumes. The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is asking for donations and businesses that are willing to pass out candy downtown, if you are interested email [email protected].

_________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!

Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Join us for a Special Chamber Coffee hosted by Kansas Rocks Recreation Park!

Red Bull Imagination hosted by E3!

FortFest23 at Riverfront Park!

Downtown Meet & Greet at City State Bank!

Fort Scott Community College Alumni Rodeo!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Facebook Share This Email
Twitter Share This Email
LinkedIn Share This Email
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Gordon Parks Celebration Dance: October 6

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member Gordon Parks Museum….

Celebration Dance Party!

Gordon Parks Museum presents “Celebration Dance Party” featuring KC All Stars!

KC All Starts was voted “Best Band In Kansas City” by KCMB-TV for the last four years in a row!

Friday, October 6th 2023

The River Room

3 W. Oak St.

Fort Scott, Ks

Doors Open at 6:30pm

Performance at 7:30pm

Tickets: $25 each or $30 at the door

Cash Bar Available

Tickets available at the Gordon Park Museum, online at gordonparkcenter.org, or call 620.223.2700 ext. 5850.

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Blues Music Weekend Planned Sept. 29-30 in Fort Scott

Organizers have planned a fun weekend the last few days of September, called FortFest 23, which is free and open to all.

The events kick off Friday night September 29 with a street dance in front of Sharky’s Pub and Grub at 16 North National Ave. in Fort Scott.

“The dance features two live bands, starting with Danny Brown and the Bourbon County Revival at 7 p.m., and then Left of Center featuring local artist Lori Hixon at 9 p.m.,” said event organizer and Care to Share supporter Cory Bryars.

Saturday’s events are in the north portion of Riverfront Park on National Avenue just north of downtown Fort Scott, he said.

The FortFest features Blues music.

“This is the second annual FortFest, and we intend on having bigger and better FortFest for years to come,” he said. “FortFest23 features four high-quality regionally and nationally acclaimed Blues bands, each with a different style and sound. For people unfamiliar with the Blues or who think it is a single type of slow depressing music, they have only heard a sliver of what the Blues is all about.”

The audience from a prior FortFest. Submitted photo.

“Dozens of the approximately 500 people who came to the first FortFest left saying ‘Wow—I didn’t know that was the Blues’ and have been talking about it ever since,” Bryars said. “Famous Blues Musician Willie Dixon said ‘The Blues is the roots, the rest is the fruits.’  SOOOO true. From country to rock and countless iterations in between, the Blues is at the core of most of the music America and much of the rest of the world loves.”

“Care to Share hosts FortFest with the financial support of dozens of businesses and individuals from throughout Bourbon, Crawford, and Linn Counties, and beyond,” Bryars said. The Care to Share FortFest23 Planning and GET-IT-DONE Committee include:
Teresa”TD” Davenport, Lavetta Simmons, Kathy Clark, Leah Lewis, Tammy Miller, Bobbi Kemna, Joyce Nickelson, Sidney Zimmerman, and  Bryars.

“The City of Fort Scott is a generous supporter, and we will list all those who contributed in flyers at the festival, on Facebook, and in a follow-up thank you in various outlets,” he said. “Support those who Support Care to Share!”

The Blues musicians for Saturday, September 30 from 1 to 9 p.m. are:

1 p.m.- Howard Mahan Band. “Originally from Fredonia and now in Lawrence/KC—he has quite the interesting bio–#1 in his KU Law Class, scratch golfer, killer musician,” Bryars said.

3 p.m.- Sister Lucille, Springfield MO. “Tons of news on them online and recently at or near the top of Billboard’s National Blues rankings,” he said.

5 p.m.-The Arkansas Brothers, Jonesboro Arkansas. “Down-home classic Blues with a great harmonica and killer guitars. You might just hear some old country like Hank William Sr from these guys too. The Arkansas Bros could walk around Fort Scott and everyone would think they were from here,” he said.

7 p.m.- Divas on Fire, Fayetteville/NW Arkansas.”A group of powerful women with amazing vocals and harmonies and top-tier supporting musicians. They will have seven or even more band members wrapping up FortFest 23 with a sure-to-be-memorable performance. They will feature artists like Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, and Donna Summer as well good old hard-driving Blues and harmonies sure to please almost everyone.”

