Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.
This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by family trio Kevin and Kathy Wood from Prescott, and their daughter Leah Maxfield. The program will feature country and bluegrass gospel. Musician Sandy Hemphill will also join the trio on guitar.
“The Wood family started singing in church about twenty years ago. Kevin also plays guitar,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “We appreciate the opportunity to promote our local musicians and provide wholesome concerts for the whole family. Bring a couple of friends and join us a fun evening.”
The one-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The event is free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to The Loading Dock at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
The 66th Annual Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, a celebration of rural America’s technology of the past, starts tonight with a parade of antique, and classic farm implements and much more.
The parade will be on Main Street through Fort Scott’s historic downtown on Thursday, September 29th at 6 PM.
Then Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 30 through Oct. 2, the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on south Horton Street, will be a scene of educational and historic exhibits, entertainment, vendors, food and arts and crafts.
Quilts displayed during the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta 2015.
New this year is a large model train display with little people in villages, according to Craig Shikles, president of the PHF board. It will be there at 9 a.m. on Saturday throughout the day. Other officers of the board: Larry Richard, Delphine Parks and Betsy Readinger.
Over 320 local students will be coming to the fiesta on Friday, according to Del Parks. “They will be able to do some hands-on stuff, she said.
There will be drag saw demonstrations, Baker fan demonstrations, tractors, gas engines, straw baling, wheat thrashing, corn husking/shelling, rock crushing, and saw mill operations on display.
The full weekend admission is only $5 per person and includes a collector button and Friday Bean Feed at 5 PM. Hours the fiesta is open: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Children under age 12 are free, however free admission does not include button. Prior year Collector Buttons available, $1.
There will be many food vendors including a chicken and noodle dinner provided by the First Southern Baptist Church, chili dogs provided by the local Eastern Star organization and biscuits, gravy and coffee will be sold at the information tent for breakfast at the Eddy Street entrance to benefit the PHF organization.
On Saturday evening, there will be a bull riding and mutton busting event to enjoy, although it is not a part of the fiesta, it will be located on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
Music to Enjoy
Ralph Carlson and Floyd Feezell have organized a great lineup of talent for the music entertainment at the fiesta.
On Saturday at 10 a.m. a band including Larry and Judy Snow, from Mound City, will be performing. The Snows play for dances and concerts in this area. At 11 a.m., the Hemphill Family Band will be performing. Jack, Sandy, Brad, and Kristen also perform in the area. They play different styles of music, but they do lots of country pieces.
At noon, there will be an open mike session. People who wish to perform may bring CDs with which to sing or bring their own instruments and/or voices to participate. The sound system will be controlled by David Oas.
At 1 p.m., a string group, The Prairie Sunflower Strings, will perform. The group consists of mountain dulcimers, autoharp, fiddle, guitar, and bass guitar. Members of the group who are local are Jean Strader, Marilyn Adcock, Joyce Love, Sandy Hemphill, and Jack Hemphill. Cherry Nelson, from Columbus, also performs in the group on the dulcimer. This group will also play at 3 p.m.
David Prickett, a local guitar player,will perform at 2 p.m. He plays and sings a wide variety of music. The music should conclude at approximately 4 p.m. on Saturday.
On Sunday morning, there will be a church service under the same tent. Rev. Joel Crippen, minister at the First Southern Baptist Church, will be leading the service.
Following the church service, there will be another open mike session. All are invited to attend and/or perform.
The community is encouraged to come out and listen the music while looking at all of tractors and enjoy shopping at the vendor booths both Saturday and Sunday.
Christopher Eshelman is pictured with his wife, Robin. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott’s First United Methodist has made plans to provide educational and social opportunities that bring older adults together for personal growth.
Shepherd’s Center is a program to counteract the negative effects of loneliness and isolation by connecting older adults to empowering programs that foster friendships, according to a press release from the church.
The program in Fort Scott will begin on Friday, October 14th, with a session from 11:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church at Third and National Avenue.
This kickoff event is free to attend.
Pre-registration is required in order to receive a free lunch from Marsha’s Deli. One can preregister by calling or visiting the church, during office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon or visit www.firstumcfsks.org/shepherdscenteroffortscott to register online. The church phone number is 620.223.1950.
The Adventures in Learning program is the signature program of Shepherd’s Centers that supports personal growth and discovery with courses, cultural enrichment workshops, hobby, and recreational opportunities, according to the press release.
