Come rain or shine, Thursday evening marks the beginning of a full weekend of activities as Fort Scott kicks off the 36th Annual Good Ol’ Days Festival, featuring popular events and activities from previous years as well as a number of new forms of entertainment.
“We’re expecting a big crowd,” organizer Rhonda Dunn said during a Chamber of Commerce event Thursday, when she also thanked the businesses for their support. “Maybe the biggest we’ve had.”
The event begins with the Talent Extravaganza Thursday at 6 p.m., in Memorial Hall, this year including not just singing but a number of talents from 17 participants.
Friday evening will include “The Great Outdoors” parade, a chicken dinner, vendors, the Tom Davis Dragoon Charge and other live entertainment.
Saturday will introduce the inaugural Bourbon County Outdoor Expo, which will include vendors from businesses such as the Bunker, Kansas Rocks, John Deere and others, as well as contests such as sanctioned and amateur turkey calling and casting competitions.
Retired Major League Baseball player Adam LaRoche, Buck Commander and Duck Commander will participate in the event, with appearances by LaRoche at noon and 5 p.m., and Martin from the Duck Dynasty television series at 5 p.m.
The Fort Scott National Historic Site will also host activities as they celebrate the Good Ol’ Days as well as the 175th Anniversary of the founding of the fort. Click here for the fort’s events schedule.
Other activities including the carnival, street fair, live entertainment, a children’s fair and fair food will be available throughout the weekend. Click here for a brochure of the entire schedule and locations of events as well as a list of sponsor.