Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the day before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, but for Fort Scottians, the Mardi Gras party is on Saturday, June 29.
Mardi Gras In The Fort will be in the new Gathering Square Pavilion at North National Avenue and Old Fort Blvd. starting at 5:30 p.m.
“The City of Fort Scott is really trying to think of different things to get citizens to come out and enjoy our city, our venues, and other citizens,” Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager, said. “We feel if we can continue to do positive things while working on the negative things, our city will be a better place to live and grow our families.”
Brad Matkin. Submitted photo.
Care to Share, a local organization that helps cancer survivors and their families, will be offering a “free-will” donation shrimp (and no shrimp) gumbo and boil starting at 5:30 p.m. Local downtown restaurants will be open for your dining enjoyment, as well.
The Care to Share group had a silent auction and bake sale at the pavilion at Riverfront Park. in 2023.
Live music will start at 6:00 p.m. Two Lane Highway and the Earnest James Zydeco Band will entertain the crowd.
“We will have limited tables and chairs for seating, so everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs.,” Matkin said.
The Gathering Square Pavilion is on North National Avenue and Old Fort Blvd.
Fort Scott, Kan. – Celebrate American independence with the sounds of cannon fire and immersion in America’s history while honoring the men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation.
On Thursday, July 4th, we will fire artillery, lead Fort tours, and honor all those who have fought for our freedom with a 21 gun salute.
THURSDAY, JULY 4
9 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration
10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration
1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration
3 p.m. – Small Arms (musket) Demonstration/ 21 gun salute to our nation
Visitors and community members are reminded that fireworks are not permitted on the grounds of Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Park buildings will be open from 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. July 4th, but the bookstore will be closed. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
Horton Street will be lined with spectators for the fireworks display on July 6 which is scheduled for 9:45 p.m.
It’s that time of year again, the mid-point of summer, the time when local gardens are producing abundant food and Fourth of July activities begin.
Firework sales in Fort Scott start on June 27 and end on July 4, according to Fort Scott Police Chief Jason Pickert.
“Fireworks can be discharged within the city limits from June 27th to July 2nd from 7 am to 10 pm. On July 3rd and 4th, they can be discharged from 7 am to midnight. Shooting fireworks outside of these dates could result in being ticketed and fined,” he said.
Pickert provided a list of where fireworks cannot be discharged.
Within one thousand feet of a hospital.
Within fifty feet of a location where fireworks are sold.
Within one hundred feet from any gas pump, filling station or bulk fuel storage facility.
Any community college campus or surrounding grounds.
Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
Any city-owned parks
And on from 18th Street to 23rd Streetduring the city’s fireworks display.
“The city fireworks display will still be held at the college campus,” Pickert said. “As in years past, parking will be allowed on Horton. It can get congested so if you are driving through the area go slow and look for pedestrians.”
Uniontown’s Independence Day Bash-July 3
Fireworks over the Union State Bank, Uniontown, 2019. Submitted by Amy Holt.
Union State Bank is sponsoring the 19th Annual Independence Day Bash on Wednesday, July 3rd in the Uniontown City Park.
“The bank employees plan the event and will hand out free hotdogs, chips and water beginning at 7 pm that evening,” said Amy Holt, Loan Administration Vice President.
“Live music will also begin at 7 pm with the band Neighborhood Radio from La Cygne, Kansas performing,” she said. “As in years past we will have Inflatable jump houses and The Selfie Bar for people to enjoy.”
Food trucks will be available to serve carnival food and ice cream for purchase.
“We are open for any organizations or clubs looking for a fundraiser opportunity to set up in the park as well,” she saidl Contact Amy Holt during business hours at 620-756-4305 or by email at [email protected] if interested.
Fireworks will begin at dusk after 9:30 pm. Personal fireworks are discouraged near the event as a safety precaution.
Neighborhood 4th Of July Parade on Burke Street
The Burke Street Parade in 2020. Margaret and Merl Humphrey and granddaughter Meg Norman. Submitted photo.