Subjects often cover a wide range of topics: computer and technology, finance, literature, music and art appreciation, world religion, “how-to,” politics, current events, historical events and figures, foreign languages, hobbies, and so much more. Most class instructors are retired older adults, with a number of special interests presented by community experts.
“We got enrolled in the Healthy Congregations program through our church conference and we were going through our assets and needs assessment processes here and we kept seeing loneliness, isolation as concerns… and unused space in our building as an asset,” Pastor Christopher Eshelman said. “It clicked. We made some contacts and found the Wichita, Topeka, and National organizations very helpful in getting us started here in Fort Scott.”
The inaugural Fort Scott event features keynote speaker Patty LaRoche with a presentation entitled “Aged to Perfection.”
Patty LaRoche. Submitted photo.
Afternoon sessions to choose from:
Cathy Werling will present on the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes and how it has inspired her.
Cathy Werling. Submitted photo.
Larry Shead will present on using technology to connect with family and friends.
Larry Shead. Submitted photo.
Ronda Hassig will be discussing her book “The Greatest Test of Courage.” Copies will be available for purchase.
In between these sessions, there will be snacks and plenty of time to connect with other attendees.
The event will close with Eshelman facilitating a discussion of future plans for our Shepherd’s Center / Adventures in Learning program.
“Your ideas for topics and presenters will be welcome as we shape this program to meet local needs and interests,” he said.
The next session will be March 10, 2023 and with a plan to offer three or four total events in 2023, then continuing to expand in years to come.
This program launch is being made possible by First UMC’s participation in the Great Plains UMC Conference’s Healthy Congregations program which provides grants to help churches identify needs and work to improve spiritual, physical, social, and emotional health in their congregations and communities.
”I served on staff at both East and West Heights United Methodist Churches in Wichita and both hosted similar Shepherd’s Center programs,” Eshelman said. “I wasn’t directly involved, but the energy in the building on the days of their sessions and the way the programs so clearly helped older adults both in the church and from the community as a whole, stay active and connected to one another really stuck with me. So many memories of smiling faces and great conversations.”
“We are delighted to offer this resource to the Fort Scott community and excited to see the program grow,” he said.
Shepherd’s Centers are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year after being founded in Kansas City in 1972.
Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.
On Friday night, September 30th at 7:00 PM, the Chamber of Commerce Concert in the Park series continues with the performance of the Hemphill Family Band. Members of the band include Jack Hemphill on keyboard and vocals, Sandy on fiddle and keyboard, Brad on guitar and vocals, and Kristen Hemphill Weeks on drum. Floyd Feezell will be singing songs of Ray Price with the band.
The Hemphills have performed at the Pavilion at First and Main many times in the past. They play classic country music including a little Hank and Lefty and a lot of Merle Haggard. They will also play a variety of other songs during the concert.
Come out and enjoy the fall weather and music this Friday at the Pavilion at the corner of First Street and Main Street. Bring a chair since seating is limited. In case of bad weather, the concert will be moved to Common Ground Coffee Shop.
AXELL HODGES RECLAIMS FREERIDE VICTORY ON THE LARGEST FREERIDE COURSE IN THE WORLD AT RED BULL IMAGINATION
Tyler Bereman and Julien Vanstippen Complete the Podium in Second and Third Place Respectively
Viewers can Watch the Competition Highlights on ESPN2, ESPN+ or Red Bull TV
KANSAS, Sept. 25, 2022 – Every so often a unique and exceptional phenomenon comes along leaving almost every person in its presence speechless – the third year of Red Bull Imagination was kind of like that. Event visionary Tyler Bereman proved that there were plenty of ideas left in the tank, as he and Jason Baker of Dream Traxx brought forth a course so large and dense that it set a new standard for the already watershed event. To put it to use, ten of the world’s top freeriders journeyed to Fort Scott, Kansas for a week of remarkable action and progression, taking the sport to new heights, figuratively (and almost literally as well). As freeriding is not all about competition, a three-day “expression session” preserved the integrity of the sport before the final event day that saw Axell Hodges claim a victory with Bereman and Julien Vanstippen earning second and third place, respectively.
