The Friends of Crawford State Park are once again hosting live music at Crawford State Park, Farlington.
Author: Chris Wilson
Arma to be featured in Miners Hall Museum exhibit
Miner Hall Museum’s second quarter exhibit is “Little Balkans Coal Camp – Arma”, opening April 1 and continuing through June 26, 2022.
Beginner’s guide to indoor track meet preparation
Eight weeks. Eight track meets. From February to March 2018, the coordinator for the Robert W. Plaster Center walked the equivalent of going from Pittsburg to Greensburg, Kansas – and back. Most likely, he walked even longer than that.
Solo & Chamber Music Series continues this spring with top performers
The Solo & Chamber Music Series at Pittsburg State University will continue this spring with three concerts featuring a roster of top performers: Benjamin Appl featuring James Baillieu, Seraph Brass, and Jason Vieaux and Julien Labro.
Staying Wet in a Dry Land: Bootlegging in Southeast Kansas
Rich soil and wine making traditions of immigrants positioned Eastern Kansas to rival California’s Wine Country. 67 years of Kansas Prohibition changed that.
January 14, 1914 – 6 killed in Mulberry mining accident
On January 14, 1914, six men were killed in an accident at a deep shaft mine one mile south of Mulberry, Kansas.
The Amazon Army – Social Influence of the Coal Camp Women
Protesting unfit working conditions in area mines, thousands of women marched to block them. It’s a story that made statewide and national headlines.
National Author’s Day
Originally posted: October 1, 2017 On National Author’s Day, November 1, we’re featuring our favorite places to check out new authors, grab a new book from your favorite one, or…
Labor Day in Crawford County: Social Progress of the Everyday Worker
Samuel Gompers, the founder of the American Federation of Labor, wrote in the New York Times in 1910: “Of all the days celebrated for one cause or another, there is…
Buttons available for Little Balkans Days
The 36th Annual Little Balkans Days Festival in Pittsburg, Kansas is scheduled for August 28 through September 5, 2021. Numerous activities will be available, including an Arts, Crafts & Food Show, live music, as well as the return of “Button Events”.
Plan a Bucket List Trip to Pittsburg
We asked a travel writer to take a look around town, let us know how her day went, and what some of her favorite places were…
Arma 75th Annual V-J Homecoming
A 75-year celebration marks the end of War World II, and the joy of coming home.
Open house scheduled for Miner’s House in Franklin
Tour the Miner’s House at Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, Kansas on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m.
33rd Little Balkans Quilt Show
September 3rd, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, September 4th, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Little Balkans Folklife Music Program
Join emcee J.T. Knoll on Saturday, September 4th in Pittsburg’s Lincoln Park at the Little Balkans Folklife Festival music stage.
ArtForms Gallery celebrates 5th Anniversary with open house
Three opportunities are available to celebrate the 5th Anniversary with ArtForms Gallery and the artists that share their creativity with the community of Pittsburg and surrounding areas.
Fried chicken paradise
Since the 1930’s travelers have asked why fried chicken is so popular in the area. It’s a story about a delicious, inexpensive family meal, and survival.
An Annual Boom Town
Celebrate our Independence in Small Town U.S.A. Situated in extreme northwest Crawford County, sits Hepler, Kansas. This sleepy, little hamlet was once the Hay Capital of Kansas, complete with schools,…
Croce Plays Croce Downtown Concert
The 2021 Little Balkans Days Festival in Pittsburg, Kansas is host to a special night of music on Saturday, September 4 starting at 8 p.m.
Amazon Army Centennial Speaker Series
For three days in December 1921, thousands of wives, daughters, mothers, sisters, and sweethearts of striking miners marched in protest. FRANKLIN, Kan. – Shaft coal mines in Southeast Kansas were deadly. Pay was low. Laws protected owners, not laborers. For three days in December 1921, thousands of wives, daughters, mothers, sisters, and sweethearts of striking miners marched in protest. Being a women’s march, it made national headlines. Throughout 2021, the “Amazon Army” and related stories are being retold.
National Nature Photography Day – June 15
As a child growing up in Crawford County, the day that the National Geographic magazine arrived at our home each month was the day that I curled up on the couch and traveled the world.
