Category Archives: Entertainment

Rick Hite Will Entertain at Common Ground Coffee Co. on December 8

Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, is proud to present local musician Rick Hite who sings and plays guitar, and performs a variety of music including Country, Folk, Bluegrass, Gospel, and Oldies. The concert is set for Friday, December 8, at 6:30 p.m. The show is free and open to the public.

Hite began singing in church at the age of 5 and has been playing guitar since age 9. He has played The White Horse Saloon in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Jekyll Island, Georgia, the Mildred Store, VFW, the Eagles, Elks, Old Settler’s Picnic, and various local venues. We’re pleased to welcome Rick Hite back to the “Loading Dock” stage. On December 8, he will be performing the great music of the 50s and 60s. Bring a friend, enjoy some fabulous seasonal coffee drinks, and spend an enjoyable evening of music.

 

Christmas on the Bricks Festival: Nov. 30-Dec.3

Join us for the Inaugural

Christmas on the Bricks Festival

in Downtown Fort Scott!

First weekend of December

November 30th to December 3rd

See below for details!

Some activities require

pre-registration, so visit the

landing page on fortscott.com for info. so you don’t miss out!

Also, Like & Follow the Festival

Facebook page to stay informed.

EVENT SWEATSHIRTS FOR ORDERING

A limited quantity of event sweatshirts are still being offered for ordering, to be picked up on December 1st, click here for info.

The festival will be packed full of holiday cheer, events, shopping, and activities for all ages with aspirations to be a destination for an Old-Fashioned Christmas.

The weekend will kick off with the

“Candy Land Christmas” Parade of Lights

on Thursday, November 30th at 6pm,

followed by the Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, Music by St. Mary’s School Choir,

Holiday Fireworks, and Pictures with Santa inside

Be the Light Boutique at 12 N. Main St.

Click here to enter the parade by 1pm on 11/27!

Events taking place on BOTH Friday and Saturday,

December 1st and 2nd, include:

• 42nd Annual Candlelight Tours, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Fri. 6:30-9pm, Sat. 5-9pm

• Downtown Business Christmas Tree Decorating Contest, cast your vote @ the Courtland, your vote will also enter you in a drawing for prizes!

• The Artificers 7th Annual Christmas Show, Fri. 5-9pm, Sat. 10am-9pm, Sun., 12-5pm

• Downtown Stores Open Late for Shopping, until at least 8pm each night

• Crooner’s Outdoor Patio decorated for photo opportunities, open to the public Fri.-Sun.

• Nativity Showcase, First United Methodist Church, Fri. 5-8pm, Sat.10am-2pm

• Holiday Market Booths at Wall & Main St., Friday 6-10pm, Saturday 12-10pm

• Carriage Rides departing from the Depot, 6-10pm each night

• Firepits with S’mores on Skubitz Plaza, 6-10pm each night

• Live Nativity by Bethel Church, 1st St. & Scott Ave., 5:30-8:30pm each night

• Pictures with Santa, Be the Light Boutique, Fri. 5-8pm, Sat. 12-2pm & 5-8pm

• Historical Trolley Tours from the Chamber & Visitor’s Center, Fri. 11am-2pm, Sat. 10am-2pm

Friday-only events include:

• Outdoor Movies at Lowell Milken Park, 6pm until over

• Live Music by Holly Crays 6:30-7:30pm & Morgan Rohr 8-9pm, Heritage Pavilion, 1st & Main St.

• Christmas Karaoke at Sharky’s North Pole Pop-up Christmas Bar (3rd floor), 9pm-1am

Saturday-only events include:

• Gingerbread House Making Contest, Brickstreet BBQ, 10am

• Candy Land Adventure, Museum of Creativity, 10am-4pm

• Christmas Paint Party at Pizza Republic, 1-3pm

• Christmas Cookie Decorating and Storytime, Hedgehog.INK!, 2pm

• Chili Feed by FSPD & FSFD, Empress Event Center, 5:30-8pm

• Bourbon County Revival live band, Empress Event Center, 6-8pm

• Late-night SINGO, Memorial Hall, 8-11pm

Sunday-only events include:

• Cohn’s Cafe Holiday Family Style Brunch, 10am-2pm, reservations strongly recommended, call or text 620-418-6209

• Floral Centerpiece Making Class by Sunshine Boutique, 1pm

Be sure and look for the Christmas cutouts throughout

Downtown for photo opportunities with your friends and family, being made by Mike & Danyell Miles.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Fort Scott express sincere thanks to ALL the sponsors, volunteers,

and staff who are making this event possible, including:

Event Chairperson and Chamber Board Member, Diane Striler

Chamber President & CEO, Lindsay Madison

Communications & Events Coordinator Emily Clayton

Locals and visitors are encouraged to make plans to enjoy this

FUN weekend on the bricks of the Downtown Historic District!