The terms “art” and “dirt bikes” aren’t usually used in the same sentence to describe anything, let alone freeride motocross, but there are few words to translate the visual impact of this year’s course. Rookie and returning riders, judges, and spectators were stunned at first sight of it, with some describing it as “an art installation in its purest form,” and others’ just shaking their head in disbelief. The bespoke playground spans twelve square acres and contains more than 120 confirmed jumps (an increase from 94 jumps in 2021). The smallest jump was an estimated 65 feet long and the largest jump reached more than 160 feet. Once the initial shock wore off, the riders took to this “art installation” and used their dirt bikes like paint brushes to bring it to life.
The complete lineup of riders at Red Bull Imagination 2022 included:
Red Bull Imagination visionary, host, and 10-time X Games medalist Tyler Bereman
2022 X Games Gold medalist, 12-time X Games overall medalist Axell Hodges
2022 X Games ‘Best Whip’ Gold medalist, six-time X Games overall medalist Tom Parsons
Four-time X Games medalist and World Record Holder Vicki Golden
Two-time X Games medalist and current freeride motocross rider Josh Hill
2022 Hill Jam ‘Best Whip’ winner freerider Christian Dresser
2022 X Games quarterpipe medalist Guillem Navas
Two-time X Games medalist Julien Vanstippen
X Games participant Kohl Denney
Best Style at Farm Jam New Zealand rider Lewi Woods
The top of the week started with the riders steadying their nerves and feeling out the course for the first time. But what started with hesitation quickly turned into enthusiasm, and it didn’t take long before everyone was feeding off each other’s energy, navigating the jumps, finessing the technicality, and truly pushing each other to try more and more. Riders brought their A-game in every way possible, often hitting a line so creative others might not have envisioned it before. And because everything was taller, bigger, steeper, and more technical, the anticipation, camaraderie and downright fun persevered all week long. By Thursday’s final session, the skills on display were astounding, and the vibe was unmatched.
Some of the expression session highlights included:
Bereman hitting an iconic 184-foot jump at approximately 70 feet in the air – soaring for about six seconds and stealing the attention of every single person on the course, before finally pulling off a somewhat sketchy landing. The entire place erupted in celebration with raw emotion and many describing it as “the gnarliest jump they had ever seen.”
Golden shined in true form as a leader amongst the other riders in the practice sessions. She led the pack into the 120-foot road gap transfer over the container just before dark, which inspired Twitch, Hodges and Vanstippen’s back flip session later that night.
Shortly after, Vanstippen hipped a transfer from the technical jib zone to K-Dubs Kingdom and landed a 130-foot super flip, sending the riders and onsite personnel into a roar.
Jeremy ‘Twitch’ Stenberg, Hodges and Denney landed backflip transfers thereafter, while the other riders hit the jump with whips and nac nac’s.
On competition day, the riders had two three-minute windows to ‘wow’ the judges and showcase their most artistic line they had dreamt up all week. The riders were scored on magnitude, creativity, execution, and the overall line they carved on the competition day with only the best single score run counted. The panel of legendary judges included Robbie Maddison, ‘Twitch,’ Steve Haughelstine, and Ronnie Faisst, observed the competition from a tower overlooking the entire course.
Australian Woods opened the competition, giving the first-time spectators a rich taste of what the next several hours of riding would bring. Denney was next, and in true Denney fashion, the vibe of his button-down shirt was all party as he led off his run with a backflip nac nac on the big air zone. Navas, Vanstippen, Parsons, Dresser and Hill maximized creativity through their lines, hitting massive whips, flipping the “moon booter,” and throwing no footers over the “dumb and dumber” double jumps. Bereman and Hodges followed suit, giving the crowd an absolute show, and arguably spending more time in the air than on the ground. Despite Bereman’s impressive “big dawg” jump and huge air over the Fasthouse on-course feature, Hodges wowed the judges with a run that tricked nearly every jump including clearing the 180-foot jump with a no-footed can can, a massive backflip over the road, catching big air in K-Dubs Kingdom and playing to the crowd throughout. Hodges, Bereman and Vanstippen led 1-2-3 after the first round with 98, 96 and 92 points respectively.
The winds were higher than desired heading into round two and many riders weighed risk and reward, ultimately making the tough decision to sit out and end the day pleased with their first round’s score. But Dresser and Navas weren’t quite done yet, as both took a second run on the course and further displayed their inventiveness by hitting tricks and new lines not seen from them before. Dresser’s score increased from 82 to 85 and Navas’ score increased from 85 to 88, moving him up to fifth place.
