The 4th Annual Bourbon County Fair Association’s Jingle Bell Mart is this Saturday, December 14th from 9 am to 4 pm inside the Cloverleaf Event Center on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd.
This event is a fundraiser for them to help maintain the fairgrounds including the barns, show ring, and rodeo arena, according to Emeila Whiteaker, event organizer.
This year there are 16 vendors including returning and new participants.
This year includes:
Blessed B Creations – Machine Embroidery items
The Market Lady – 3D printed creations
Uppa Creek Ranch – Honey
Blue Dog Wine Co.
Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery
Sally Kraft – Home Sewn items
Happy Little Candle Factory
Locust Hill Lamanch Goat Milk Products
Scentsy
Flying P Ranch – Western apparel and accessories
Gyp and Jo – Dog items
WriteOn – decorative pens
Osage Jewelry
Donna Jo Beerbower – Fudge
Tessie’s Nails – Color Street
Mmm Flavor Shop
“The Southwind Canine Club, the local 4-H dog project group will have breakfast and lunch for sale,” she said. “This fundraiser is to help them replace old/broken equipment and new equipment that is required to move to the next level. The club has three members who have completed at the Kansas State Fair and placed in the top 10 for two years.”
“Many of our vendors have items that are under $15 and make wonderful stocking Stuffers. These vendors are also long time supporters of the Bourbon County Fair Association, taking part in not only past Jingle Bell Mart but also during the Bourbon County Fair which is the third week in July.”
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Director Lindsay Madison takes a photo of Kate and Trent Freeman accepting an award from Kansas Tourism on December 9. Taken from the Chamber’s Facebook page.
Kansas Tourism Department Director Bridgett Jobe handed over two grants today in Fort Scott.
“You can see that Fort Scott is going through a renaissance,” Jobe told attendees at the Artificers reception for the award presentation.
The Artificers
Kate and Trent Freeman were awarded the $25,000 grant designed to help local businesses develop new attractions.
“They have had an instrumental role in rehabilitating our downtown area….with an innovative approach to enhance the beauty of this community for years to come,” Bourbon County Economic Development Director Rob Harrington said.
Jobe told reception attendees that the Freeman’s “passion for the community really came through.”
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
Taken from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Kansas Tourism presented the LMC with a check to expand attractions.
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes also received a $6,300 check from Kansas Tourism Director Bridgett Jobe today.
The grant is to help expand attractions that draw tourists to the community.
The center will use the funds to create a new history panel on an unsung hero in Ukraine who saved 100’s of children from starvation in her Ukrainian town, said Ronda Hassig, spokesperson for LMC.
“The Lowell Milken Center is a treasure,” Jobe, said. “Coming here inspires me to be a better person. It inspires me that it’s here in Kansas.”
The Artificers at 8 N National Ave. is hosting an artist show tonight
December 6th from 5-9 pm, December 7th from 10am-9pm, and December 8th from noon-5 pm.
“We are so blessed to have returning artists that are with us every year as well as new artists that we invite because we love their art and want to offer unique gifts for purchase,” said Kate Freeman, part owner of the Artificers.
The list of Artists:
Trent Freeman (local) | Mixed Media Sculpture
Kate Freeman (local) | Clay Sculpture
Kate and Trent Freeman, from the Artificer Facebook page.
Erin Shevling (KC) | Functional Pottery
Erin Shelving. Submitted photo.
Darrell Williams (Nevada, MO)| Air Brush & Graphite
Join us for an After-hours event! Hosted by Bourbon County Clay
This Thursday, October 24th
5:15-7pm, Remarks & Drawing 6pm
$2 admission for Chamber 50/50 Drawing
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to an After-hours event hosted by Bourbon County Clay. The After-hours will take place Thursday, October 24th from 5:15pm-7pm at The Artificers, located at 8 N. National Ave. There will be a $2 admission for a Chamber half-and-half drawing. Appetizers and beverages will be provided. Remarks and the drawing will take place at 6pm.
Bourbon County Clay, a new woman-owned business started by Kate Freeman, officially launched as a new business in June of 2024. Located in the heart of Fort Scott, Kate has been active in the arts for nearly three decades. The studio is focused on producing quality, handcrafted pieces that are rooted in our county’s rich history. Bourbon County Clay is led by a team of artisans committed to creating work that reflects the heritage and natural beauty of Bourbon County. Proud of the connection to the region, they strive to honor it in every piece made. Visit their website bourboncountyclay.com for more details.