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at

(620) 223-3566 or [email protected]

for questions or more information.

See full event flyer below,

or click HERE for a PDF printable copy.

We would appreciate you sharing with

your family & friends!

Special recognition & appreciation to the Festival sponsors displayed below.

This event simply would not be possible without all of the support!

If you would like to be added to the final sponsor promo, signage, and printed handouts for the event, you may still make a charitable contribution to the Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation by

1pm Monday, November 27th. Click here for more info. on sponsorship levels & payment info.

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Click on the individual flyers below for more details on each event!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below for their premium support of the Chamber year-round!

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

Fort Scott Public Library November Newsletter

Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter
Special Issue – November 2023

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY HOURS

THE LIBRARY WILL CLOSE AT NOON, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 22. Happy Thanksgiving!
The Library will be closed Thursday-Sunday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Early Closing Today
 

The Library will close at NOON today due to staffing issues. Be sure to stop in early to prepare for the weekend. We will be open regular hours on Saturday.

 
NOW HIRING: LIBRARY DIRECTOR

We are seeking a new director to lead our library into the future. Will it be you? Click the link for full details, including how to apply:
Please share the news with anyone you think might be qualified and interested. Thank you for your help getting the word out!

7TH ANNUAL FAMILY HOLIDAY PARTY

Family Holiday Party
Monday, December 18, 4 PM
Fort Scott Public Library

Come join us for a family holiday party! Teens will have their own games & activities upstairs. Kids 1st grade & under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Activities include holiday stories & singalong, 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 sign up here: https://forms.gle/Nofhf7aYuChp1aRL8 if you’d like to help.
After stories and songs, the event will be split up by family groups rather than age groups (with the exception of the teens, who will remain upstairs for the majority of the event), although age-appropriate activities will be offered for each level. If you will have your children with you and would like to volunteer to help, you may stay with your family or group the entire time while helping to keep the event supervised and activities running smoothly.
Please email [email protected], fill out the form linked above, Facebook message the library to volunteer or donate.
Want to donate food but aren’t sure what to give? See this list for suggested items.
https://docs.google.com/…/1aCMK6PmSwLltz4JOh10x…/edit...
Happy Holidays from your friends at FSPL!

Book Sale

Our ongoing book sale cart is back! Find it downstairs beside the copy machine. Free books are now located inside the north entrance in a tub on the curbside pickup shelf (when we have any available).

New Adult Books

A Christmas Vanishing : a novel
by Anne Perry

Mariah Ellison investigates after accepting an invitation to spend Christmas with a friend and her husband but arrives and discovers her friend has disappeared without a trace and her invitation has been rudely rescinded.

An Angel Called Gallagher
by M. K. Mcclintock

On a ranch known as Hawk’s Peak, a family celebrates love, joy, and peace at last or so the Gallaghers thought. Brenna is convinced she hears a woman singing to her son. Eliza and Ethan are unnerved by a sleepwalker and Isabelle swears Hawk’s Peak is haunted. Then an unlikely visitor stumbles into their lives.

Confessions of a Cafeteria Catholic
by Peter J. Kreeft

Nat [Whilk] ” ‘is the ‘cafeteria Catholic’ “, writes Kreeft, “and I am the ‘eat all the food Mommy puts on your plate’ Catholic.” Taking on Nat’s manifesto point by point, the Boston College philosopher builds his case for a full-package Catholicism, addressing the themes of authority, love, freedom, conscience, sex, abortion, social justice, science, and more.

Her Secret Hope
by Shelley Shepard Gray

An Amish woman harboring secrets and looking to start over in Pinecraft meets a hardworking farmer who lives only a few miles away from her hometown, in the third novel of the series following Her Only Wish.

Saturday AM presents How to draw diverse manga : Design and create anime and manga characters with diverse identities of race, ethnicity, and gender
by Saturday Am

“For beginner to intermediate artists, Saturday AM Presents How to Draw Diverse Manga demonstrates how to conceive and draw original characters that reflect diverse racial, ethnic, and gender identities, featuring work by the artists represented in Saturday AM magazine, a recognized global brand that unites the two biggest trends in Young Adult graphic novels/comic books: diversity and manga”

Just Once : a novel
by Karen Kingsbury

Torn between two brothers—Sam and Hank, one at war and one at home, Irvel Ellis, when Hank enlists to save his brother, wonders if love can find a way, even from the ashes of the greatest heartbreak.