An annual neighborhood parade on Fort Scott’s “Tower Hill,” better known as Burke Street on the Fourth of July will begin at 10 a.m. at 10th and Burke Street. The whole town is invited to wear patriotic clothing and enjoy the parade.
Fort Scott Fireworks Event
Fireworks will be at FSCC once again but will be on July 6 this year, in conjunction with a rodeo at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
The community is invited to enjoy the rodeo then view the fireworks.
City Manager Brad Matkin and Bourbon County Fair Board Member Stewart Gulager had discussions in April to have the fireworks be in conjunction with the International Professional Rodeo Assn. The event is also co-approved by the American Cowboy Assn.
“The rodeo is July 5 and 6, Friday and Saturday night, starting at 8 p.m. each evening,” Gulager said. “I asked if he could do the fireworks at the end of the last performance.”
Tickets are $17 at the gate for adults, $10 for kids 6-10 years old and free for kids five and under. A beer garden is available.
At the rodeo, there will be mutton busting and a calf scramble for the youth and nine events for cowboys and cowgirls involving roping, riding, racing, and wrestling rodeo animals.
Photo submitted by Josh Jones.
The fireworks will be shot off from the Fort Scott Community College softball field on the west side of the campus.
Premier Pyrotechnics, Richland, MO, will have a shooting crew, said Shaunn Pytlowany a licensed shooter and operator.
“There will be a 360-degree viewing angle,” he said, with the height over 150 feet in the air.
Come One, Come All, Let Freedom Ring! It is once again time to celebrate U.S.A.’s 248th Independence Day with a neighborhood parade on Fort Scott’s “Tower Hill,” better known as Burke Street on the Fourth of July.
Submitted photo. Burke Street 4th of July Parade.
Following patriotic songs by “Kids on Burke” led by two of the parade founders: Jill Gorman and Susan Foster; the parade will depart at 10:00 AM from Tenth and Burke going south around the Marblecrest Triangle and returning north to the point of origin. Cheering spectators, who are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and dress in red, white, and blue, will line the parade route with family and friends.
Post-parade refreshments will be served and ALL ARE WELCOME to the corner of Ninth and Burke. Neighbors and friends-of-the-parade donate the cookies and drinks are provided by this year’s hosts Matthew and Lisa Cady.
Burke Street 4th of July Parade. Submitted photo.
A severe storm or lightning cancels the parade and there are no large vehicles allowed due to the many children participating in the festivities.
Parade questions can be answered by Margaret Humphrey 620-223-0388 –- 620-224-7388 or Theresa Bahr 620-215-2889.
The State Library of Kansas Announces the 2024 Kansas Notable Books
TOPEKA –This year’s list of Kansas Notable Books continues the tradition of celebrating the rich stories and culture of Kansas.
“The 2024 Kansas Notable Books list recognizes 15 books written by Kansans or about Kansas,” said Ray Walling, State Librarian. “ From historical figures like abolitionist James Montgomery, to the remarkably resilient residents of Udall, to people reflecting on grief and personal struggles through poetry, the authors introduce readers to a variety of Kansans. The selections also take readers on a geology field trip across the state, to Kansas City’s Montgall Avenue, into a classroom as seen through the eyes of a child on the autism spectrum, inside a murder mystery, and beyond to other worlds. With something for everyone, I hope all Kansans will visit their local public library to check out these wonderful titles.”
Each year, the Kansas Notable Books list features 15 books, published during the previous calendar year, which are about or set in Kansas, or written by a Kansas author. This year’s selection committee includes representatives of public, university, and regional libraries, academics, and writers.
Kansas Notable Books authors will be awarded their medals at the Kansas Book Festival on September 27 at Washburn University.
Kansas Notable Books is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book, a program at the State Library of Kansas which is the state affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book. The mission of the Kansas Center for the Book is to highlight the state’s literary heritage and foster an interest in books, reading, and libraries.
For more information or questions about Kansas Notable Books program, visit kslib.info/notablebooks or contact the State Library of Kansas at 785-296-3296 or email [email protected].
