Wheat Festival is a celebration of community

by Corbin Crable | Jun 30, 2025 | Mid-American

July 2025

Wheat Festival is a celebration of community

The 125TH annual Wheat Festival in Wellington, will feature something for every summer funseeker.

Taking place July 8-12 in downtown Wellington, the festival is jam-packed with family-friendly activities, including an art exhibit, art contest, children’s storytime and crafts, movie-themed sidewalk chalking, watermelon feed, horseshoe tournament, carnival rides, lip sync contest, hot dog eating contest, cookie jar auction, cow chip throw, and bed races.

According to the state’s tourism website, the event has been a tradition in the state since 1900, when Sumner County celebrated a bumper wheat harvest that earned Wellington the title of “Wheat Capital of the World.” The festival remains a celebration of community and agriculture.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/kswheatfestival.

Kansas Wheat Festival

Grab the family and head out to Wellington, KS, for its 125th Kansas Wheat Festival from July 8-12, featuring high-flying fun. Image courtesy of Facebook

Show will feature antique farm vehicles, tools in action

by Corbin Crable | Jun 30, 2025 | Mid-American

July 2025

Show will feature antique farm vehicles, tools in action

For a glimpse of old-fashioned farm power, plan to attend the 72nd annual show of the Tri-State Antique Engine and
Threshers Association, July 31-Aug. 2 in Bird City.

Attendees will be able to marvel at more than a dozen operating steam engines and gas engines, as well as demonstrations of wheat binding and threshing; a sawmill, tractor pull, kids activities, historic buildings, quilts, a printing press, and chuck wagon breakfast round out the activities. Collectors may bring their items to display. Those traveling with an RV may park it on the grounds, which offers a shower house.

For more information, call 785-734-2291, visit www.threshershow.org or e-mail thresherassociation@gmail.com.

Tri-State Engine and Threshers

The Tri-State Engine and Threshers Association will host its 72nd annual show in late July and early August in Bird City, KS. On display and performing demonstrations will be a variety of antique farm equipment, steam engines, and tools, among other devices. (Image courtesy of Facebook)

Make the drive to Iowa for the Southern Iowa Junk Journey

by Corbin Crable | May 29, 2025 | Mid-American

June 2025

Make the drive to Iowa for the Southern Iowa Junk Journey

It’s summer, and you know what that means – road trips!

Gather the family, start the car, and roll down the windows for some cool breeze as you head to Southern Iowa for the Southern Iowa Junk Journey, June 13-15.

Since the annual event falls on Father’s Day, you’ll be able to treat Dad to a bevy of vintage treasures from across a variety of counties – Appanoose, Lucas, Wayne, and Monroe.

The junk journey takes place twice each year; the next event is slated for the fall months. For more information, including a list of participating vendors, search ‘Southern Iowa Junk Journey’ on Facebook.

Southern Iowa Junk Journey

Clean out some storage space for a few new treasures — the twice-annual Southern Iowa Junk Journey returns, June 13-15. (Image courtesy of Facebook)

Happy birthday to Shawnee Antique Mall

by Corbin Crable | May 29, 2025 | Mid-American

June 2025

Happy birthday to Shawnee Antique Mall

Shawnee Antique Mall in Shawnee is once again celebrating its birthday by giving gifts to its own customers – in the form of summer sales throughout the entire store on June 14.

The mall boasts 15,000 square feet with more than 100 dealer booths selling everything from antiques to vintage items to glassware and collectibles. Shawnee Antique Mall’s annual birthday sale event is always a big draw for collectors from around the area – and if you’re planning to visit from out of state, the mall offers convenient RV parking, too.

Shawnee Antique Mall is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Call them at 913-499-7688 or visit them on Facebook.

Shawnee Antique Mall

You don’t need to bring gifts to Shawnee Antique Mall’s annual birthday sale and open house on June 14, but you can definitely shop for them. (Image courtesy of Facebook)

KC Regional Quilt Festival celebrates 10 years

by Corbin Crable | May 29, 2025 | Mid-American

June 2025

KC Regional Quilt Festival celebrates 10 years

Celebrating its 10th year in 2025, the Kansas City Regional Quilt Festival returns to the Overland Park Convention Center, June 11-14.

The event will feature judged entries, workshops and classes, a variety of quilts on display, and vendors, allowing quilters to stock up on supplies. A new feature this year will be “Spotlight Quilters” from the organization’s regional guild; also new: The 10^th Anniversary Showcase Collection and a treasured Heritage Quilt from Frontier Trails Museum.

For more information, including admission information and hours, visit facebook.com/kcrqf.

Kansas City Regional Quilt Festival

Enjoy stunning craftsmanship along with a splash of color at the Kansas City Regional Quilt Festival, June 11-14 in Overland Park, KS. The event celebrates its 10th year in 2025. (Image courtesy of Facebook)