Other happenings that evening:

  • Car Show at noon from Rollin’ Nostalgia Car Club, Frontenac, and “anyone who wants to display their car is welcome,” he said.
  • Over 30 fine arts and crafts vendors start at noon.
  • A non-sanctioned BackYard BBQ Ribs Contest open to all comers—details on Facebook.
  • Varied food and drinks are available—Care to Share Bake Sale, smash burgers, walking tacos, pulled pork, pizza, funnel cakes, ice cream, sno-cones, and more.
  •  Kids fair from noon to 6 p.m. hosted by Pittsburg State’s Care to Share Student Support Group—face painting, games for all ages
  • Corn hole tournament

Parking for the event: Twister Trailer across from Riverfront Park, along both sides of Maple Road as it heads east of National Avenue, and the Park Loop Road just south of the red bridge on National Avenue.

 

Parking is free and just a short walk to the event, and there will be shuttles running throughout the day, he said.

 

“Food and drink are charged by the individual vendors, and some of the events have a small participant fee, such as the corn hole tournament, BBQ contest, and car show,” he said. “In years past, there were small charges for some of the kid activities—more details on everything will be on Facebook.  A portion of the fees will go into a prize pool for winners of the events, and a portion will go to Care to Share.”

People should bring chairs/or blankets to enjoy the events, bug spray, dancing shoes, and don’t forget a donation to Care to Share, he said.

The purpose of FortFest is to “build awareness of Care to Share, thank our communities, create energy in our communities, and raise funds for Care to Share to support cancer fighters in our communities,” he said.

Submitted photo.

See all the details and more info as it is released at https://www.facebook.com/events/133991339635397

Care to Share is a southeast Kansas cancer support group that is 100% volunteer and community-funded.

They want to thank the communities they serve for the financial and emotional support of their daily mission to provide emotional and financial support to cancer fighters, he said

 

 

Blessing Closet Open at Uniontown Baptist Church

First Missionary Baptist Church of Uniontown is located at the intersection of Maple Road and Hwy. 3 at 100 Fifth Street.
The Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC)has started a new service to their community.
“FMBC is a generous supporter of missions and we strive to
find opportunities to assist those in our community and beyond,” said Mission Board Chairwoman Marci Williams. “Hebrews 13:16 says ‘And do not forget to do good and share  with others, for which sacrifices God is pleased.’ The  current food pantry (was) located inside the church and (was) open one evening per month and by appointment.”
The church realized this was not convenient for everyone.
Beginning on September 15, the outside pantry, named the Blessing Closet, is available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 

The Blessing Closet is located in the alley on the east side of the church at 100 Fifth Street, Uniontown, behind this white door.
“This will be located on the east side of the church in the alley and can be accessed from an outside entrance anytime night or day.  We are hopeful this will benefit our community and increase our outreach efforts,” Williams said.
The church is located at 100 Fifth Street (also known as Maple Road in the county) at the intersection with Hwy. 3 on the town’s west side.
Food products such as canned goods, and boxed mixes (cake, Hamburger and Tuna Helper, etc.) will be in the closet.
In addition, the church believes there is a need to put personal care items in the Blessing Closet.
The contents of the Blessing Closet.
Personal care items such as deodorant, feminine hygiene products, shampoo, brushes, toilet paper, paper towels, soap, washcloths, and some laundry products.
“Motion lights will be located both inside and outside the closet for those who visit after dark,” she said.
The Blessing Closet is funded by our church through monthly offerings,” she said. “Many in our church have brought this project to completion.”
“Anyone in the area is welcome to utilize the Blessing Closet,” she said. “If  additional assistance is needed, please contact FMBC at 620-224-7438.”
The banner can be seen on Maple Road on the north side of the church.

Downtown Trick or Treat Sponsors Being Sought

The Fort Scott Chamber announces the Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat Parade!

SPONSORS NEEDED!

The past couple of years the attendance has been growing for the Downtown Trick-or-Treat parade with 600+ kids in attendance! At the end of the parade, we serve a hotdog, chips, and drink to each child who is in costume. We have been very thankful for the gracious donations from you all in the past!

If your business is interested in making a donation, please contact us! Click here to email us or call the

Chamber at 620-223-3566.

We will accept monetary donations or other items such as drinks.

Saturday, October 28, 2023 @ 11:00 AM

10-11am: Walgreens will be taking pictures with a Halloween Backdrop & providing a free 4 x 6 print. The backdrop will also be available throughout the event for pictures with your own camera.

Face painting will be offered by the Fort Scott High School Pride and Thespian Clubs!

11am: Parade will start at La Hacienda, down the west side of Main Street to 2nd, then back down the east side of Main Street to Skubitz Plaza.

Following parade: Pizza and drinks will be to kids in costumes provided through the generous donation of local businesses!