My name is Barbra
by Barbra Streisand

In her own words, the living legend tells the story of her life and extraordinary career, from growing up in Brooklyn to her first star-making appearances in NY nightclubs to her breakout performance in Funny Girl to the long string of successes in every medium in the years that followed. Illustrations.

Now You See Them
by Elly Griffiths

“The fifth book in the Magic Men series, Now You See Them is a wild mystery with detective Edgar Stephens and the magician Max Mephisto, as they investigate a string of presumed kidnappings in the swinging 1960s”

Recipes for murder : 66 dishes that celebrate the mysteries of Agatha Christie
by Karen Pierce

“Poisons, knives, and bullets riddle the stories of Agatha Christie, but so does food, which she uses to invoke settings, to develop characters, and, of course, to commit murder. This to-die-for cookbook offers recipes written by the author for one accessible, easy-to-follow dish or drink for each of Christie’s 66 mysteries. Recipes include Fish and Chips at the Seven Dials Club, Literary Luncheon Meringues, Oysters Rockefeller on the Orient Express, Sixpence Blackbird Pie, Orange Marmalade from Gossington Hall, and more. Along the way, you’ll learn how to make an exquisite omelet, how to roast a leg of lamb properly, and how to serve perfectly timed steak frites. Framing these dishes are insightful essays and headnotes that detail the history of the recipes, their context in Christie’s life and times, and the roles they play in the source works. Based on extensive research and investigation, all dishes appear traditional to their respective eras, so steak fried for 1923 but marinated and grilled for 1964. Completing the collection, thematic menus assemble recipes for a Halloween murder mystery gathering, a “Christie for Christmas,” a book club buffet, and other occasions, making it a filling tribute to the grand dame of detective fiction”

New Young Adults Books

Courage to Dream : Tales of Hope in the Holocaust
by Neal Shusterman

“Taking readers into the darkest time of human history?—?the Holocaust?—?this graphic novel, woven from Jewish folklore and cultural history, shows what it means to face the extinction of everything and everyone you hold dear while exploring one common thread: the tradition of resistance and uplift.”

Disney Twisted-Wonderland, the manga : book of Heartslabyul. 2
by Yana Toboso

“Yu is formally enrolled in Night Raven College. He’s even a prefect…of Ramshackle Dorm. But that doesn’t mean things are getting any easier for him. When his classmate Ace shows up on his doorstep after getting in trouble, Yu faces his biggest challenge yet!”

The Knight Captain Is the New Princess-to-Be 1
by Yasuko Yamaru

Christina, a.k.a. “Lady Chris,” was born into a noble family and treated more or less like a boy growing up. Now a dashing young woman, Chris is not only captain of the imperial guards–she personally protects Prince Leonardo, who has been a dear friend since childhood. When his father, the king, demands he find a suitable girl to marry, Leo insists that he’s already found one: Chris! Chris is shocked, but figures that Leo doesn’t really love her like that; it’s probably just some ploy to keep the king happy. Chris decides to play along, but as the charade goes on, she starts to wonder if maybe her princely pal has actually fallen for her!

The druid’s call
by E. K. Johnston

“In this epic prequel to the film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Doric’s powerful druid origins are revealed.”

Tilly in Technicolor
by Mazey Eddings

When eighteen-year-old Tilly goes to London to intern for her sister’s company, she begins to unmask her ADHD and connects with Oliver, another neurodivergent intern.

New Children’s Books

A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree
by Daniel Bernstrom

“Entertaining illustrations and energetic text reveal what happens when a hungry, fuzzy bear and a hive of angry bees come face to face.”

A Bed of Stars
by Jessica Love

This reassuring picture book about finding one’s place in the world follows a father as he takes his child on their first camping trip where he shows them, under a blanket of stars, that the universe is a friendly place.

Bigfoot Is Coming To Town

From left, Thug 1, Doctor Virus, Thug 2, News Announcer, Mrs. Claus, Santa, Bigfoot, Ben II, Jordan, Grace and Ben I. Submitted photo.

“I love the anticipation of Christmas,” AllenTwitchell, Fort Scott Community College’s Theatre Director said in a press release. “Tis indeed the season for memories, for family, for giving, for the promise of snow and a new year, and it is my pleasure to celebrate it with the community on Nov. 16 this year.”

