June 2022

National Tom Sawyer Days brings family fun to Hannibal

A fixture in Mark Twain’s hometown, National Tom Sawyer Days will keep smiles on the faces of its attendees as it returns to Hannibal on June 18.

From that day until July 4, activities are planned on varying days. Named for Twain’s most beloved literary character, the festival is jam-packed with activities, including a baby contest (June 18); a fence painting competition (June 25); a carnival (starting June 30); a pet show (July 1); arts and crafts for sale (July 2-4); a horseshoe tournament (July 2-3); a cornhole tournament (July 3); trike races (July 3); and a parade and talent show (July 4). The event concludes with a fireworks show at Lover’s Leap. The event includes musical performances by Creed Fisher on July 1, Gabby Barrett on July 2, and Saving Abel on July 3. National Tom Sawyer Days is sponsored each year by the Hannibal Jaycees.

For a full schedule of activities, visit www.hannibaljaycees.org.

May 2022

Iron Horse Marketplace is a junk lover’s paradise

Looking for a new junking tradition? Iron Horse Farms’ annual Marketplace will fill that need. The first-ever event will take place May 13-14 at the farm in Perryville.

Iron Horse Farms’ Facebook page has shared images of items that shoppers will be able to find during the marketplace, including handcrafted leather goods, cast iron cookware, bottle cap magnets, and a variety of vintage items.

When it isn’t hosting shoppers on the hunt for a great deal, Iron Horse Farms is an event venue, hosting weekend getaways, weddings, and other events. While on the property, attendees can enjoy a roaring campfire, fishing, archery, yoga, hunting, skeet shooting, horseback riding, kayaking, and bird watching.

For more information about the May 13-14 marketplace or about the farm itself, visit www.ironhorsearkansas.com.

May 2022

Relive the good ol’ days at Fort Scott’s annual festival

The Good Ol’ Days Festival in Fort Scott will transport you back to a simpler time with family fun this summer.

The festival, now in its 41st year, will take place June 3-4. It has been held the first weekend in June since 1982; originally, in the late 19th century, the festival was a street fair that included an elaborate parade.

For the past 41 years, the festival has been a centerpiece in the town’s modern history, and it includes a chicken dinner, street dance, cornhole tournament, tractor display, kids fun area, zipline, trolley rides, a free concert … and a parade, of course.

For tickets and more information, call 620-215-3631 or visit www.fortscottgoodoldays.com.

May 2022

Fun is brewing at Midwest Tea Festival

Dust off your favorite vintage tea kettle and get ready for the annual Midwest Tea Festival, May 7 and 8 at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, KS.

The event welcomes all connoisseurs of tea throughout the Midwest, featuring a variety of presenters and vendors from throughout the country. Attendees will learn about tea’s history and its cultural significance through workshops, breakout sessions and exhibitions. The event also includes tea tastings and Q&A sessions with tea experts.

Ticket prices start at $15 with an option for VIP packages.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.midwestteafest.com.

May 2022

NOTO Saturday Markets allow shoppers to support the arts

Coming on the heels of its Redbud Festival, the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District in Topeka is bringing back its popular Saturday Market, where attendees can shop for antiques, handmade wares and quirky gifts while admiring local art in a relaxed setting in Redbud Park and Teeter Courtyard.

The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday through September. Shoppers also can enjoy the tastes from local restaurants, listen to live music and even tour art studios within the district.

The market is gearing back up for business as the Redbud Festival winds down – its last day will be May 7. Sponsored by FHL Bank, most of the festival’s events take place in Redbud Park’s pavilion, a renovated barn. This year’s performers have included a magician, a comedy troupe, and a blues concert.

Also on May 7, NOTO will present Arts & Antiques, a presentation in which NOTO experts will share their knowledge of their art, antiques and other specialties. The presentation is free and begins at 11:30 a.m.

For more information, call 785-408-8996 or visit www.explorenoto.org.