The Chamber encourages members and guests to attend to network and support new small business in our community. For more information, contact 620-223-3566 or email [email protected].
To RSVP for the event, click HERE, join the VIP list on the Bourbon County Clay website, and you will receive an email invitation!
Interested in participating in the ARTEFFECT annual student art competition? Follow the step-by-step guide. Students in grades 6-12 worldwide are invited to participate. Bring the competition into your classroom!
Artworks in multiple 2D & 3D mediums are accepted. There are new 2025 Spotlight Prizes for 3D and large format. Follow the Impact Statement Outline for structuring the accompanying essay (500-1000 words).
Mary Anning overcame both poverty and sexism to emerge as a trailblazer in 19th-century science. Born in 1799, Anning grew up along the Jurassic Coast in Lyme Regis, Great Britain where she faced hardship early in life when her father passed away, leaving her family impoverished. At the age of eleven, her brother’s discovery of a mysterious skull sparked her lifelong passion for fossil hunting. Anning supported her family by selling fossils at her shop, Anning’s Fossil Depot, and went on to revolutionize paleontology. She unearthed groundbreaking discoveries, including the first complete ichthyosaur, plesiosaur, and pterosaur skeletons, as well as numerous other marine fossils. Despite her pivotal contributions, Anning was barred from joining the Geological Society of London and did not receive due recognition for her work. Today, her legacy endures, with many of her fossils housed in the Natural History Museum in London.
ARTEFFECT projects submitted to the competition that interpret the life and legacy of Mary Anning are eligible for the Spotlight Prize category. Learn more about Mary Anning’s story below:
Fort Scott High School Thespians from its Facebook page Back row: Charlie Chaplin, Kaiden Clary, Junie Fisher, Ava Johnson, Angie Bin, Brooke Barnett, Emma Bin, Kate Morillo Front: Tobi Larrabee, Emily Endicott, Allie Wards, Cooper George, Chris Newman, Emi King.
The Fort Scott High School Thespians are hosting their 7th Annual Royal-Tea and Friends Party this Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at the FSHS Commons area and Courtyard.
“This is an annual fundraiser for the FSHS Thespian Troupe,” said teacher Angela Bin. “Many students play their chosen character throughout high school and some pass their character on to an underclassman when they graduate.”
The thespian students provide a snack, activity or craft and dress as their chosen character.
“We also have costumes that the children who attend can dress up in if they choose to,” Bin said.
In this land of make-believe children can join their favorite princesses and princes, queens and kings and other members of the royal court.
They are invited to take photos with favorite characters as they make crafts, have treats and play games.
Over 30 FSHS Thespians will be dressed in character and lead the event.
New this year is the inclusion of superheroes, villains and other cartoon characters.
Attendees are encouraged to come in costume as well.
Tickets for this special event are $5 per child and must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door.
Featured characters are the stars of the FSHS Fall Musical – Frozen Jr.
They include Junie Fisher as Elsa, Chris Newman as Anna, Theodore Bowman as Olaf, and Mykael Lewis as Kristoff.
FSHS performs Frozen Jr. on Nov. 12 and 14 at 7 p.m. and on Nov. 16 at 2 and 7 p.m.
For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Angie Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.
Pioneer Harvest Fiesta is almost here. Plan to come to the Bourbon County Fairgrounds for a fun weekend October 4, 5 & 6. Lots of activities on the east side of the green fence. Sorghum cooking has returned! Watch the hay baling, rock crushing, log cutting, blacksmith and see the vendors. The car show is on Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm
This year there is more than the beautiful quilts to see. Fiber Art is being added to the Quilt Show in the Myers Building. Come and learn a new hobby. There will be demonstrations during the day on quilting, tatting, rug hooking, needle felting and more. Lots of quilts on exhibit along with embroidery, cross stitching and knitting. Bring your needlework projects and share with others as we all learn something new. Take a chance of winning a heart quilt or a basket of sewing items and gift certificates.
Bring your quilts and fiber art items on Thursday, September 3, 9 am – 1 pm. If this time does not work for you call me to arrange another time, or if you have questions – Jackie Warren at 620-224-8161
“Quilts and More” will be open at the Myers Building Friday and Saturday 9 am – 4 pm. Also, open on Sunday noon – 3 pm. Your items can be picked up on Sunday afternoon 2 pm – 3 pm.
Don’t forget the downtown parade, Thursday evening October 3 at 6 pm. With the purchase of a PHF button, come and enjoy the bean feed Friday evening October 4 at 5 pm (or earlier if the beans are done),
For anyone who loves learning history and acting, an opportunity is being offered.