Little Balkans Festival Photo Contest goes digital
The Little Balkans Days Festival in Pittsburg, Kansas is seeking entries for one of its most popular events – the photo contest.
Plaster Center: If you build it, they will come
This week, the Plaster Center staff are rolling out the “green carpet” to vendors and attendees of the 36th Annual Four State Farm Show at what just might be the largest event that the building has hosted to date.
Free Fishing Weekend & Annual Derby
The first full weekend in June is typically a free fishing weekend across Kansas, including the Mined Land Wildlife Areas.
Big Kansas Road Trip moves to Southeast Kansas
From May 5-8, 2022, the Big Kansas Road Trip will showcase Bourbon, Cherokee and Crawford counties in Southeast Kansas.
Friday Music on the Lake 2021 schedule
ar off due to the pandemic, Friday Music on the Lake returns to Crawford State Park near Farlington, Kansas.
Fishing For a Good Time
On an early spring day that seemed made for fishing, Tom Pebley, of Kansas City, cast his lure into one of the more than 1,000 strip pits that dot Crawford County.
Big Brutus to host Big Iron Overland Rally
Big Brutus National Historic Site will host the Big Iron Overland Rally from May 14-16, 2021.
Little Balkans Days Festival seeking vendors
Applications for vendors are now open for the Little Balkans Days Festival over Labor Day Weekend in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Little Balkans Days set for Labor Day Weekend
After canceling the Little Balkans Days Festival in 2020, the Festival Committee has announced the event will return in 2021.
Four State Farm Show planned for May at PSU
Four State Farm Show organizers are once again planning to hold the three-day event on the campus of Pittsburg State University in May after having had to cancel last year’s show due to the pandemic.
Crawford County Tourism optimistic about 2021
Though lodging suffered in 2020 due to the pandemic, several destination businesses adjusted to the market and/or made changes to their marketing strategy.
100 year celebration of the Amazon Army
An exhibit at Miners Hall Museum in Franklin tells this story, which received national attention, and honors these women who marched to end unfair labor practices in local mines.
Fictional tale inspired by Southeast Kansas fried chicken
Learn the real story behind “The Chicken Sisters”, as well as the real story behind Southeast Kansas chicken: Kansas fried chicken drives narrative of novel.
Bootlegging exhibit comes to Pittsburg museum
Bootlegging in the Kansas Balkans in the 19th and 20th centuries comes alive for the first time in an exhibit at the Crawford County Historical Museum in Pittsburg.
The Coldest Gorilla Century Ever
More than 460 cyclists took part in an annual ride through Crawford and Cherokee counties. Normally held in September, this year’s ride was in October – and it was cold.
Consultant recommends multi-purpose event space
Due to the lack of a large, flexible conference space connected to a hotel, Crawford County has missed opportunities to host many state-wide & regional events. That may change.
Crawford County boutique named the 2020 Best Store Front Boutique of the Year in Kansas
After more than 250,000 votes were cast by shoppers, Pearls & Curls Boutique on the Girard, Kansas square was named the Best Store Front to Shop in Kansas.
Celebrating das Vaterland on German-American Day
Imagine the U.S. without polka. A nation without the waltz, or lager-style beer. Or worst of all, brats!
Bicycle Routes through Southeast Kansas getting Wayfinding signage
Nearly 500 miles of the national U.S. Bicycle Route System is being signed through Kansas, including USBR-76, which primarily follows the same route as the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail and Trans Am Bike Race through the southeast corner of the state.
Popular roadside attraction now in Frontenac
A fiberglass Sinclair DINO (pronounced DYE-NO) now lives at Raider Express in Frontenac, Kansas. Around 580 DINOs are on display any given year – 16 in Kansas.
New historical marker at Lord’s Diner promotes Jefferson Highway
A new marker at the Lord’s Diner in Downtown Pittsburg hopes to be a reminder about a mostly forgotten piece of transportation history. The non-profit kitchen is located in what was originally built around 1915 as the Jefferson Highway Garage.