2024 Kansas Notable Books
Abolitionist of the Most Dangerous Kind: James Montgomery and His War on Slavery, by Todd Mildfelt and David Schafer, University of Oklahoma Press
Daughter of Chaos, by Sarah Edgerton (Tonganoxie), Elizabeth Hawk Publishing
Doomed by Blooms, by Anna St. John (Haysville), Level Best Books
Grief Said “Have a Seat”, by Amanda G. Elsbury (Wichita), Elite Publications
Henry, Like Always, by Jenn Bailey (Leawood), Chronicle Books
I’ve Been Fighting This War Within Myself, by Antonio Sanchez-Day (Topeka) and edited by Brian Daldorph (Lawrence), Meadowlark Poetry Press
Into the Sunset: Emmett Dalton and the End of the Dalton Gang, by Ian Shaw, University Press of Kansas
The Jayhawk: The Story of the University of Kansas’s Beloved Mascot, by Rebecca Ozier Schulte (Lawrence), University Press of Kansas
Kansas City’s Montgall Avenue: Black Leaders and the Street They Called Home, by Margie Carr (Lawrence), University Press of Kansas
Orion O’Brien and the Spirit of Quindaro, by Fran Borin (Mission Hills), Mission Point Press
Proclaiming the Good News: Mennonite Women’s Voices, 1972-2006, by Lois Y. Barrett and Dorothy Nickel Friesen, Institute of Mennonite Studies
Red Rabbit, by Alex Grecian (Topeka), Tor Nightfire
Roadside Geology of Kansas, by James S Aber (Emporia), Susan E. W. Aber (Emporia), and Michael J. Everhart (Derby), Mountain Press
We’re Safe When We’re Alone, by Nghiem Tran (Wichita), Coffee House Press
Without Warning: The Tornado of Udall, Kansas, by Jim Minick, Bison Books
The newly formed Bourbon County Community Theatre is holding auditions for the first show of the season.
Auditions for Holy Mother of Bingo! by Patrick Walsh are from 7-8:30 p.m., June 17 or 18 in the Ellis Performing Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. Auditions for the interactive comedy murder mystery show are open to adults and teens and no preparation is necessary.
Pioneer Drama describes the show this way, “An innocent bingo fundraiser at the Our Mother of Mercy church goes awry when parishioners mysteriously drop dead! The evidence suggests well-calculated murders, but who is to blame? Tensions rise as everyone begins identifying suspects. Past feuds rear their heads as the members of the parish try to state their innocence one by one. Who could be behind the elaborate spree? The disgruntled choir director? The magician turned youth minister? The ex-convict that has recently turned to the power of prayer? It couldn’t be one of the Cookie Cadets selling their beloved cookies! Everyone’s a suspect… even the audience in the zany comedy that takes interactive theatre to a whole new level!”
Performances of the show are Aug. 2 and 3 and rehearsals are approximately Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m.
More information can be found on the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page or by contacting the Director, Angie Bin, at 620-719-9622 or at [email protected].
BBCO Community Theatre, LLC is a non-profit community organization formed last year whose mission is to bring education, community, and culture to southeast KS through threatre.
The mural on the east side of Bandera Stone Inc. in Uniontown.
A mural on the side of a Uniontown business makes the downtown area more attractive and pays homage to local history.
Don and Mary Pemberton own Bandera Stone Inc., a rock quarry business in the county.
“Bandera flagstone has been quarried near Redfield off and on since the mid-1800’s and the company name Bandera Stone carries on that history,” she said.
“Bandera Stone Inc. had outgrown its office space, and needed to expand and add a showroom,” Mary Pemberton said. She and her husband Don own the business.
“We liked this brick building on the Uniontown square and wanted to save it,” she said. ” I always planned on having a mural painted on one side as part of the remodel.”
“In March of 2023, my office assistant, Ashley, encouraged me to apply for the Rural Mural Grant awarded by the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity to promote tourism to small communities,” she said. “The City of Uniontown agreed to sponsor my application and we were awarded a grant that covered about 1/3 of the cost of the mural. Bandera Stone, Inc. funded the other 2/3 of the total cost.”