“The gift we present at 7 p.m. that day in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is called “Santa ‘Claws’ Is Coming to Town,” the second installment of a three-part trilogy featuring Bigfoot as a central character and written by me because at my previous academic place of employment, the costume closet contained an idle Bigfoot costume,” he said.

“And, for the fifth year, Walmart of Fort Scott is graciously supplying Christmas candy to be distributed by the cast in the lobby following the show,” he said.

“I believe in the power of the arts to bring us together,” Twitchell said. “The theater also provides a palatable platform from which to confront social issues and hopefully inspire positive change. Also, the community supports us with their tax dollars and we want to give back in the form of inexpensive (free) entertainment options.”
About the play

“In part one of the trilogy, “A Very Hairy Christmas,” Bigfoot is pursued by the dreaded Darth Hunter and his henchmen, Dim and Dimmer, but with the aid of three youngsters (Ben, Jordan and Grace) and an ace reporter (Ben’s dad), he escapes the clutches of the evil villain and learns the story of Christmas and then everybody sings.”

“In this year’s offering, Darth Hunter’s demented brother, Doctor Virus, plots to kill Christmas by addicting Santa Claus to a video game and forcing him to miss the midnight deadline for delivering the first present to a select family in Fort Scott, thereby activating the “Santa Clause” and canceling Christmas…as negotiated by the reindeer union during its most-recent contract talks,” he said. “Again, Bigfoot and the kids endeavor to come to the rescue and chaos ensues…along with more singing.”

“Part three, All I Want for Christmas is Bigfoot’s Teeth, performed at FSCC on two prior occasions, unites the two previous “bad guys” with their even-more-sinister sister, Noella DeVile, intent on capturing Bigfoot and extracting his teeth for their magical properties, which include keeping her young and beautiful,” Twitchel said. “Spoiler alert: She is unsuccessful and everybody sings.”

The cast: Clint LaFollette, Will Holliday, Braxton Ferrell, Gia Dickey, Heidi Clevenger, Josh Smith, Nick Shelton, Isaiah Subbert, Ivy Swearingen and Christina King. The singing director is Chris Goddard. Joshua Ramsey and Zach Loper provide tech support. “And, of course, Santa makes an appearance,” he said.

“If this doesn’t sound like fun to you, just come for the candy,” he said.

“In any event, let us be the first to wish you, “Merry Christmas – and a Happy Thanksgiving,” he said.

Allen Twitchell. Submitted photo. 2023
Twitchel is in his seventh year as FSCC’s theater instructor.
“Sharing my passion for live theater with students and young people is my motivation, as well as doing what I can to ensure they leave here not only as better students but as better people,” he said.
Upcoming events on the FSCC Campus:

FSCC cheer and dance squad is sponsoring a Little Greyhounds Cheer Clinic for youngsters in kindergarten -eighth grade from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 19 in Arnold Arena. The cost for the clinic is $25. Contact Allee Morillo, head cheer and dance coach, at (913) 230-8869 to register or for answers to questions.

The FSCC Library Book Club meets next Wednesday (Nov. 15) in the library commons area. The featured topic is Women in Science and Diversity and the select book is “Lessons in Chemistry.” Contact Susie Arvidson at [email protected] for more information.

Spring and summer enrollment is open at FSCC.

 

 

KISS is Coming to Fort Scott, Almost

Almost Kiss. Submitted photo.

For those who love American Hard Rock Music, there is a show for you this weekend in Fort Scott.

KISS, the original group formed in the 1970s is known for such hits as  “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Black Diamond,” according to its website.

A group considered talented enough to be endorsed by Gene Simmons, one of the original KISS members, Almost KISS will be performing this Saturday, November 18,  at 7 p.m. at  Fort Scott’s  Memorial Hall, Third Street and National Avenue.

To order tickets: https://advanceboco.ticketspice.com/almost-kiss-tribute-band

Memorial Hall at Third and National Avenue.

Almost KISS are four devoted KISS fans and they choose to pay homage to the famous band in their shows, according to their website.

This entertainment event and others throughout the year have been organized by Advance Bourbon County.

Cory Bryars, Brad Matkin, and Josh Jones were having a conversation earlier in the year.

“Brad mentioned this tribute band, Almost Kiss,” Jones, spokesman for the Advance Bourbon County group, said. “Then he started reminiscing about his old rock and roll days. I have even talked Brad into having full Kiss makeup on during this event. So that itself is worth the admission fee.”