As for Hodges and Bereman, they put their second pass at a competition run aside and paired up to show the crowd exactly what the sport is all about. In the spirit of freeride, the two hit their final line together. It’s hard to overstate how important this moment was for freeride motocross. Two competitors, setting aside the competition to simply vibe. Parallel lines, tandem hits, culminating in both riders revving their engines atop the Fasthouse feature at the center of the course. Hodges and Bereman embraced each other amid the smoke of their rear tires. It was a joyful moment, a celebration of sport, and the purest expression of Bereman’s imagination.
The final scores for the event were as follows:
Axell Hodges – 98
Tyler Bereman – 96
Julien Vanstippen – 92
Kohl Denney – 90
Guillem Navas – 88
Josh Hill – 87
Christian Dresser – 85
Lewi Woods – 82
Tom Parsons – 80
Coming off a compound fractured wrist with a 12-week mandatory recovery period, Bereman was only cleared to ride the week of Red Bull Imagination. “There is something to be said about facing your fears and overcoming them,” said by Bereman. “We [Bereman and Baker] are just scratching the surface of what’s possible at Red Bull Imagination.”
Mark your calendars for Pioneer Harvest Fiesta. The 66th Anniversary Show will soon be here! The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta is one of the oldest tractor and gas engine show in the area.
Plans are made for this to be a great event this year. The downtown parade on September 29 will be the kickoff for the show. Friday, September 30 will begin the 3 day show with lots of exhibits and vendors on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. Come and see how things were done in the “olden days”. Purchasing a $5 show button will give you entry to all 3 days plus a bean feed on Friday evening.
In addition to the flea market and tractor and gas engine exhibits, you can watch the sawmill operation, oat threshing, hay baling tractor pull and more. Ralph Carlson’s entertainment tent will present talented musicians for you to enjoy. The Sunday morning Church service will be in the entertainment tent also. All are welcome. Be sure and stop by the Information tent. There will be 2022 T-Shirts and caps and other items for you to purchase.
In addition to the Friday evening bean feed, biscuits and gravy will be available in the mornings, also old fashion sorghum cookies. Pulled pork sandwiches, chicken noodle dinners, sloppy joes, hot dogs. nachos and more will be served by food vendors.
Don’t forget the quilt show in the Myers Building. Quilts can be entered Thursday, September 29, 10am – Noon. The quilt show will be open Friday and Saturday, 9am – 4pm. Sunday will be open noon to 3pm. Contact Jackie Warren for more information, 620-224-8161.
Quilts displayed during the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta 2015.
There is an additional event on the fairgrounds the evening of October 1 in the arena. There will be a Mutton Bustin’ event with bull riding afterwards. Sign up for the Mutton Bustin’ is 6:30pm.
If anyone would like to volunteer to help with any of the exhibits or perhaps help at the quilt show, we would be happy to have you. Please contact a member or call one of the numbers listed.
Thank you goes out to all our corporate sponsors. Without these sponsors there would not be a Pioneer Harvest Fiesta. If you have not received a flyer in the mail or picked one up at a local business, contact a member and we will make one available for you. Craig Shikles, 417-425-4552, is our president with Larry Richard, 620-724-6501, as vice-president.
Last week, Red Bull Imagination – the ultimate evolution of freeride motocross – returned to Fort Scott, Kansas for its third year bigger and badder than ever. A sport that’s always lived on the fringes of motocross will have its national moment this Sunday @ 5pm ET with an ESPN 2 broadcast and ESPN+ stream.
Once again, event visionary Tyler Bereman and course builder Jason Baker have put their heads together to create a course boasting a seemingly endless array of new features and massive jumps to inspire and challenge riders like never before. Bereman is now a proven leader of a sport defined by its disregard for convention and embrace of creativity to see what’s possible on a bike.
To learn more: hyperlink to History of Freeride video put out by Red Bull Motorsports and the just-released first episode previewing Sunday’s competition.
All the action will debut in a one-hour show on September 25, from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. EST on ESPN2 and ESPN+. #RedBullImagination
Front Row Left to right; Ranse Keating, Embry Metcalf 2nd Row Left to right: Jescie Comstock, Lanie Krokroskia, Tobyn Schubert, Ellie Smith, Lillian Westhoff 3rd Row Left to right: Nathaniel Adams, Kaleb Bailey, Sam Deloney, Hayden Harris, Eli Kellogg
The Fort Scott High School Homecoming festivities will be as follows:
A Pep Assembly will be held on September 30 at 10:00 AM at the High School Gym.
