Kansas Day on January 29th commemorates Kansas joining the union as the 34th state back in 1861. Locals celebrate this proud history across the state with festivals, parades, dances and more. This guide outlines the diversity of engaging, entertaining and educational Kansas Day activities to take part in.
Historical Reenactments
Many Kansas Day events transport attendees back to pioneer days through elaborate historical reenactments and old-west skits. These interactive experiences bring frontier history alive.
Old West Gunfights
Cheer on fearless sheriffs facing rowdy outlaws during dramatic recreations of western gunfight scenes outside saloons and jails. Popular in Dodge City and Wichita, they encapsulate Wild West lore.
Frontier Army Drills
See authentic demonstrations as real troops reenact Cavalry formations and drills, fire cannons and raise flags. Events at Forts Riley, Leavenworth and Scott showcase military frontier life.
Wagon Trains
Reenactors depict hardy pioneers who traversed frontier trails to settle Kansas as Conestoga wagons parade by. Some venues like Shawnee’s Mahaffie Farm have entire functioning wagon train camps.
Pioneer pastimes
Venues like Old Cowtown Museum demonstrate butter churning, candle dipping, rope making and other rustic crafts pioneer settlers relied on. Great for hands-on family fun.
Small Town Celebrations
Beyond the big city pomp and circumstance, small-town Kansas Day festivals pack in hometown hospitality and charm.
Community Meals
Churches and town halls often host potlucks, pancake feeds or good old cookouts for neighbours to fellowship. Hearty pioneer recipes feature heavily to celebrate ancestors who cultivated the region long ago.
Town Parades
Marching bands, decorated bicycles and proud local groups parade down Main Street in many rural burgs. Wave to familiar faces while kids scramble for tossed candy beside festive storefronts.
Basket Socials
Single ladies traditionally prepared elaborate picnic baskets auctioned off to married gentlemen. Though less common now, some Kansas towns preserve this playful pioneer courting ritual during Day festivities.
Pie Baking Contests
Church halls fill with tantalizing aromas from scratch pie creations competing in categories like prettiest crust or most creative pioneer recipe. Just don’t forget to buy a slice of your favourite to enjoy later!
Large Scale Festivities
For visitors and residents alike, Kansas Day events at museums and large venues commemorate statehood with expansive attractions.
Museum Exhibits & Displays
Venues like the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka and Boot Hill in Dodge City unveil new exhibits relevant to Kansas Day. Special displays cover everything from frontier fashion to commerce on the Santa Fe trail.
Historical Reenactment Camps
Sprawling pioneer reenactment setups like Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop’s wagon train encampment just outside Topeka provide glimpses of travelling settler life. Tour tents, chuckwagons and farming implements they used.
Rodeos & Wild West Shows
Kansas Day rodeos showcase speedy calf roping, busting broncos, racing barrels and other staples. Or take in a variety style Wild West shows with rope spinning, trick riding, can dancers and more.
Historic Site Tours
Special Kansas day walking tours, often led by costumed reenactors, explore trails and landmarks at sites like Chisholm Creek Park, Mine Creek Battlefield and other historic venues statewide.
Seasonal Variations
With Kansas Day falling in the dead of winter, some events move indoors or embrace the cold in unique ways.
Winter Indoor Variations
Bitter cold and snow means some pioneer’s pastimes proceed inside toasty halls:
- Crafting bees with quilting, whittling, cornhusk doll-making
- Hearty chilli & stew cookoffs
- Square dance callers prompting lively sets
Outdoor Winter Fun
Other activities celebrate the icy weather with pioneer grit:
- Teams vying in rug-cutting contests to break winter ground
- Horse-drawn sleigh parades & rides
- Ice harvesting demos using antique tools
- Bonfires with cocoa, cider & s’mores
So don scarves and mittens to enjoy the many Kansas Day activities continuing despite old man winter!
Kansas Day Activity Ideas
| Category | Activities | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Reenactments | Gunfights | Dodge City, Wichita |
| Frontier army drills | Forts Scott, Riley & Leavenworth | |
| Wagon trains | Statewide displays | |
| Pioneer crafts | Old Cowtown Museum | |
| Small Town | Community meals | Town halls & churches |
| Main street parades | Downtowns statewide | |
| Basket socials | Community picnics | |
| Pie contests | Church halls | |
| Large Scale | Museum exhibits | Kansas Museum of History, Boot Hill |
| Pioneer camps | Mahaffie farm, venues statewide | |
| Rodeos & shows | Western exhibitions | |
| Historic site tours | Chisholm Park, Mine Creek Battlefield |
Conclusion
Whether reenacting covered wagon rides or competing to make the best piccalilli relish, Kansas Day offers many engaging ways to pay homage to frontier ancestors who settled the region. From small towns to museums and historic forts, celebrations across Kansas provide hands-on fun while educating on enduring pioneer traditions and values. Brave the winter chill to experience the unique charm!