__________

***Businesses along Main Street will be handing out candy during the parade, and businesses not on Main Street as well as any community organizations are welcome to set up a table along Main to pass out candy, coupons, promo items, etc.***

Please email the Chamber if your business or organization will be passing out candy so we

can plan accordingly.

Facebook Share This Email
Twitter Share This Email
LinkedIn Share This Email
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Chamber Announces Downtown Fall Fest is September 21

Chamber Announces Downtown Fall Fest

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Fall Fest late-night shopping event featuring horse-drawn hayrack rides, live music, drawings and more will take place Thursday, September 21st from 5 pm to 8 pm in the Downtown Historic District.

 

Stores will have festive offerings such as pumpkin snacks, hot cider, and a pumpkin passport to submit for a chance to win a Chamber Bucks gift certificate.  Participating retailers include Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market, Bids & Dibs, Brickstreet BBQ, Flint + Fray, Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Iron Star Antiques & Such, Laree + Co, Museum of Creativity, Papa Don’s Pizza, Sunshine Boutique, The Artificers, and The Beauty Lounge.

 

Special activities planned by participating stores and Chamber include the following:

  • Horse-drawn hayrack rides will be offered complimentary by Steve and Marci Williams starting at the Depot parking lot at Wall and Scott Streets. The trailer holds 20-24 people at a time and each ride will take a 15-20 minute loop around Downtown.
  • The Fort Scott High School Orchestra will play from 6-7pm at the Lowell Milken Center Unsung Heroes Park.
  • Angie Dawn’s Boutique will have a “guess the number of candy corn” to win a $50 gift certificate.
  • Bids & Dibs will have a fall photo backdrop and sponsor a scarecrow art contest for children.
  • Brickstreet BBQ will have DJ Brown and The Bourbon County Revival performing live on their patio from 5pm-8pm.
  • Museum of Creativity will have a fall-themed cookie decoration table for $1 per person plus horse-drawn hayrack rides starting at the Depot across from the Chamber.
    The Artificers will have hot spiced cider along with a drawing for a certificate to attend their “Harvest Pumpkin Class”.
  • The Wagon Roadies will be selling pumpkins at Wall and Main Streets.

 

The Chamber also announces a Scarecrow Contest is underway with the deadline to turn in entries of September 20th.  Key Industries is sponsoring the contest with gift certificates for the top three individual or family entries, and the top business winner will receive one dozen logoed shirts and bragging rights for the year.  More details on the contest may be found on the Chamber’s Facebook page or fortscott.com.

 

Downtown Fall Fest offers fun for all to get out and support local while taking in the season, finding some great deals, and seeing what’s new in apparel and holiday décor.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

Music and Bike Races at Gunn Park on Sept. 16-17

Submitted photos.

Some of the region’s fastest mountain bikers will be in Fort Scott for the 10th Anniversary of the Marmaton Massacre Festival, on Gunn Park Trails, the weekend of September 16th & 17th

Race promoter and trail steward Frank Halsey is proud of what his team of volunteers has accomplished over the past ten years. 

“Our event attracts all types of riders from the region, professionals as well as beginners,” he said.  “Lots of riders prefer our hand-built trails over the machine-built trails in popular areas such as northwest Arkansas, we just don’t have enough mileage to be a destination trail.”

The Festival begins Saturday, with some participants arriving on Friday, to prepare for the Saturday Marathon Race, which is as many miles as possible in a three-hour timeframe.  Sunday events will consist of the age and ability Category Races. 

Halsey encourages locals to grab their lawn chairs and join us in the park for the Saturday evening festivities which will include a performance by the Fort Scott High School Orchestra at 5:30 pm, followed by the always popular little kids race, and live music by the Pittsburg band, Left of Center.  Sharky’s Pub & Grub will be providing food truck services.

 

“Mountain bike racing is not really a spectator sport, but my goal for this event has been to bring riders to our beautiful city and park, while providing locals an opportunity to have a relaxing evening in our beautiful Gunn Park,” Halsey said.  “None of this would be possible without our awesome volunteers and local sponsors including, Cheney Witt Funeral Home, CrawKan, Southwind Cycle & Outdoor, Sonic, Typhoon Bay, Union State Bank, Ward Kraft, RPS Benefits, and Mid-Continental Restoration.” 

For more info: https://www.bikereg.com/61371

Location & Contact

Location address:
1010 Park Ave, Fort Scott, KS  66701
Event Phone Number:
(620) 223-3700

Event Websitehttps://gunnparktrails.com/

 

Races begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday.