Kansas Sampler Festival continues growth; Builds awareness of state

GARDEN CITY — The Big Well and Greensburg booth had been set up in its center front position in the Southwest Kansas tent on Friday, May 4, 2007.  By the time the Kansas Sampler Festival started on Saturday, those who had come to represent Greensburg had returned home and the booth became a reminder of the tragedy that had occurred in their community the night before.

Still, with Garden City positioned precariously just west of all the storms, 7,400 people came to Lee Richardson Zoo to enjoy this Kansas celebration of what there is to see, do, taste, hear, and buy in the Sunflower State.  Among the areas represented with a tent of their own was the Northwest Kansas Travel Council.

The Travel Council theme of  "See what is Poppin in Northwest Kansas" drew people in with the smell of fresh popcorn, while the entertainment from groups and individuals from throughout Northwest Kansas kept them entertained.  The tent focused on giving visitors information on Recreation, History, Culture, and Attractions.

Roger Hrabe, Rooks County Economic Development Director, worked in the Northwest Kansas tent and felt that the success of the festival has continued to grow.  “Each year there just seems to be increased interest in the Kansas Sampler Festival and what there is to see and do around the state,” Hrabe said.  “Other states are now trying to duplicate what Kansas is doing.” 

The second day attendance at this year’s festival was the largest ever for the Sampler.

The festival is a project of the Kansas Sampler Foundation.  Director Marci Penner said, “There was something special about this year’s event.  It feels like we are all maturing in our understanding of who we are as a state and what we have and how important it is to celebrate those things.  With Greensburg on our minds, we felt more united and aware of the power of community.”

In 2008 and 2009, the Kansas Sampler Festival comes to the Solomon Valley area and makes its first appearance north of Interstate 70 in the Cloud County community of Concordia.  Make your plans now to be in Concordia May 3 and 4.

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