The Coronation Ceremony will be at 6:30 PM before the Football game with the Labette County Grizzles that evening.
Game time is 7:00 PM.
Submitted by
Bert Lewis
Student Council Sponsor, Senior & Junior Class Sponsor, Key Club Sponsor, Ed Rising Sponsor, and Scholars’ Bowl Coach
This Saturday Sept. 24, gates open for a music concert at a residence at 2006 Maple Road, just west of Fort Scott. Plans are settling into place for the event, which was announced several weeks ago.
New comers to the Fort Scott area from Kansas City, Cory and Cecilia Bryars, have planned the blues festival on their property to benefit a local helping organization, Care to Share.
In addition to the blues concert, there will be food with proceeds going to Care to Share:
–Hot dogs, chips, and chili
–Smash Burgers from 4-8 p.m.
–Funnel cakes
–Chili Frito Pie
–Huge bake sale–pies, cookies, more
–Water (and if you care to share bring a case to donate)
–Coolers are welcome!
There will be other booths and vendors, with proceeds to Care to Share and the booth vendor, featuring metal art, pottery, mums, spices, birdhouses, face painting and the Kansas City Blues Society and more.
The gates open at 1 p.m., and the musicians will play from 2-10 p.m.
Preliminary work has included having enough parking for those wanting to attend.
“There is lots of parking at the venue and neighboring yards,” Cory Bryars said. “Just follow the signs when you get there.”
“Also Dolly the Trolley ( local tourism trolley car) will shuttle from Twister Trailer (on North National Avenue, just across from Riverfront Park) to 2006 Maple at the following times– 1:15-4 p.m., 5:30-8 p.m., 8:30-10:30 p.m or when everyone gets back at their cars,”he said.
If planning on staying the duration of the concert, concert goers are asked to take the trolley.
“If you are staying for quite a while, please take the trolley, which will free up venue parking for people only coming for a short while,” Bryars said.
The event is free. However they are asking donations to support Care to Share a local cancer survivor support group.
“Our mission statement is to provide friendship and support through emotional and financial assistance to individuals who are cancer fighters and their caregivers…because we care to share,” Lavetta Simmons, a spokesman for Care To Share said in a prior story.
“We are 100% volunteer individuals, no paid employees, so everything donated goes 100% right back into our community for our cancer fighters. Last year we were able to care and share 1,134 times for a total of $65,711.69 with our cancer families.”
No tickets are required and the event is free.
Donations to Care to Share are appreciated, Bryars said. “The event page also has a link to donate even if you can’t be here and want to support a great cause.”
The primary event activity is four top-quality blues bands playing from 2-3:30 p.m., 4-5:30 p.m., 6-7:30 p.m., 8-9:45 p.m.
Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.
Students of Saint Martin’s Academy, 1950 Indian Road, will be the featured entertainment at this week’s Friday Night Concert. The school currently has a healthy and growing enrollment of boys. The music department is under the direction of Dave Agee and Daniel Kerr. The lads will perform vocal solos, duets, and ensemble numbers plus instrumental accompaniment.
“This lively group of young men will warm your heart with their endearing performances of folk, country, and gospel songs,“ concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “In addition to their musical talent, these students have proven to be an asset to the community with their willingness to help out in various areas. We are pleased to welcome Saint Martin’s Academy back to perform in our downtown pavilion. Bring a friend and join us for an enjoyable evening of music.”
The one-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows are free and open to the public. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
The Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.
2022 Gordon Parks Celebration – Schedule of Events
Thursday, October 6th
PHOTO EXHIBIT– In the Lunt Lobby of the Fine Arts Center. The photo contest sponsored byMerl Humphrey Photographywill be on display with the theme of “I Am Driven By”. Winners will be announced at the Chamber Coffee,8 a.m.
PHOTO EXHIBIT– In the Gordon Parks Museum and Lobby of the Fine Arts Center. The Gordon Parks Mercy Foundation Collection, with some of Gordon’s photos and poems.
SIGN DISPLAY & MURAL DISPLAY –Visit the Lowell Milken Center Unsung Heroes Park, 1 S. Main St., Gordon Parks is one of the featured signs. View also the mural of Gordon Parks, by local artist Stephen Toal, at Riverfront Park, 400 N. National.
