2023 Big Kansas Road Trip a success

Jewell, Republic and Smith counties were busy May 4 to 7 with visitors participating in the Big Kansas Road Trip. Locals, Kansans from across the state and visitors from eight different states were among the crowd. The Kansas Sampler Foundation, an Inman-based nonprofit, partners with three different counties each year to put on the event. In what was its fifth installment, the BKRT served as an opportunity for our communities to showcase who we are and for visitors to gain firsthand experience of rural living.

In Jewell County, explorers participated in activities put together by community members who were eager to welcome these travelers into the county. A few highlights include the exhibits at the Jewell County Historical Museum, viewing of the stained glass at the Esbon Community Church and Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, the Market in the Park and Pie on the Porch in Burr Oak hosted by Trevor and Abby Elkins where they welcome around 150 explorers!

BKRT visitors also had the unique opportunity to tour things not regularly open to the public including the 1899 Limestone Jail in Mankato, the home of Charlie Fischer in Esbon which featured his homemade stained glass pieces, and the Rock Chalk Wine Walk. Visitors also enjoyed the mammoth and buffalo hunts in Mankato and Jewell. Area music talent was also well-represented with Seth Cushing's performance at Possibilities and The Good SamClub Band's performance at the Mankato City Park

Marci Penner and Sarah Green, co-directors from the Kansas Sampler Foundation, along with Project Manager WenDee Rowe also put on "See You at the Stump" events throughout the weekend. These events featured Kansas trivia for prizes and were held at the 1899 Limestone Jail and the Market in the Park. Republic and Smith counties also hosted "See You at the Stump Events" at various county landmarks including Dr. McClaskey's office in Cuba and the Home on the Range Cabin in Athol.

Kyra Lampe, Jewell County Community Development coordinator, commented on the success of the weekend, "I am in awe of how well Jewell County came together and made the most of this opportunity to show these visitors everything about the county that makes it great. To see people getting creative and thinking outside the box about how we could welcome BKRT explorers and tell the stories of our communities and why they're special was nothing short of amazing. I'm proud of everyone and am grateful I was able to be a part of this."

On the last day of the BKRT, it was announced the 2024 BKRT won't be traveling far. It will be hosted in Ellsworth and Lincoln counties, along with the city of Lucas.

The mission of the Kansas Sampler Foundation is to preserve and sustain rural culture. For more information on the BKRT, go to http://www.bigkansas roadtrip.com.