2020 Four State Farm Show canceled due to COVID-19
From Pittsburg State University The 2020 Four State Farm Show, planned by Farm Talk Newspaper to be held in July on the Pittsburg State University campus, is canceled. “Given the surge in COVID-19 cases in…
Weir Coal Camp featured in Miners Hall Museum quarterly exhibit
Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, KS is proud to announce the 2020 Third Quarterly Exhibit, “Little Balkans Coal Camp: Weir” opening July 1 and continuing through September 26, 2020. The regular programs will have changes due to the pandemic. These programs may be made available virtually.
Bone Creek Reservoir Fishing Tournament Update
day night catch-and-release tournaments at Bone Creek Reservoir between Fort Scott and Pittsburg provide an opportunity for anglers and youngsters alike to practice social distancing, get outdoors, and have some fun.
Southeast Kansas “chicken wars” makes international headlines
For a short time on April 30, 2020, “America’s ‘fried chicken war'” was a top headline on the homepage of BBC.com, one of the most visited news sites across the globe.
Four State Farm Show
The premier agricultural event in the region since 1975. Features 700 exhibits and agricultural equipment. Free to attend.
COVID-19 shuts down NCBA Division II Post Season
Unfortunately the impacts of the CoronaVirus and the most up-to-date measures to prevent spread have now terminally impacted the NCBA’s chances of hosting any NCBA Division II post season activities.
Four State Farm Show rescheduled for July 24-26
The 2020 Four State Farm Show is headed to town after 36 years on the farm.
Outdoor recreation an option for physical distancing
Enjoy a natural habitat unlike the rest of Kansas at more than 30 community parks, 50 miles of shoreline along 1,500 acres of public water, and several trails.
Schedule released for live music at Crawford State Park
Regular live music returns to Crawford State Park for the third year. Regular outdoor performances begin May 1 and will continue through September 25.
Pittsburg Area Farmers’ Market to open May 9 with safety measures in place
The Pittsburg Parks & Recreation Department has implemented new procedures at the market to ensure the safety of patrons and vendors, including protective barriers, markings to indicate a six-foot distance between customers, and a hand-washing station. The market will also be limited to 40 people at one time.
Miners Hall Museum presentation features City and Dance Bands
Town bands, local nightclub dance bands, and nationally known touring bands that played at The Tower, Gay Parita and Trianon ballrooms will be the topic of this month’s special program at Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, Kansas.
“The Gunn Family Legacy & Its Influence on the Little Blue Books”
On Sunday, December 1, the Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, Kansas hosts a special program: “The Gunn Family Legacy & Its Influence on the Little Blue Books”. Doors open at 1:45 p.m. and the program begins at 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Chiefs & NFL Hall of Famer to be keynote speaker at championship banquet
The keynote for the Mpix.com Celebration Banquet, Bell will speak to the NJCAA Football Championship participants, No. 1 Mississippi Gulf Coast and No. 2 Lackawanna (Pa.).
Mississippi Gulf Coast and Lackawanna to face off in national championship
Seven different teams have held the top two slots in the National Junior College football rankings this season, but it’s only the final regular season rankings that matter.
Little Blue Books showcased at Miners Hall Museum quarterly exhibit
Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, KS is proud to announce the 2019 Fourth Quarterly Exhibit, a Spirit of the Little Balkans Series, “Little Blue Books 100 Years!” opening October 1 and continuing through December 28, 2019.
Newsletter to promote regional events
A new monthly email will help promote signature events occurring throughout Southeast Kansas. Southeast Kansas Tourism Region (SEKTR) is a joint cooperative of area attractions, chambers, visitors bureaus, and others, and will begin sending out their new email newsletter the last week of each month.
Groundbreaking set for first storm shelter at a Kansas state park
Six years ago, Aggie Keesling had a dream, and that dream is about to come true. On Saturday, September 21, ground breaking for the new storm shelter, the first storm shelter at any state park in Kansas, will take place.
Record-breaking summer for tourism in Crawford County
A busy summer in Crawford County has led to a record number of visitors, with June totals surpassing 10,000 room nights in a month for only the second time in history.
The Road to Pittsburg: Top contenders for the national championship
If the National Junior College Football Championship was held this week, five-time national champion, East Mississippi, would likely be taking on two-time national champion, Iowa Western.
