Kansas Summer Festival celebrates 60 years this weekend
By ROB STROUD, Staff Writer
Charleston Times-Courier
rstroud@jg-tc.com

KANSAS — Circus clowns, concerts, a parade, and more are in the works for Friday through Sunday at the 60th Kansas Summer Festival.

The festival, once known as the Kansas Homecoming, has now been put on 60 times over the years albeit not consecutively, said Summer Festival Committee member Jennifer Reeley.

Committee members have marked this occasion by giving the festival a “Celebrating 60 Years Under the Big Top” theme and booking the Joey Kelly Circus for this year’s event at the Kansas Park.

Joey Kelly, based out of St. Louis, follows the tradition set by his grandfather, famed clown Emmett Kelly. Shows are set for noon and 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:45 p.m. Sunday.

In addition, the committee has booked the Champaign-based Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets to put on one of its high-energy 1950s and 60s rock’n’roll shows at 8-10 p.m. Friday. The band’s shows are known for featuring silly hats and many other comical props.

“We have had people request them in past and we feel fortunate to get them this year,” Reeley said.

Other free concerts in the festival’s lineup include classic rock from the Paris-based Reflections Band at 8-11 p.m. Saturday and gospel music from the Troy-based Harvest Ministry Worship Band at 6-7 p.m. Sunday.

The committee has also celebrated Kansas history by choosing Bob and Mary Walker as the grand marshals for the parade at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Bob Walker served on the Kansas Village Board for 28 years, including 18 years as village president, before retiring as president in May. Mary Walker served as a teacher for 31 years and retired in May from the Kansas School. They owned and operated Shade and Son Garage for 39 years, retiring in 2008.

“We thought they would be a great pair to pick because they have had so much community involvement,” Reeley said.

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Entries needed for baking contest

KANSAS — Entries are being sought Saturday for the Kansas Summer Festival’s annual baking contest, which will be followed by a baked goods auction.

“We need bakers and we need bidders. Proceeds help support the Kansas Summer Festival,” said Camille Baker, a festival volunteer.

The contest is open to current and former Kansas residents. Contest categories include cookies, fruit pies, sponge cakes, butter cakes, yeast breads, and quick breads for adults, ages 10-16, and children 9 and younger. No soft pies or anything that needs refrigeration can be entered.

Items must be sealed in clear plastic wrap or bags. They can be brought to the Kansas United Methodist Church Basement between 8:30 a.m.and 11 a.m. Saturday. The judging will begin at 11 a.m., and the awards announcement and baked goods auction will be held at 4 p.m. at the Kansas Park pavilion.