“With ABC, I have no set agenda on acts or events that I prefer,” he said. “Our main thing early on is to try as many different types of events as possible and see which ones gather the most attention. Then as we move into 2024 we will be more selective on which events we bring in. It’s just a way of giving back to a community that we love being part of. We have a beautiful venue and the most wonderful people around and it’s our hope we can now start drawing in outside people to our community to see what we can offer.”

Josh Jones.

Advance Bourbon County is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit foundation whose purpose is to make Bourbon County a better place through events and fundraising opportunities, according to its website.

“We will be announcing our upcoming events for 2024. We plan on doing about 6-8 events in 2024,” Josh Jones said.

The ABC recently organized a renovation of the waiting room in Memorial Hall, which is used by entertainers when they are offstage.

Aaron Judy with H2 Painting, Jeff Allen Electric, Fort Scott Fire Department, Flowers by Leanna, and Stoughton’s Plumbing helped with the project.
The work was done with volunteer work and some donated materials.
“Memorial Hall is such a big asset to our community and Advance Bourbon County is excited to play a part in helping fix it up,” Jones said.

 

 

What’s Happening in Fort Scott November 10 Issue

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! November 10th 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

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.

Pizza Republic Wednesdays – 10% of sales go to FSHS Tiger Booster Club every Wednesday from 5pm to 9pm

Christmas on The Bricks T-Shirt and Sweatshirt Orders NOW until November 10th, Adult Sizes only-unisex sizing, click here for pricing and to order!

Candlelight Tour Tickets are on sale NOW, contact FS National Historic Site 620-223-0310 to purchase!

Dolly Hollyday Christmas Light Trolley Tours 12/8-12/23, tickets are $8/adult or $5/kids or reserve the Trolley for your friends and family for $125! Contact the Chamber 620-223-3566 to reserve your spot!

11/7-9&11 ~ FSHS Performing Arts Presents Guys and Dolls, a musical fable of Broadway, $8/adults and $6/students & children, click here for tickets and more information!

11/10 ~ US Marine Core Birthday Celebration at Pizza Republic, all are welcome, official

cake cutting ceremony will begin at 7pm, click here for more info!

11/10 ~ Vienna Boys Choir at Fort Scott Community College, 7:00pm, tickets are $45 with general admission seating, click here for more info and to order tickets!

11/11 ~ Bake Sale Fundraiser at First Southern Baptist Church, 7:00am-6:00pm, all proceeds go to building fund.

11/11 ~ Veterans Day Program at National Cemetery No. 1, 11am, organized by the VFW. All are welcome to the VFW after the ceremony for ham & beans!

11/11 ~ Veteran’s Day Appreciation at Fort Scott Munitions, all Veteran’s will receive a free box of ammo with no purchase necessary, 10am-6pm

11/11 ~ Outlaw Jim and the Whiskey Benders at Pizza Republic, a concert to celebrate Veterans

and their sacrifices made for our freedom, $5 cover charge, 8-10pm, click here for more info!

11/10-11/12 ~ Veterans Day Appreciation Special at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, all military personnel/active or veteran/first responders can come out and ride at NO CHARGE with ID card, click here for more info!

11/12 ~ St. Anne’s Altar Society Fall Festival Turkey Dinner and Kennedy Gym, adults $10.00 children 11 & under are free, come out and enjoy the feast and fellowship, 4-6pm, click here for more info!

11/14-15 ~ SEK Housing Conference in Independence, all welcome to attend! Click here for info.

11/15 ~ Paint Party at Papa Don’s hosted by 2 Southern Ladies, $35 per person, 6-8pm, click here for more information.

11/16 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by USD234 at Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main, 8am

11/16 ~ Bourbon County Senior Citizen Health Fair presented by HBCAT at the Scott View Apartments in the Conference Room, 9am-12pm, click here for more information!

11/16 ~ The Fort Scott Community College Theatre Department presents “Santa ‘Claws’ is Coming to Town”, admission is free as a holiday gift to the community, 7pm, see flyer below for more info!

11/18 ~ Almost KISS Tribute Band LIVE at Memorial Hall, 7pm, click here for tickets!

11/19 ~ 27th Turkey Shoot at BRCC, K-8th + a partner, fee:$2.00 per team, see flyer below.

11/18-25 ~ Annual Key Warehouse Sale, one week only, NOT ON THANKSGIVING, closeouts on men’s, ladies, and kids apparel, click here for hours and more information!