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. –Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee at the Gordon Parks Museum.FREE. 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. –Showing of the film Criterion CollectionThe Learning Treein FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium.FREE. 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. –Registration open outside of Museum. 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – (Lunch and Learn) “In the Shadow of Obscurity: Tolling in a Reluctant Society”Arif Khatib, Filmmaker, Author, and Founder/President at the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame. Arif will present his book that not only tells the stories of many of our great sports figures in history, but also addresses their pain on the road to greatness. “It is a must read” to understand why we must stay focused and make this society understand that we must all commit to a just society and make things better for generations to come.FREE to Attend. Chicken Caesar & Club wrap lunches are available in the lobby ($8-purchase that day) or bring your own lunch and join us.Dessert and drinks also available in the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center.FREE.
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. –Guided Trolley Tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott &The Learning TreeFilm Scene Locations. Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. See the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history.Fee: $7. 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. –Showing of the filmLeadbellyin the Gordon Parks Museum.FREE. 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. –“Fort Scott Book Club Presentation,” “A Choice of Weapons Revisited”,Hosted by Park Rangers from Fort Scott National Historic Site.(Social Hour starts at 5:30 p.m. Wine and Refreshments). FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center.FREE. 7:00 p.m. –“Photography Techniques: Jim Richardson on Gordon Parks Photos”National Geographic Magazine Photographer Jim Richardson will discuss and explore the photographic techniques Parks used to create his signature images, which reflect the documentary esthetic of LIFE magazine in its heyday era. This freewheeling discussion will honor Parks as a master technician, part of his huge talent that is often neglected. Gordon Parks made iconic photographs(Social Hour starts at 5:30 p.m. Wine and Refreshments)FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium.FREE.
Friday, October 7th 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. –Registration open outside of Museum. 9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. – “Video Production Seminar: Fort Scott African American Experience Grant Project”This video seminar/presentation will show and discuss what video and movie making is about and how to find inspiration and some insight of the technical aspects. Students will then be creating videos and social media posts of their findings or to tell the stories they uncover. This is open to the community to attend.
This is part of a grant project collaboration with the Fort Scott National Historic Site where H.S. & college students from the Fort Scott area will conduct research of unsung African Americans or events they are associated with from the Fort Scott area. Moderated by Carl Brenner, Project Grant Director & Acting Superintendent at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, with featured panelist; David Parks, photographer, filmmaker, author, and son of Gordon Parks, Robin Hickman-Winfield, Executive Producer of SoulTouch Productions and great-niece of Gordon Parks, along with Eli Reed, acclaimed photographer and author. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Theater. This project is funded by a federal grant. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium.FREE.
10:05 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. –“A Conversation with Choice of Weapon Honorees.”The 2022 “Choice of Weapons Award” honorees, Adger Cowans, and William C. Rhoden. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium.FREE.
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. –(Lunch and Learn Event) “Gordon Parks and Kansas: New Open Access Digital Resources”Aileen June Wang, Curator, and Sarah Price, Collections Manager, at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art along with Katherine Karlin, Professor, English Department, Kansas State University will introduce new findings about Gordon Parks from their research for a virtual exhibition of Gordon Parks photographs, an open access digital exhibition catalog, and the websiteThe Learning Tree: A Gordon Parks Digital Archive.FREE to Attend.Sack lunches are available in the lobby ($8-purchase that day) or bring your own lunch and join us. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium.FREE.
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. –(Lunch and Learn Event) “I Needed Paris Project Update”with Michael Cheers, Associate Professor, Photojournalism, School of Journalism and Mass Communications, San Jose State University. This will be an update on the “I Needed Paris” project that will take a group of diverse American student photographers through Paris, traversing the same streets and neighborhoods as Gordon Parks, when he worked in the Paris Bureau of Life magazine 1949-1951. This session reimagines Gordon’s iconic fashion, portrait, and documentary photo essay work. The session peeks inside some of the book chapters – portraits of African American expats, trendy black fashion designers, and an intimate look at the homeless, migrant, and refugee communities – that will be published to document this project in 2023.FREE to Attend.Sack lunches are available in the lobby ($8-purchase that day) or bring your own lunch and join us. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FREE.