She selected Danyell Miles, Fort Scott, after talking with a few artists.
“She has painted several murals around Fort Scott and Pittsburg, so I knew the quality of her work. I wanted the mural to have some local and state significance, yet be fun and a nice backdrop for selfies. The design Danyell put together is all of that! With her mother, Flo Tanner, helping her, Danyell began painting in June 2023 and finished in August 2023, working two or three evenings each week to avoid the daytime heat.”
The artist is Danyell Miles, assisted by her mother, Flo Tanner as depicted by this sign on the mural.
“Everything on the mural has a meaning and was designed so visitors who know a little about Bourbon County, and take a few minutes to really look, will find ‘hidden’ relevance in the various elements,” she said.
“The Eagle represents the local Uniontown High School mascot; a nod to local and state aviation history is the hot air balloon and banner which is being pulled by Amelia Earhart’s airplane; Wizard of Oz characters are one of the first things most people think of about Kansas – as are tornados. Danyell had the brilliant idea of using ‘tornado debris’ to incorporate a number of local and Kansas items: the books are all authored by Bourbon County residents, a Missouri-Pacific railroad engine reminds that Bourbon County used to be a rail hub, a box turtle, fishing, farming, and even a windmill to signify the future. Also prominently displayed in the debris is ‘Life in a Jar’, the UHS History Day project that inspired a book and movie and brought the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes to Fort Scott!”
Pemberton added a 3D element by making a basket that ” people can stand in when taking a picture with the hot air balloon. The colorful balloon with the Uniontown banner makes for a very nice and memorable ‘hometown’ or ‘travels’ photo.”
” Next time you are near Uniontown, stop by 103 Third Street on the north side of the park square and see the mural, take a picture, view the fossil collection in the Bandera Stone Inc. window displays and if you’d like, step inside the showroom to see the transformation of a piece of Uniontown history which most people remember as a former cafe,” she said.
Bandera Stone is on the square in Uniontown. The basket at the bottom of the balloon is for people to stand in for a photo opportunity.
The following local authors/books are depicted on the mural: The Greatest Test of Courage by Ronda Hassig; Historic Reflections of Bourbon County by Fred Campbell Jr. and Don Miller; Murder and Mayhem by Brian Allen; Life in a Jar; Why Did Grandpa Cry? by Cathy Werling; A Little Faith Lift by Patty LaRoche; A Kansas Sunset by Joyce Love, Our Duty by Gerri Hilgar; The Moffet Street Gang by Kay Large; Legends of Bourbon County by Judy Marshall; Fort Scott Now and Then by D. Miller, A Schofield, F. Campbell, and D. Banwart and The Learning Tree by Gordon Parks.
This year’s annual Fort Scott High School Tiger Drama Camp performs Sleeping Beauty by Kathryn Schultz Miller on June 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. at the Fort Scott High School Auditorium.
Thirty three students in 1st through 9th grade spent two weeks at camp preparing for the production.
The character of Aurora is played by 8th grader Celia Hamilton and Morgana (the Bad Fairy) is played by freshman Isis Patton. Other notable characters include King Alfred, played by freshman Beowulf Carpenter; Lilac (the Head Good Fairy), portrayed by fifth grader Audrey McNutt; and Prince Ferdinand, played by seventh grader Adam Perry.
The camp and show are directed entirely by FSHS Thespians. Recent graduate Regen Wells and senior Cooper George are the Directors.
George said, “I have been enjoying the technical aspect and working one on one with the designers. I have loved working on set dressing and learning how to use materials for what they weren’t designed for. But overall, I have loved seeing the different personalities and energies from the kids. I truly hope the kids will see what theatre is and all the different possibilities they can find in it, and the possibility of them returning for more shows or being involved with theatre during their high school and college years.”