11/20 ~ FSMS Extravaganza sponsored by the FSHS Swim Team, 5-8pm, see below for the list of vendors that will be at this event!

11/20 ~ Washington Workshop Pulled Pork Dinner at Fall Extravaganza, $10, pulled pork/chips/drink/homemade dessert, 5-8pm

11/21 ~ Holiday Sweets Auction hosted by Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, come out and get your desserts for Thanksgiving, 5:30pm, if you plan on donating baked goods or other food items please bring them to the Village before 3pm that Tuesday, click here for more info!

11/23 ~ NO Chamber Coffee – Happy Thanksgiving!

11/23 ~ Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Elk’s Lodge, 11:30am-1:30pm, free will donation, click here for more information!

11/29 ~ Crooner’s Tree Lighting, doors/kitchen/bar open at 5pm, live music, tree lighting & champagne toast at 7pm, make reservations at fscrooners.com, click here for more info!

11/30 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Sunshine Boutique, 18 E. Wall., 8am

11/30 ~ “Candy Land Christmas” parade hosted by Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, 6pm

SAVE THE DATE!

12/1-12/3 ~ First Annual Christmas on the Bricks in Fort Scott Downtown Historic District, horse-drawn carriage rides/candlelight tours at the Fort/gingerbread house making contest/Christmas paint party at Pizza Republic/Floral Centerpiece Making Class at Sunshine Boutique and SO MUCH MORE! Click here for a complete listing of activities that will be happening that weekend!

12/16 ~ Wreaths Across America Ceremony at Fort Scott National Historic Site, 10am-11:00am, click here for more info.

_________

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.

Holiday Open House Shopping Event Downtown and Around, continues Friday & Saturday the 10th & 11th!

U.S.M.C Birthday Celebration at Pizza Republic!

And, Outlaw Jim & the Whiskey Benders Sat. Night!

Kansas Rocks Veterans Day Appreciation Special November 10th through November 12th!

Christmas on the Bricks memorabilia sweatshirts & t-shirts are now on sale, pre-order by Nov. 10th!

Santa Claws is Coming to Town!

27th Annual Turkey Shoot @ BRCC!

Annual Holiday Shopping Open House Begins This Evening

Santa sits on a bench in front of The Ironstar and gets a second look from Ernestine Eden.

If people haven’t been out and about in Fort Scott lately, they might be pleasantly surprised at the number of quality boutiques, art galleries, and other storefronts that the city has to offer, according to Lindsay Madison, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.

“Nearly every building is occupied and we are so grateful for the investment that building and business owners have made in our community,” she said.

The chamber recently announced the Annual Holiday Open House Shopping event, Downtown & Around in Fort Scott.

The main event will take place this evening,  Thursday, November 9 from 5-8 p.m. with refreshments, drawings, and deals to enjoy and get you in the holiday spirit!

On Thursday the trolley will be going from store to store from 5-8 p.m. for shoppers to ride to each site.

The multi-day event will continue on Friday and Saturday, November 10-11.

Nearly 20 participating retailers are involved,  including 110 South Main, Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Roses, Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, Better in Bourbon, Be the Light Boutique, Bids & Dibs, Flint + Fray, Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Iron Star Antiques & Such, Laree + Co, Long Creek Outfitters, Papa Don’s Vendors, Ruddick’s Furniture, Sekan’s Occasion Shop, Shirt Shack, Sunshine Boutique, The Artificers, and The Beauty Lounge.

One can enter their name at each store for a chance to win $50 in Chamber Bucks.

Visit fortscott.com or the Chamber’s Facebook page for more details.

The trolley in a Christmas parade in 2016.

History of the Event:
“Iron Star Antiques & Such initially started the Holiday Open House concept 20 years ago this month when Barbara Trimbur and Cindy Bowman, who were both booth vendors in the store at the time, came up with the idea,” said Madison. “Then Barbara took over ownership of the store that following January. I started leading the Chamber as President and CEO in the Fall of 2010 and that may have been the first year all of the businesses formally came together for an organized event.”

 

Lindsay Madison. Submitted photo.

“I feel the Chamber and the retailers together have a strong relationship and communicate and work well together to plan these types of events and promotions throughout the year such as Spring Fling, Sidewalk Sales, Fall Fest, Holiday Open House, and more,” she said.

Uniontown’s First Christmas in the Park Event is November 25

Uniontown Park is located in the center of the town on the square.
The flyer sent out to the community to tell of the upcoming event in the Uniontown Park. Submitted graphic.