1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. –“Choice of Weapon Honorees Presentation”The 2022 “Choice of Weapons Award” honorees, Adger Cowans and William C. Rhoden, will each share their perspective works in photography, art, books, videos, etc….Adger Cowans, Photographer, Author, painter will present some of his photography. Mr. Cowans will show photos from his personal collection and of Gordon Parks, who was a longtime friend.William C. Rhoden, Documentary Award winning sports columnist and author for the New York Times, Author of Forty Million Dollars Slaves, and a writer at large for Andscape, will share some of his video stories, columns, and information from his books. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center.FREE.
Schedule subject to change. Please check at www.gordonparkscenter.org for any updates
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. –Film Screening Presentation: “Presence of Absence: Gordon Parks Through an Empathic Lens”Multimedia artist, Andrew F. Scott will present his video with Six-time Grammy winner Terence Blanchard and the E-Collective in Concert, and will discuss the process of putting this project together and creating it with Professor Matthew Gainer, Professor of Graphic Design, Department of Art at Kansas State University along with his students. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum.FREE. 7:30 p.m. –“Hot Jazz & R&B”(Social Hour at 6:30 p.m.) Featuring, Paula Sanders & Derick Cunigan, Multi-talented Jazz & R&B Vocalists, performing the very best in Jazz & R&B. Cash bar available. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton St.Fee: $25.00. Reserve Tickets by Wed, Oct, 5.
Saturday, October 8th
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. –Registration open outside of Museum. 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. –Panel Discussion “Taking the Shot”Join us for a panel discussion on photography and how to take or create great photographic images. Some discussion will include: techniques, lighting, depth, inspiration, and impact. Moderated by John Mason, Associate Professor, University of Virginia Department of History with featured panelist; Adger Cowans, 2022 Choice of Weapons Honoree, Michael Cheers, Associate Professor, San Jose State University, Eli Reed, Photographer & 2021 Choice of Weapons Honoree, Veretta Cobler, Photographer, and Don Thompson, Photographer.Coffee, water, juice, and light refreshments will be available. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum.FREE.
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 p.m. –“Open Mic Poetry”This open mic is for any poets, rappers, musicians, or artists of all ages to read their work. Bring your friends, your poetry, your instruments, your beats, your inspirations, your creativity, and your talent! No sign-up necessary, just hop on the mic when you’re ready! Hosted by poet, Barbara L. Eikner. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum.FREE.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. –(Lunch and Learn Event) “Buffalo Soldiers Presentation”The Alexander/Madison Chapter – Greater Kansas City/Leavenworth Area 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association will be in full authentic Buffalo Soldier uniforms. The troopers will provide a moving presentation on the great legacy and rich background of the historic Buffalo Soldiers from the years 1866 to 1944. Original Buffalo Soldier artifacts will be on display during the presentation. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum.FREE “BBQ on the Patio” Come and join us for some great barbeque, potato salad, chips, drinks, etc.Sponsored by Dunks BBQ. (Visitors may bring their own lunch.) Drinks will be provided. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center.FREE.
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. –“Film Screening Presentation:Many Fires This Time: We the 100 Million”This is an award-winning documentary film that received the Gordon Parks Black Film Excellence Honorable Mention Award (2021) at the Tallgrass Film Festival in Wichita, KS. Directed by Jason R.A. Foster, and produced by Michael “Quess?” Moore and Jeremy Liu,Many Fires This Time: We the 100 Millionis a poetic documentary about the 1 in 3 Americans and counting, living in economic insecurity.FREE.
2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. –Guided Trolley Tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott &The Learning TreeFilm Scene Locations. Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. See the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history.Fee: $7. 7:00 p.m. –“Celebration Tribute Dinner”(Social Hour starts at 6:00 p.m.) Join us for an evening of celebration and dinner, with music, tribute, and presentation of the 2022 “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” to Adger Cowans and William C. Rhoden. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. 2108 S. Horton St. All seats reserved.Fee: $30.00. (Reserve by Wed, Oct. 5)
Sunday, October 9th
9:00 a.m. – Breakfast at Crooner’s Lounge.Enjoy a breakfast buffet at one of Fort Scott’s finest! Located at 117 S. Main Street, Downtown Fort Scott. You are sure to find something on the buffet that will please your appetite. Check it out at: fscrooners.com. (No ticket required-everyone pays for their own)
TICKET PURCHASEFOR THE 2022 CELEBRATION: Friday, October 7th Hot Jazz and R&B –Reserve Only. (all other tickets may be purchased on site). Please reserve by Wed., Oct. 5th Questions? Call us at 620.223.2700 ext. 5850 email: [email protected] Gordon Parks Museum 2108 S. Horton St. Fort Scott, KS 66701 Or register online at: www.gordonparkscenter.org
Saturday, October 8th BBQ on the Patio –Reservation Only. (all other tickets may be purchased on site). Please reserve by Fri., Oct. 7th
Saturday, October 8th Tribute Dinner –Reservation Only. (all other tickets may be purchased on site). Please reserve by Wed., Oct. 5th (Lunch & Learn) Friday “Exhibition Catalog/E-book: Homeward to the Prairie I come.”______tickets at $8 each for a total of $_______. (Lunch & Learn) Thursday “In the Shadow of Obscurity: Tolling in a Reluctant Society.” ______tickets at $8 each for a total of $_______. Name, Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number & Email: ____________________________________________________________________ ___________ CHECK ENCLOSED payable to the Gordon Parks Museum Hot Jazz R&B Friday______tickets at $25 each for a total of $_______. BBQ on the Patio Saturday______FREETickets. Celebration Tribute Dinner Saturday______tickets at $30 each for a total of $_______. Total Registration Cost…………………….$_________.
