Clara Wicoff. Submitted photo 2023 Extension Agent Nutrition, Food and Health Southwind District K-State Research and Extension 1006 N. State St. Iola, KS 66749 620-365-2242 [email protected]
This summer, the Southwind Extension District is hosting free cooking classes for kids to learn basic cooking and baking skills. The classes are for youth that have just completed the second, third, fourth, or fifth grade. This class will be held from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM in Bronson on June 22nd and in Fort Scott on June 29th. Other dates and locations where the class will be held include:
June 8 – Erie
June 13 – Yates Center
June 15 – Humboldt
June 20 – Chanute
June 27 – Iola
These classes are free, but registration is required at bit.ly/2023kidscookingclass. Since this will be a “hands-on” experience, the size of each class is limited and these classes fill up fast. Get your registration in soon!
For more information, contact Nutrition, Food and Health Agent Clara Wicoff at (620) 365-2242 or [email protected]. A grant through the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation helped support the kids’ cooking classes in Bourbon County.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
It’s that time of year, the 42nd Annual Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days, with theme this year: “Back to the bricks”.
It’s a few days of all manner of entertainment: shopping, live music, eating and seeing friends.
The event kicks off on Friday, June 2 at 6 p.m. with a parade.
Parade goers line the streets of Main and Wall to view the Good Ol’ Days Parade in 2019.
Bring a lawn chair and line up along the parade route: Main Street from 6th Street north to Wall Street then west to National Avenue, then south to 6th Street.
The parade grand marshal this year is retired Fort Scott Chief of Police Travis Shelton.
Click here for vendor application.
Click here for the Good Ol’ Days website.
At 8 a.m. Saturday, June 3 will be the race called the Dragoon Charge.
Then historic downtown Fort Scott will come alive with craft vendors, food trucks, pony rides and so much more, according to the Good Ol’Days Facebook page.
“We have some great entertainment lined up for the weekend,” Shawn O’Brien, chairman of the Good Ol’ Days Committee, said.
“We will have a stage in front of the pavilion at 1st and Main,” he said. “There will be live entertainment featuring some great local musicians.”
On Friday night June 2 from 7-8:30 PM the Whisky Outlaws, a Red Dirt and Classic Country band will perform, then from
8:45-10 p.m. Bobby Degonia will perform Solid Old and New Country music.
On Saturday June 3 from 10 AM-1 PM, Zane Grimes will perform, then from 2PM – 5PM – Bill and Monica’s Excellent Adventure, who are a 90’s Tribute Band, then from 7PM-10PM, 80’s and Out.
“We will have many activities for kids like we have in the past,” O’Brien said. “The bounce houses will be located at Third and Main this year. They will run from 9 a.m. to noon then from 1-4 p.m. They will be $5 per session for unlimited bounces.”
Caricature drawings and a balloon artist will be on Skubitz Plaza free of charge, he said.
“Care to Share, a local helping organization, will host their second annual fundraiser “Children’s Cove” on Skubitz Plaza,” O’Brien said. “They will have fun games and much more to offer. For further information please contact Lavetta Simmons.”
“The annual Red Garter show will have their showcase,” he said. “They will have one show on Friday Night at 7 PM. Then they will have shows every hour on the hour starting at 10 AM on Saturday. Their final show will be at 5 PM.”
The Red Garter Show from the Good Ol’Days Facebook page.
The Good Ol’ Chicken Dinner, from Chicken Mary’s in Pittsburg will be available for pick-up behind the Lowell Milken Center on Friday, June 3 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The $9 ticket includes chicken, two side orders, bread and a bottle of water.
From the Good Ol’ Days Facebook page.
Tickets for the Good Ol’ Days events are on sale at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and Regional Tourism Center at 231 E. Wall St.
From their Facebook page:
Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days Festival
Draft Schedule of Events
Where To Find Everything Fun!
Friday, June 2nd
11:00 AM – 2:00PM (on the hour) – Trolley Rides – 231 E. Wall St (Chamber of Commerce) – Adults-$6.00, Children 12 and under $4.00
Fort Scott Farmers Market begins its 2023 season on May 6, this Saturday, from 8 a.m. to noon.
“It’s going to be a great day for a farmer’s market,” Teri Hamilton said. She is the new president of the market members group.
The market is in front of the Fort Scott National Historic Site on Skubitz Plaza.
Spring veggies, fresh bread, meat, flowers, eggs, honey, live plants and handmade crafts will be for sale from local vendors.
The group is looking to add other events to the market.
“Our goal is to connect with acoustic type music to have live music at the event, and other fun activities,” Hamilton said.
This first market of the season, the local Bourbon County Democrats are serving breakfast/ brunch on Saturday from 8 a.m. – noon.
They will serve fresh coffee or bottled water, fresh fruit, and a choice of fresh-baked coffee cake–all for $5.
“We will deliver in town,” said Carol MacArthur, Bourbon County Democrats chairperson. “For delivery or more information, call 620- 215-1505.”
“We also invite you to bring a lawn chair, if you wish to come, eat, and socialize!” she said.