A family fun event on November 25 is planned in Uniontown in preparation for the Christmas season.

When Ashley Endicott and Mary Pemberton learned that Sally and Frank Johnson, who’ve been decorating Uniontown Park at Christmas for several years, are no longer able to continue, they decided to do it.

“We thought this would be a great time and opportunity to create a new community event and get more people involved,” Pemberton said.

Their purpose for continuing and expanding the event is ” To spread the Christmas spirit,” Mary said. “To create a fun, festive environment and involve more people in decorating so the job doesn’t fall on just a couple of volunteers.  In addition, to light up the park,  add more decorations, and continue to have a beautifully decorated public area for Christmas.”

A lighted Christmas Tree Decorating Contest is the centerpiece of the event. The decorated, lighted trees will line the park.

“We just started putting the word… so we are still looking for teams to enter the tree decorating contest,” she said.  “Everyone we’ve talked with has been very enthusiastic and excited about it.”

Don and Mary Pemberton, owners of Bandera Stone Inc., are donating live Christmas trees for the decorating contest this year.

“For future years, we hope for donations of artificial trees as people replace theirs or will fundraise and buy during after-Christmas clearance sales,” she said.  “The larger the tree, the better!”

“We are encouraging tree decorating teams of four people and expect most to start around 3 p.m. on November 25,” she said. “Decorating must be finished by 5:30 p.m. for judging.  Anyone not on a team for the tree decorating contest can help decorate the remainder of the park – putting lights on the shelters, etc.”

” Due to the limited time we have to plan this year, we will have a disc jockey playing recorded music,” she said. “Plans are to expand everything next year, including live music.”

In addition, hay rides and hot chocolate will be available that evening.

Please call 620.223.3920 to reserve a tree to decorate for this event.

All decorations will be provided by each team of four, with cash prizes given for first and second-place tree decorating teams.

Extension cords will be needed for hooking the trees up to electrical outlets, she said.

All persons present in the park at judging time 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. will be allowed to vote for their favorite tree.

If people have decorations to donate please leave them on November 25 at 3 p.m. or leave them at the Bandera Stone office on the north side of Uniontown Park.

“We are also planning ahead and would like to form a park committee to next year expand the activities and decorations,” she said.  “Some ideas include inviting Santa Claus to come visit with children, fire pits for keeping warm and making s’mores, chili dinner, coat/toy drive, and many, many more lights and decorations.  So, anyone who might have extra outdoor lights or heavy outdoor decorations (not blow-up style) or if you are replacing your artificial tree, please consider donating these items to the park event.”

 

 

FSHS Thespians Announce Auditions for Children’s Christmas Show

 

The Fort Scott High School Thespians are holding auditions for ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Kathryn Schultz Miller.

 

Auditions are open to children in 1st-8th grades and take place from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 13 OR 14 in the FSHS Auditorium. Children do not need to prepare anything in advance, but should plan to stay for the duration of the audition time on one of the nights. Parents should be present at the beginning for information and to fill out audition forms.

 

Rehearsals will generally occur Monday-Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Performances are Dec. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. in the FSHS Auditorium. There is a $30 participation fee for children cast in the show.

 

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with direction and design by the FSHS Thespians. Please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 with any questions.

Fort Scott High School Performs Guys and Dolls on Nov. 7,9, 11

 

The Fort Scott High School Performing Arts Department presents the musical Guys and Dolls at 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 and 9 and at 2 and 7 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the FSHS Auditorium.

 

Guys and Dolls is a musical fable of Broadway based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. It is considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy.

 

The musical follows the tale of gambler Nathan Detroit as he attempts to find a spot for his underground craps game and his girlfriend Adelaide as she laments about their very long engagement. We also watch as the smooth high roller Sky Masterson courts Missionary Sarah Brown as the result of a bet. According to Music Theatre International, “Guys and Dolls takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong.”

 

Detroit is played by senior Jericho Jones, Adelaide is portrayed by junior Emma Guns, sophomore Levi Fairchild plays Masterson, and sophomore Junie Fisher stars as Brown. Over twenty other FSHS students serve as craps shooters, Hot Box dancers, and missionaries.

 

Audiences will also enjoy a live orchestra made up of 16 professional musicians from the surrounding communities for this year’s show.

 

The musical is led by Theatre Director Angie Bin, Music Director Whitley Chesney, Technical Director Christina King, and Choreographer Mesa Jones.

 

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and children. All tickets are reserved seating at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Advance purchase is encouraged as seating is limited. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

 

Guys and Dolls is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, www.mtishows.com.