The winners of 1st place A Flight Team of David Brown, Jarrod Brown, Tim Bradbury, and Tarrell Vann. Submitted photo.2nd place A Flight Team from Labconco of Michael Harper, Shawn Marshall, Travis Schilling, and Chris Harper. Submitted photo.
Saturday, September 10th was a perfect day for the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation to hold their 3rd Annual Fort Scott Golf Classic. Our 2021 tournament was canceled due to a COVID outbreak, but this year we had no problem. The Tournament was held at the beautiful Woodland Hills Golf Course in Fort Scott. It was fantastic golfing weather; the day started in the 60’s but quickly warmed to 80’s.
Play began at 9 am with 19 teams. Prizes were given out to 1st and 2nd places in A, B, and C Flights. The winners were: A Flight 1st Place went to the team of Tarrell Vann, Danny Brown, Jarod Brad, and Tim Bradbury; A Flight 2nd Place went to the team of Michael Harper, Shawn Marshall, Travis Schilling, and Chris Harper; B Flight 1st Place went to the team of Trentyn Moore, Tim Moore, Brett Scott, and Mark Bruder; and B Flight 2nd Place went to the team of Dustin Hall, Matt Wheeler, Clint Lawrence, and Ryan; C Flight 1st Place went to the team of Wally Maples, Mike Prince, Jake Scott, and Michael Hatcher; and C Flight 2nd place went to the team of Marcus Alexander, Michael Alexander, Larry Alexander, and Landon Bennett.
Along with the two flights, prizes were handed out for the Longest Drive which went to Steve Sewell and Closest to the Pin which went to Dustin Fowler. Players were also given the opportunity to try their chances with the “Trouble” Hole in One game on hole 11.
At the end of the tournament, door prizes were given out to several lucky golfers. The door prizes included: garden decor and gift bag from Heidrick’s True Value, coffee mugs and ballcaps courtesy of Kale Nelson State Farm, and Gift Certificates to G & W, Miller Feed, The Butcher Block, Sharky’s, Luther’s BBq and tickets to Grand Country Music Hall in Branson courtesy of Fort Scott Broadcasting.
Along with the door prizes, a silent auction was held for a fire pit courtesy of Niece Products of Fort Scott.
All money raised from the event goes toward the Foundation’s mission of providing quality and affordable homes for our neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities in the eight counties of Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.
“Without the generosity of our communities, this fun event could not have been held. Thank you to all the golfers who participated as well as to our event sponsors: corporate, hole, and in-kind. This tournament would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors. Thank you to Heartland HomeCare; Ashcraft Pest Control; Atkins Insurance; Bourbon County Cars; Brigg’s Auto of Fort Scott; Cheney Witt Chapel; Don’s Spirits and Wines, LLC; Diehl, Banwart, & Bolton; H & H Agency; Heidrick True Value; Kansas Teacher’s Community Credit Union; Konantz-Cheney Chapel; John & George Masterson; Medicalodge of Fort Scott; Mertz Tax Service; Microtronics; Peerless Products; SEK Financial; Stewart Realty Co; Young’s Welding; and Wise Accounting. It is friends like you that allow us to provide services to our neighbors with I/DD and to help them achieve the quality of life they seek. Thank you.” stated Special Projects Coordinator, Tricia Campbell.