Teri Hamilton, owner of Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery, is the president of the Fort Scott Farmers Market this year.
Teri Hamilton is the new president of the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market. Submitted photo.
“Melinda Goff has been the president for the last several years and we are transitioning leadership,” Hamilton said.
The cost of booths for vendors is $10 for the first day, which includes $5 registration and $5 booth fee.
“If you sign up for the whole season, its $108 to reserve a spot,” Hamilton said. ‘We welcome any new vendors. We can have 25 percent of the booths selling handmade crafts.”
Returning vendors will be given first priority for spots on the plaza.
Some of the returning vendors are the Hamiltons , Still Waters Farm-Katie and Ethan Holly, the Little Flower Farm-Kelly Richards, Chet and Linda Bower-fresh veggies, Ron and Beverly Brown-farm produce and preserves, Tim Allison-honey, Mrs. Tibbits and Mrs. Hawkins-sellilng crafts, Nickie Kraft-home sewn items, Roger Stumfoll-farm produce and eggs, and others.
There are four new vendors who will be selling baked goods, crafts, live plants and eggs.
A National Avenue stationary pavilion is on the horizon for the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market use in the near future, following a T-Mobile $50,000 grant in 2021.
Papa Don’s Restaurant day staff: Sheila Rygmyr, Emily Martin, Jessica Joyce, Shayla Cowlshaw, Amy Walker.
Mother-daughter team of Sheila Rygmyr and Brita Bolton are the owners of Papa Don’s Pizza Restaurant in historic downtown Fort Scott.
From left, the evening crew of Papa Don’s Pizza, Cash Rygmyr-Rose, Melody Cooper, Abby Sczpanski, Brita Bolton and Daswon Wilson. Submitted.
They originally opened the business at 22 N. Main in March 1991 and after a break of several years reopened at 10 N. Main on May 2, 2011.
They strive to provide their community with all manner of food service.
“We actually do it all,” Brita said. “Not only dine-in and carry-out but also delivery, catering, online ordering and curbside. From pizza, pasta, salad bar, ice cream and deli sandwiches. Plus gluten-free and low carb is available.”
Hours of operation are Monday to Saturdays 10:30 a.m, to 8 p.m. and the first Sunday of every month 11a.m. to 3 p.m.
To contact the business: email at [email protected] or by phone 620.223.4171 or find them on Facebook Papa Don’s Pizza.
They currently have 15 employees that includes the owners.
The best part of being a small business owner in Fort Scott is “the local support from the community and surrounding schools that we cater lunches for every week,” Brita said.
Papa Don’s back patio is a pretty place to eat a meal on these warm spring days.
This year, we will be celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Fort Scott Christian Heights, and our 57th Annual Country Store and Auction! Nostalgic pictures and yearbooks will be on display for the day.
The day begins with registration (7:30) for our 5K and Fun Run/Walk (race begins at 8:00).
The Booths, Garage Sale rooms, and Bakery will be open from 9:00-3:00.
A fried-chicken dinner will be served from 4:00 until Auction time at 6:00.
The concession stand will run all day, and serve pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, taco salads, malts, shakes, and more!
Country Store offers a day of fun for everyone!
ALL ARE WELCOME!
*We are taking gently-used donations for the garage sale, and new items for the auction! Items can be dropped off anytime during school hours (8:00 – 3:45 Monday through Thursday).
Brickstreet BBQ is at the corner of National Avenue and Oak Street just northwest of downtown Fort Scott. Oak Street turns into Old Fort Blvd. when you cross National going east.
Brickstreet BBQ, at the corner of National Avenue and Oak Street opened yesterday with a Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting.
Alex and Carissa Bowman welcome the crowd that came for the ribbon cutting on May 2.
Owners are Carissa and Alex Bowman.
In an interview, Carissa said they are looking forward to this new venture and “The challenge and excitement of starting something that Alex and I can build together.”
She said they are also looking forward to bringing more job opportunities to Fort Scott. They currently have 60 part-time and full time employees.
Brickstreet BBQ owner Carissa Bowman, left, and Shelby Burdick and Donna Hughes, servers, prepare for the first customers on this opening day.
The service they will be providing to their community is “A sit-down restaurant experience with high quality smoked meats,” she said.
Contact them at 620-224-2425 or on their Facebook page.
In this photo of the ribbon cutting at Brickstreet BBQ, the Bowmans are pictured in the center with family, friends and staff surrounding. At left is the Chamber Chairperson Bailey Lyons and holding the other end of the ribbon is Mayor Matthew Wells.
There was much gratitude expressed in the comments for the opening of this restaurant.
Carissa welcomed and thanked all the family and friends for the support they give.
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Bailey Lyons told the attendees “Thanks for bringing barbecue back to Fort Scott.”
“May this place bring you much return on your investment,” Fort Scott Mayor Matthew Wells said.
The meal was catered by Great Western Dining and Twigs and Berries.
The number of women attending the Fort Scott Community College Women’s Appreciation Luncheon was doubled from last year.