You can be a part of the local theatre’s group production of historical vignettes in beautiful Riverside Park in October.
This Wednesday, October 2, there will be auditions from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Fort Scott High School auditorium for the upcoming
Bourbon County Community Theatre “Voices From The Grave”.
Voices From the Grave is a guided tour around Riverside Park on Fort Scott’s North National Avenue, across the orange bridge.
The tour consists of acted scenes and monologues based on real historical events from the Fort Scott area.
“The Bourbon County Community Theatre came up with the idea after seeing tours like it in Nevada and Eureka Springs,” said Regen Wells, who will be directing the vignettes. “Anyone over the age of 14 who is interested is more than welcome!”
Regen Wells. Submitted photo.
“I am the director for Voices From the Grave,” Regen said. “I directed four children’s plays at Fort Scott High School.”
“The BCCT was created a little over a year ago with the intent of bringing community theatre back to Fort Scott,” Wells said. “Not too long ago we had a community theatre program. Many communities near us have very successful programs with many members! The joy of performing should not be something that only those enrolled in Fort Scott High School or Fort Scott Community College can access! Prior to the creation of BCCT the only opportunities open to actors in our area would be to travel to places like Pittsburg or Nevada to join their community theatre groups.”
“Any endeavor from the BBCT is about furthering the reach of theatre in our community! We hope to provide the community of not just Fort Scott but also the greater Bourbon County area with opportunities to be active and involved participants in the arts! Activities like this also contribute to commerce and engagement. However, largely it is about fostering an outlet for creativity in our community. This particular project also provides a look into some interesting local history.”
The mission of BCCT is to bring education, community, and culture to Southeast Kansas through theater.
In addition to Regen Wells, the board consists of Angela Bin, Matthew Wells, Katie Wells, Mark Bergmann, Barbra Woodward, Sandra Abati, and Danette Popp. Regen is the daughter of Matthew and Katie Wells.
More information will be provided on the group’s Facebook page.
About the Production
“Voices From The Grave” will be presented to the public at Riverfront Park on October 26 from 6 to 9 p.m.
There will be 45-minute guided tours with ghostly stories from Fort Scott’s past.
Cost is Adults, $10, Youth, $7. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets can be purchased at bcct.ludus.com or the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
Bourbon County Clay, a new woman-owned business started by Kate Freeman officially became an LLC in June of 2024.
“We have been working to build the business since we discovered the clay vein in 2017 on our family property in northwest Bourbon County,” she said. “We have worked diligently since then to reclaim and test the clay, dreaming of the day we could launch Bourbon County Clay.”
This business is separate from T.E. Freeman Studio LLC and The Artificers, which she and her husband, Trent, own, but will do business housed in the same building at 8 N. National Ave, Fort Scott.
Trent and Kate Freeman. Submitted photo
Andrea Latham, Kansas City, KS is the studio apprentice and production supervisor.
Andrea Latham. Submitted photo.
“Andrea started apprenticing with us in Kansas City in 2020, and now travels to Fort Scott several times a month to work production for Bourbon County Clay LLC. The Artificers gallery also features Andrea’s work out of her own studio.”
The artists have created a handcrafted artisan coffee set as their first product from the clay in Bourbon County and also used locally sourced walnut wood in the design.
Submitted photos.
“Our first product is this handcrafted Bourbon County Artisan Coffee Set collection featuring a clay coffee pot, a matching pour-over, and two coffee cups, each with warm, smooth walnut handles,” she said. “Every piece in this set is made from locally sourced clay and walnut, harvested from the heart of Bourbon County, ensuring that each item carries the spirit of the land. The natural tones of the clay are complemented by the rich, earthy hues of the walnut, creating a harmonious blend that is both functional and timeless. Perfect for those who appreciate the art of slow brewing, this set transforms your coffee ritual into a celebration of craftsmanship and local heritage.”
Submitted photos.
The business is currently offering a pre-sale of thirty sets.
“There will only be 100 sets of each glaze color offered,” she said. “All sets are categorized and numbered.”
Submitted photo.
“Bourbon County Clay is deeply rooted in the land we call home,” she said. “This is a tribute to the place we love, crafted by the hands of artisans connected to this soil. From the hands of our artisans to yours, each piece is a limited-edition work of art, created in small batches.”
Hours of operation for the business are Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located inside The Artificers in Historic Downtown Fort Scott, 8 N. National.