Kansas Day originated as a holiday declared by the state legislature in 1877. It is a chance for Kansans to reflect on the state’s history and show their pride. The 2024 Kansas Day celebrates some important milestones in the state’s history. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Kansas State Flower, the native sunflower, being adopted. It also marks the 175th anniversary of the first wagon train arriving on the Oregon Trail. Many of this year’s Kansas Day events highlight these historic events.
Topeka Kansas Day 2024 Events
The state capital of Topeka will host a variety of Kansas Day events. These events allow Kansans from across the state to come together and celebrate.
Kansas Day Festival
A Kansas Day Festival will take place on January 28th and 29th at the Capitol Building and surrounding grounds. This family-friendly event will feature interactive exhibits and historical reenactments. People can learn about Native American culture, meet pioneers, and see wagon train reenactments. The festival brings Kansas history to life.
Kansas Day Ceremony
January 29th at noon, a Kansas Day Ceremony will occur on the south steps of the Capitol Building. This formal ceremony involves speeches by state dignitaries and the governor. They will speak on Kansas history and what it means to be a Kansan. This culminates with the singing of Home on the Range, the official Kansas state song.
Museum Events
The Kansas Museum of History will host a special Kansas Day program from 10am to 5pm. People can take historic trolley tours of Topeka and see reenactments of early Topeka businesses. The museum will also unveil new exhibits about the Oregon Trail wagon trains and the sunflower’s adoption as the state flower.
Kansas Day Dinner
A Kansas Day Dinner will take place on the evening of January 29th at the Great Overland Station. Political and community leaders will gather for this formal dinner. The keynote speaker is a prominent Kansan who will speak on an important issue or moment in the state’s history.
Other Kansas Day 2024 Celebrations
Other cities and towns across Kansas will host a variety of events to mark Kansas Day 2024. These range from parades and festivals to museum exhibits and speciality classes.
Lawrence
Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area locations will offer free admission on Kansas Day. The Watkins Museum of History will display recently acquired artefacts from Quantrill’s Raid on Lawrence. Special events will highlight Lawrence’s abolitionist history.
Dodge City
Dodge City will have a Kansas Day Parade along its famous Front Street. Historic gunfighter reenactments will occur outside the Boot Hill Museum. The museum will also display new exhibits related to Kansas’ early cowboy history and the Chisholm Trail.
Wichita
The Old Cowtown Museum will offer free admission on January 29th. Special events highlight the role of cowboys and ranchers in Wichita and the western Kansas plains. People can see historic cattle drives and learn how early settlers travelled the Chisholm Trail and settled the prairie.
Fort Scott
A Kansas Day festival occurs at Fort Scott National Historic Site. People can interact with reenactors portraying soldiers from Fort Scott’s frontier army days. There will also be Pony Express riders, demonstrations of cavalry drills and the firing of cannons.
Kansas Day Event Schedule in Topeka
| Event | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas Day Festival | Capitol Building & Grounds | January 28-29 | 9am – 5pm |
| Kansas Day Ceremony | Capitol Building South Steps | January 29 | 12pm |
| Kansas Museum of History Special Exhibits & Events | Kansas Museum of History | January 29 | 10am – 5pm |
| Kansas Day Dinner | Great Overland Station | January 29 | 6pm Dinner, 7pm Program |
Conclusion
The 2024 Kansas Day events allow people to engage with the state’s long history. From Native American culture to pioneer days, cowboys, and more, these events bring Kansas history to life. They showcase important events that shaped the state and let Kansans show their pride. Kansas Day is the perfect time to get out and explore the state’s rich history.