“Pre-pandemic, we had a women’s luncheon every year with between 150 and 200 women in attendance,” said Allie Birket, one of the organizers. “We didn’t have a luncheon in 2020 or 2021, but began again in 2022. Last year’s luncheon numbers were low ,around 70 women attended, but we saw a better turnout this year. We had 114 women attend!
“We plan on having one every year,” she said. ” And we hope attendance continues to rise.”
“This was the first women’s luncheon I’ve planned, so it was a completely new experience,” she said. “The very best part was seeing so many smiling faces! We’re getting a lot of great feedback from the food to the vendors to the décor. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it, and that makes it all worth it! A HUGE shoutout to: FSCC’s Community Relations Committee, who helped plan the event and who volunteered at the event; Great Western Dining who catered the wraps and drinks; Twigs & Berries who catered the sides and desserts; and all of our vendors who helped complete the event. The whole luncheon came together wonderfully, and it wouldn’t have been possible without each and every one of these amazing people.”
“The best part of the luncheon was being able to interact with the community, be that luncheon attendees or vendors,” said Susie Arvidson, one of the organizers. ” It’s wonderful to see women of our community visiting, enjoying a wonderful lunch, and shopping local businesses.”
There were 16 vendors who displayed their services and products at the luncheon:
FSCC Nursing
FSCC Cosmetology
Mary Kay
Jbloom Jewelry
Riggs Chiropractic Fort Scott
Red Aspen
BBCO Health Dept
CHC
Rite On
The Baby Stitch
Erika George Photography
The River Room
Flying P Ranch
Kimberly Demko
SEK Mental Health Center
Desert Blooms Boutique
Business women lined the entrance lobby of the Ellis Art Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College. Women could shop on their way to the serving table.Women visiting during the luncheon.Woman enjoying the meal and conversation at the FSCC Women’s Appreciation Luncheon on April 26.
Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.
Fort Scott Community College’s Women’s Appreciation Luncheon is April 26 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton. Please RSVP today, April 25 by 3 p.m.
In addition to lunch, catered by Great Western Dining and Twigs & Berries, there will be door prizes and product displays.
The menu for the event:
Choose one wrap from two selections: Southwest or club (Great Western Dining)
Traditional salad (Twigs & Berries)
Caprese pasta salad (Twigs & Berries)
Sugar cookie fruit pizza (Twigs & Berries)
Rainbow fruit salad (Twigs & Berries)
Cost of the lunch is $5. One can also pay at the door.
“The purpose of the event is to provide a luncheon of good food, great company, and to support local businesses owned by women,” Allie Birket, a Community Relations Committee member said. Birket, who is the assistant to the college president and Susie Arvidson, director of library services, are on the committee.
Vendors are FSCC Nursing Dept., FSCC Cosmetology Dept., Better in Bourbon Clothing, Tupperware, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Jbloom Jewelry, Riggs Chiropractic Fort Scott, Red Aspen, Bourbon County Health Dept., The Baby Stitch, Erica George Photography, The River Room (event center), Flying P Ranch, Kimberly Demko, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, Desert Blooms Boutique, Locust Hill Lamanches (goat milk products).
Patrick MacDonald stands in the newly repurposed room of the Gamerz Lodge.
Patrick MacDonald, also known as PatMac, has purchased the building at 16 Scott Avenue and has been working to make the place into a family fun venue with the name of Gamerz Lodge.
“The community asked for a family fun entertainment space and that’s what I’m doing here,” he said. “Roughly 10,000 square feet of fun!”
Patrick moved here from Kansas City last year to invest in Pizza Republic after owning a few pizza businesses over the last 30 years. “I love this community,” he said. “I saw this as a way to give back to the community and invest in Fort Scott. Down here I can make a difference.”
The first floor will be his first focus to show what Gamerz Lodge is about.
“We’ll have a few TVs, arcade games, air hockey, shuffleboard, and pool tables,” MacDonald said. “We’re also introducing a ‘leveled up’ concession stand. Some of your favorites with a ‘PatMac’ twist. There will also be ice cream!”
It will be an events center for small concerts and a place for birthday parties as well.
“People can really use this space for creative classes, meetings, comedy shows, and gatherings,” he said. “It has so much potential.”
The renovation of the building, which most recently housed Darlene’s Collectibles, is a huge undertaking. “It’s a lot to take on for one guy but I’m definitely up for the challenge,” he said. “If there’s an investor out there give me a holler!” he said.
The second floor has a large ballroom and two 30 feet x30 feet rooms. The ballroom held meetings and dances from the days of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, whose emblem is on the outside of the 1924-era building. Some memorabilia still lines the walls.
“The second floor will grow with the business,” he said. “I see cornhole tournaments, VR space, and potentially a putt-putt golf.”
MacDonald also sees the opportunity to create a wedding venue or an Airbnb on this level.
“I see a whole baseball team from LaRoche Stadium could stay here,” he said. “Games, food, and family. What else do you need?”
Patrick McDonald stands in front of the building he purchased at 16 Scott Avenue.
The outside of the building that Patrick MacDonald purchased has the emblem of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the date of the building’s erection, 1924.One of many plaques on the walls of the large room on the second floor of the building that MacDonald purchased.