Activities announced for Old Settlers Days in Arcadia
The annual Old Settlers Days in Arcadia is scheduled for Friday, September 13, and Saturday, September 14, and will include street dances, a parade, and more.
Cherokee Fall Festival Homecoming schedule announced
The 2019 Cherokee Fall Festival Homecoming is scheduled for the weekend of September 6-8 and will include Bingo, a Men’s Beauty Pageant, Parade, Dodge Ball, an Antique Tractor Pull, and a Home Run Derby.
3rd quarter exhibit at Miners Hall Museum: The War To End All Wars
This exhibit and programs will focus on the artifacts and stories of the men that served in in the militaries of the world from 1914 through 1918 and the subsequent Treaty of Versailles.
Flooding at other parks increases attendance at Farlington’s Crawford State Park
While flooding has wreaked havoc at several state parks throughout the region, Crawford Lake, locally known as Farlington Lake, does not have these issues.
Beach area to be focus of annual July 2 celebration at Crawford State Park
An Old Fashioned Independence celebration will once again be held at Crawford State Park on July 2, but this year it will look a little different to those who have been before.
Pitt State club team vies for World Series
For the fifth year in a row, the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is bringing the National Club Baseball Association Division II World Series to Jaycee Ballpark. And, for the second year in a row, the Pittsburg State club team has a chance to win it all on their home turf.
Travel generates $10 billion in Kansas
This is National Travel & Tourism Week, a celebration of a growing sector in the Kansas economy. In Kansas, travel is a $10 billion industry, sustaining more than 94,000 jobs across the state…
CVB keeps close eye on Regionals as World Series approaches
Thirty-two teams from across the country are still fighting for their chance to earn a slot in the 2019 NCBA Division II World Series, which will be hosted at Jaycee Ballpark in Pittsburg for the fifth consecutive year.
Foundation honoring #9 Dylan Meier to celebrate 9th 5K run
Get Busy Livin’ announces its 9th Annual 5K Run, Friendship Walk and Kids Fest to begin at 8:30 am on May 11, 2019 at Hutchinson Field, Pittsburg, Kansas. Details for…
Live music on the lake returns to Crawford State Park
FARLINGTON, Kan. – Live music returns to Crawford State Park each Friday beginning May 17. Musicians perform at 6 p.m. at Lake View Cafe, either from the patio or from…
Miners Hall Museum’s quarterly exhibit “spins a yarn”
FRANKLIN, Kan. – Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, Kansas is proud to announce the 2019 Second Quarterly Exhibit, “Spinning a Yarn & Weaving a Tale” opening April 1 and continuing…
New indoor Track & Field youth meet to be held January 12
PITTSBURG, Kan. – A new event is coming to the Robert W. Plaster Center on Saturday, January 12. The Missouri Valley Border War Championship is open to all youths who…
Miners Hall Museum celebrates Frontenac
Media release from Miners Hall Museum FRANKLIN, Kan. – Miners Hall Museum has announced its 2019 First Quarter Exhibit, “Little Balkans Coal Camps – Celebrate Frontenac”. Opening January 2nd and continuing through…
Albers Marine Annual Outdoor Show
This annual Outdoors show features boating, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor recreation, and is usually held the weekend prior to the NFL’s Super Bowl. Dates: TBASaturday’s schedule: 9:00 am –…
Indoor Track & Field Championships
Winters are a busy time at the Robert W. Plaster Center, the home of several league, regional, and national indoor track and field championships, including junior college (NJCAA), NAIA, NCAA,…
Pumpkin Patches
Crawford County has three pumpkin patches open through October, each offering something different for visitors.