 

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Keeping Safe at Halloween

A downtown Halloween Parade in 2013.

Kids may have to bundle up for the scariest night of the year tonight because of cold weather, and Fort Scott Police Chief Jason Pickert gives parents some other tips to keep them safe.

“Fortunately, there are lots of easy things parents and kids can do to stay safe on the spookiest of holidays,” Pickert said.

Here is his list:

  • Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers.

  • Don’t let little ones walk by themselves. Make sure they are joined by an older sibling or an adult for trick-or-treating.

  • Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks.

  • When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Choose face paint over masks when possible. Masks can limit children’s vision.

  • Drivers – Slow down and be alert! Kids are excited on Halloween and may dart into the street. Turn on headlights early in the day to spot kids from further away.

 

 

Safety Advocates Offer Tips to Protect Your Children this Halloween

 Safe Kids Kansas, the Kansas Poison Center, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal remind families to make safety part of their fall festivity planning.

“On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a vehicle and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year, according to a press release from Safe Kids Kansas. “Drivers need to slow down and be extra alert, especially in neighborhoods, as there will be more children on the streets and sidewalks – and those kids may be focused on gathering candy and the excitement of the holiday rather than being careful while crossing streets.”

“Review safety rules with your kids before they leave the house,” according to the release. “Trick-or-treaters are often out when it’s dark and more difficult for drivers to see them. Children younger than age 12 should not be crossing streets alone on Halloween without an adult or responsible teenager.”

It’s a good idea for children to have a cell phone with them in case of an emergency, but remind them to pay attention to their surroundings, and not be distracted by texting or talking on the phone, said Cherie Sage with Safe Kids Kansas.

“Parents and kids should also be careful with candy,” according to the release. “It’s best to check sweets before children are allowed to eat them. Only eat treats in original and unopened wrappers. Also, be aware kids are in candy-seeking mode, so keep medicine locked up and away, and keep the Poison Help Line programmed into your phone: 800-222-1222.”

“According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of home structure fires happened because decorations were too close to a heat source,” according to the press release. “Most of these incidents were started by candles. Play it safe and use battery-powered candles or lights. Remember to make sure your family has working smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside every sleeping room.”

Safety tips from these organizations:

Decorate Safely

  • Keep flammable materials such as hay bales, corn stalks and paper decorations away from heat and flame sources, like candles, light bulbs and heaters.
  • Use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns and when decorating pathways and yards.
  • Set a reminder to blow out any candles and unplug lights at the end of the evening.
  • Talk to your teens who may be attending parties and haunted houses to look for the exits and have a way out in case of an emergency.
  • If using dry-ice, make sure you use gloves or tongs when handling it and do not put it in cups where it could be swallowed and cause severe burns.

Walk Safely

  • Stick to sidewalks or paths. Don’t walk through neighbors’ yards, as there may be a hazard you can’t see.
  • If there are no sidewalks along your street, walk on the road facing traffic as far to left as possible.
  • Always stop and look before you cross the street, and cross at corners using signals and crosswalks whenever possible. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

For more tips on how to keep kids safe on Halloween and throughout the year, visit safekids.org.

Holiday Open House Shopping Event Downtown & Around Thursday, November 9th, 5-8pm

Santa sits on a bench in front of The Ironstar and gets a second look from Ernestine Eden in this 2017 photo of the annual Holiday Open House.

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Annual Holiday Open House Shopping event, Downtown & Around in Fort Scott.  The main event will take place Thursday, November 9th from 5-8pm with festive refreshments, drawings & deals for you to enjoy and get you in the Holiday spirit! Then, Open House will continue Friday & Saturday, November 10th &11th. On Thursday the trolley will be going store to store from 5-8pm so you can shop & ride!

There will be spirited holiday shopping at nearly 20 participating retailers including 110 South Main, Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Roses, Bartelsmyers Jewelry, Better in Bourbon, Be The Light Boutique, Bids & Dibs, Flint + Fray, Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Iron Star, Laree + Co, Long Creek Outfitters, Papa Dons, Ruddicks Furniture, Sekan, Shirt Shack, Sunshine Boutique, The Artificers, and The Beauty Lounge.  Don’t forget to enter your name at each store for a chance to win $50 in Chamber Bucks!

Visit fortscott.com or the Chamber Facebook page for more details.  Get out for the Annual Holiday Open House Shopping Event Thursday, November 9th through Saturday the 11th in Fort Scott.