Technical staff include: senior Mykael Lewis – Stage Manager, senior Kiara Thompson and junior Garrett Arvidson – Assistant Stage Managers, graduate Casey Gomez – Choreographer, sophomore Allie Wards – Costume Designer, graduate Natalie Woods – Sound Designer, graduate Lizzy Moore and junior Junie Fisher – Music Directors, junior Charlie Chaplin and sophomore Abby Szczepanski – Lighting Designers, junior Tobi Larrabee and senior Molly Hoyt – Arts Directors and senior Milo Donnelly – Props Master. Many other Thespians serve as acting coaches and leaders and Thespian Director Angie Bin serves as show producer.
During the two week camp, students learn about most technical theatre areas such as lighting, sound, costuming, stagecraft, and make-up. They also help to create the artistic set decor.
“We are very lucky to have an amazing group of recently graduated seniors working on this staff in the areas that they are going to be majoring in in college. They are really experiencing on the job training right now in the careers they plan to pursue in the future,” Bin said.
“This is my fourth time working on directing the children’s summer play through the FSHS Tiger Drama camp. I find that this program is one of the most valuable things the high school runs. This year alone, I have received so many kind words from parents about how much their children love and enjoy these shows. Because of Tiger Drama Camp, I discovered my passion for directing and Stage Management. I’m pursuing theatre as a career in college. I hope you’ll all come out to support these amazing kids and see the work they’ve put into making this show spectacular!” Wells said.
Tickets for the show are $5 for reserved seats and are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the doors. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2024 Good Ol’ Days Parade winners. The Chamber would like to thank everyone who entered and participated in the parade. The Chamber would also like to thank the many volunteers who judged, marked the line-up, or otherwise assisted with the event.
Category Winner Float Tie between Fort Scott Nazarene Church and Community Christian Church
Foot Unit Clark Street Lights
Tractor N/A
Horses Fort Scott Livestock Market
Classic Car Grand Marshall – Lavetta Simmons, car owned by Cory Bryars
Golf Cart Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic
Antique Car Niece Products
The Chamber organizes the Good Ol’ Days Parade, Halloween Parade and the Christmas Parade; If you have feedback or suggestions for future parades, you may contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566 or email [email protected].
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2024 Good Ol’ Days Parade winners. The Chamber would like to thank everyone who entered and participated in the parade. The Chamber would also like to thank the many volunteers who judged, marked the line-up, or otherwise assisted with the event.
Category Winner Float Tie between Fort Scott Nazarene Church and Community Christian Church
Foot Unit Clark Street Lights
Tractor N/A
Horses Madison Cattle Co.
Classic Car Grand Marshall – Lavetta Simmons
Golf Cart Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic
Antique Car Niece Products
The Chamber organizes the Good Ol’ Days Parade, Halloween Parade and the Christmas Parade; If you have feedback or suggestions for future parades, you may contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566 or email [email protected].
Carl Brenner, Fort Scott National Historic Site, introduces the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers to the audience on the fort’s grounds on June 1. To the right is the singer/drummer for the troupe.
As part of the Good Ol’ Days event, Native American dancers entertained the audience on the grounds of the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers, a professional Native American dance troupe from Norman, displayed song, dance, and storytelling on June 1 at the site.
A young audience member converses during the dance troupe performance.
The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers are a group of powwow champions that formed a professional Native American dance troupe. All the dancers are enrolled tribal members, most full-blood, representing various tribes. The dance regalia worn by each dancer is brilliantly colorful, traditional, and representative of the dancer’s tribe and dance performed, according to: https://www.arts.ok.gov/Oklahoma_Performing_Artists/Oklahoma_Fancy_Dancers.html?
The audience is asked to join the dance troupe in a social dance.
The dance show was educational, informational, and entertaining, showcasing various traditional American Indian tribal dances and storytelling.
The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers in their dance regalia.
The day also included an artillery demonstration/discussion, some ranger-guided site tours, the Windy Hollow Folk Music group, and the dancers.
Fort Scott National Historic Site, of the National Park Service, has exhibit areas and a visitor center currently open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To learn more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please get in touch with the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