Student-run baseball club teams play for the love of the game, even in the World Series
Originally posted: May 13, 2018 PITTSBURG, Kan. – For the first time, several local high school graduates are representing Pittsburg State when the National Club Baseball Association (NCBA) Division II…
NCBA D2 World Series 2018
Congratulations to San Diego State on their 2018 National Club Baseball Association (NCBA) Division II World Series Championship. The Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau was proud to bring this…
Mules in the Mines: The Unsung Heroes
An unsung hero in pre-steam power, pre-electricity United States, the mule was a catalyst for growth in many American industries. Agriculture, transportation, military, mining, and power industries all found a…
Then and Now: Crawford County’s Department Stores
Despite competition with online shopping options, today’s shoppers are still heavily reliant on brick and mortar department stores. Historically, department stores have provided customers with irreplaceable shopping comforts: seeing the…
It’s a Grand Old Time at the Arma V-J Homecoming
Arma’s annual V-J Homecoming is a celebration of special importance. Having existed since 1946, the event is one of a handful of celebrations in the United States created to specifically…
A New Century of the Crawford County Fair
The Crawford County Fair is celebrating Year 1 of a new century. 2017 marks the 101st annual Crawford County Fair (although the fair’s history goes back even further!). Look back…
Italian Bread: A Crawford County Flavor of Life
While Crawford County may be known nationally for its tasty fried chicken, another food could be even more popular in the area. Longtime residents share treasured memories of stopping by…
Lace up your shoes! Running in Crawford County
Crawford County is home to many recreational and competitive runners. From those who are looking to get fit (or find a balance between indulging in that *insert favorite unhealthy meal*…
The Water Supply of Bone Creek Reservoir
Of the many lakes in the local area, Bone Creek Reservoir is one of the most important to Crawford and Cherokee county residents. A 540 acre reservoir just outside Arma,…
Digging Into the Outdoors at the Mined Land Wildlife Area
Sharp hills and thin lakes dot a well-used 14,500 acres of land in Crawford and Cherokee Counties. The area is now a popular destination for hunting, hiking, camping, canoeing, wildlife…
Happy Walnut Day
Happy Walnut Day! We’re nuts about our small towns in Crawford County and on National Walnut Day we’re celebrating Walnut, Kansas, population 220. Walnut was originally called Glenwood, in 1874,…
A Passion to Teach – A Passion to Care
At Pittsburg State University’s Spring Commencement this morning, you are bound to see several graduation caps decorated with glittering apples, rulers, pencils, and the like. It’s likely that the wearer…
2017 Faces of Tourism in Crawford County
Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director B.J. Harris understands the importance of tourism to Kansas: “Tourism in our area is crucial to overall economic development. Not only does…
Socialist Press – Girard’s Appeal to Reason
Girard in the early 1900s was primarily a quiet home for the well-off, the retired merchants and farmers, and other conservative types of midwestern United States. Quite opposite to the…
Raising Sport Stock at the Farlington Fish Hatchery
Anglers visiting Crawford State Park are lucky to find a variety of sport fish in Crawford State Fishing Lake to spend an afternoon pursuing. To help ensure healthy numbers of…
Conserving the Nation’s Land – Crawford State Park and the Civilian Conservation Corps
A sunny sky, 75 degrees, and gentle breeze on April 10th can tempt almost anyone to the great outdoors. For many locals, a prime destination for a weekend retreat is…
A Complete Collection of Beer On Tap
Downtown Pittsburg’s 5th Street Bar and Grill is home to an incredible selection of local and national beer brands. With 39 to choose from (plus a mystery beer located in…
Riches Underground, Fertile Ground Above: Agriculture’s History in Crawford County
Midwestern United States has long been known as the breadbasket of the country. Fertile land and mild weather produces healthy crops for people and animals alike. Locally, Crawford County’s history…
Restoring a Treasure at the Colonial Fox Theatre
“You can tell the world that Pittsburg has one of the finest theatres in [the] Southwest.” That was the Pittsburg Daily Headlight’s introduction to the newly opened Colonial Theatre in…
PCT Kicks Off Diverse Season with a Bonus Show
For the first time in a nearly decade, Pittsburg Community Theatre is offering patrons more choices this year with a fourth show added to the season’s lineup. Not since 2008…
PCT opens season with show for anyone who has been, or is, a teen
13: A show about teens, by teens, for teens. Geek. Poser. Jock. Beauty Queen. Wannabe. These are the labels that can last a lifetime. With an unforgettable rock score from…
Treasuring Local Art
Often encompassing the spirit and uniqueness of the community, local art is something to treasure. Since last spring, downtown Pittsburg has been the home of a local art gallery created…
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