Governor Announces Parade, Festival to Celebrate Kansas Sesquicentennial

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback announced today the State of Kansas will celebrate its sesquicentennial with the “Kansas 150 Festival Day” on October 8 ^th in Wichita, Kansas.

“We have held a number of events recognizing the sesquicentennial of Kansas. But celebrating a birthday for a state as big as Kansas requires an equally big celebration – and that’s exactly what will take place during the Kansas 150 Festival in Wichita,” Governor Brownback said. “From Atchison to Elkhart, Baxter Springs to Goodland – everyone in Kansas is invited to join in the state’s birthday bash. I can guarantee you the Festival will be an once-in-a-lifetime party that Kansans won’t want to miss.”

The sesquicentennial celebration will showcase the state’s proud cultural heritage with a “Kansas Sunflower Parade,” a special “Home on the Range” concert, and an encampment featuring representatives from Kansas cities and counties along with historical re-enactors. The parade will wind through downtown Wichita with other festival activities hosted by Old Cowtown Museum.

Towns, cities, high schools, universities, civic organizations, companies and re-enactors are invited to enter floats and marching units in the Kansas Sunflower Parade to show off their unique part of Kansas’ history and heritage. Marching bands from across Kansas – from high schools, colleges, universities and the military – are invited to help make the parade a rousing, rollicking good time. Kansas vendors and re-enactors are encouraged to show off their wares at the fair.

“The festival offers Kansans from across the state to come together and celebrate our state’s great history. Beginning with the ‘Bleeding Kansas’ battle over slavery to the days of the wild-west cattle drives and ultimately becoming the nation’s breadbasket and supplier of the world’s energy and aviation needs, we are proud of our great heritage,” Brownback said.

Participation in the parade is free, but registration is required. Tickets for the “Home on the Range” concert are $5. There is a $25 registration set-up fee for booths at the fair, but that price includes two tickets to the concert. For all inquiries related to the Kansas 150 festival, please visit www.ks150.com