Category Archives: Entertainment
Christmas Parade Winners
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all who braved the cold for the 2018 Christmas Parade in Downtown Fort Scott Tuesday, December 4th. The theme was “It’s a Cowboy Christmas!” and the parade was sponsored by Briggs of Fort Scott.
The Chamber would also like to announce the parade entry winners: 1st place winner, receiving a $75 prize, was Fort Scott Community College; 2nd place winner, receiving a $50 prize, was Parkway Church of God Holiness. The 3rd place winner, receiving a $25 prize, was Twister Trailer.
Putting on such events takes many hands, time and talent. The Chamber is sincerely appreciative of all who volunteered, entered, and otherwise contributed to the parade.
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.
New Interpretive Signs Greet Kansas Byway Travelers
TOPEKA – Travelers on the 12 scenic or historic byways in Kansas will enjoy their trips even more this year thanks to new or upgraded interpretive signs at 39 locations across the state. Kansas Byways are a collection of routes that highlight the beauty, history and heritage of Kansas; help stimulate the economy through tourism; and promote a positive image of the state.
The Kansas Byways program is jointly managed by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), the Kansas Historical Society (KHS) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Nine of the routes are scenic byways (two of which are national scenic byways) and three are historic byways.
The latest $1.44 million project included construction of five new kiosks housing interpretive panels, the rehabilitation of 12 existing kiosks and their signs, 26 interpretive signage plazas and 12 Kansas Byway welcome boards which will guide travelers to the byways as they travel the state. In all, 142 panel surfaces were produced.
KDOT and KDWPT received a $220,000 National Scenic Byway grant from the FHWA in 2010 to develop the Kansas Byways Interpretive Plan. KDOT and KDWPT evenly split the required 20 percent match of $44,000. Fermata, Inc. of Austin, Tex., was awarded the contract for the plan, which served as the basis for the signage project.
In 2014, KDWPT received a two-phase Transportation Alternative Grant from the FHWA which was administered through KDOT for design and construction. RDG Planning and Design, Omaha, Neb., was responsible for the design phase ($235,560). GSR Construction, Inc., Lawrence, served as general contractor ($986,168) for the construction phase. KDWPT paid the required 20 percent match for each phase.
“The project is the result of a huge partnership, and we want to thank our partners in this effort,” said Scott Shields, KDOT Byways Manager. “They include the National Scenic Byway Program, the FHWA, local byway committees, KDOT and KDWPT staff, local Kansas Byway cities and counties and the KHS.”
Members of the local byway committees appreciate the enhancements to their byways.
“The kiosk and new interpretive signage add so much to the history and understanding of the surrounding area for tourists to stop and read,” said Kaye Kuhn, Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway, south central Kansas.
Jayne Humphrey Pearce added, “The Western Vistas Historic Byway Steering Committee is delighted that these new features are now available to those exploring our byway.”
For information about exploring the Kansas Byways, visit https://www.travelks.com/ksbyways/.
New Year’s Eve Party at River Room
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Crooners & 56J Productions are Hosting a New Year’s Eve Party at The River Room!
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Come celebrate with us on Monday, December 31st, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the
historic River Room
3 W. Oak, Fort Scott
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Hedgehog.Ink: Storytime and Artist on Dec. 15
Hedgehog.INK, a bookstore at 16 S. Main that opened recently, is having a children’s story time on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m.
“Several people said they would like to take their children to the library story time, but work (makes it inconvenient), so we are offering one on Saturdays,” Jan Hedges, one of the owners of the Hedgehog.Ink said.
Following the story time, children will be able to decorate sugar cookies, she said.
“Rob Shaw, from Crooner’s, will be leading the children’s Christmas cookie decorating,” Jan said.
There is a story time each month, always on a Saturday morning, with some type of activity following.
A little later in the day, an artist will be featured, along with his work.
The store features a local artist each month.
Tony Fornelli, a local woodcarver, will be showing his wares and telling about his work, at 3 p.m. on Dec. 15.
In addition to the decor, Fornelli also offers carved knives made out of deer antlers.
“He will bring a couple to show, ” she said, “As well as talk about wood carving and how he does it.”
In addition to books, the store sells chocolate, lavender products, goat milk products, handmade cards and gift certificates.
Mistletoe on Main Street Dec. 13
Santa at Walmart Dec. 7-9
Come visit Santa Claus at the Fort Scott Wal-Mart at the below days and times.
December 7. Friday. 4 – 8 pm.
December 8. Saturday. 10 am – 2 pm.
December 9. Sunday. 1 – 5 pm.
There is no charge to take a photo with Santa. However, donations are accepted on behalf of American Legion Post 25’s children and youth programs.
Special Events In Fort Scott Dec. 7-9
Freezing Temps Did Not Deter Parade
Temperatures hovering at the freezing mark did not stop the Chamber of Commerce’s Fort Scott Christmas parade Tuesday, Dec. 4.
Following are some snapshots of the event.
Feel free to add photos.
Moonlight and Mistletoe 2018
The Courtland Hotel, 112 E. First Street, is the host for the Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County’s annual fundraising event-Moonlight and Mistletoe.
The event, this Friday, December 7, is open to the public, and tickets are available at the Visitors Center or Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall.
The cost is $25 per person. Food and a cash bar is available.
“The Historic Courtland Hotel, located in downtown was gracious and opened the hotel to us,” Rhonda Dunn, chair of the HPA said. “Many people in town will not have seen inside the Courtland Hotel & Spa or in the rooms, because in general, we don’t use hotels in our own town. This is an opportunity to check out the hotel built in 1906.”
Free Regular Tours on “Dolly the Trolley” this Saturday!
Saturday, December 8th, marks the end of the regular Trolley Tour schedule in Fort Scott.
To celebrate, the Fort Scott Convention & Visitors Bureau offers free regular tours of Fort Scott on “Dolly the Trolley” this Saturday.
Tours will leave the Fort Scott Regional Tourism Center at 231 E. Wall every hour, on the hour, beginning at 10:00 am, with the final tour departing at 3:00 pm. Seats are first come, first served.
During the offseason, the Fort Scott CVB, with assistance from the Tourism Advisory Board and local volunteers, will reevaluate the tour, adding new stories and new routes.
The 2019 season for “Dolly the Trolley” begins on Saturday, March 9th.
Free tours do not include the “No Humbugs Allowed” Christmas Lights Tours. For more information call 620.670.2750.
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Free 1800s Dance Lessons Dec. 8
1800s Dance Lessons this coming Saturday, December 8th in Fort Scott.
There will be free lessons in the Grand Hall on the grounds of Fort Scott National Historic Site this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Come join us as we do some period dancing and perhaps even dance to a holiday song or two!
If you have questions contact Dee Young at 913-269-1632. This is the Candlelight Weekend at Fort Scott NHS. Check out nps.gov/fosc for more information.
Submitted by Dee Young