By Larry Billinger, Salina, KS
Join fellow Salinans and visitors for a rip-roaring day of “Old West” fun at the 2023 Street Fair on September 23. With the rich history of Kansas as the backdrop, this year promises to be more thrilling than ever before. The day kicks off with a vibrant parade down Santa Fe, beginning at 10:00 am, showcasing the traditions of yore, infused with an autumn theme.
Here’s what attendees can look forward to:
Schedule of Events:
- 10:00 – 10:45 am:
- Parade on Santa Fe: A festive march from Elm to South Street marking the beginning of our day-long celebration.
- 10:00 am – 5:00 pm:
- Museum Gallery & Store: Explore Salina’s past or grab a unique souvenir.
- 10:30 am – 4:00 pm:
- Food Vendors: Feast on a diverse array of culinary delights.
- 11:00 am – 4:00 pm:
- Old West Activities: Dive into horseshoe tossing, roping, archery, and more.
- Craft Stations: Engage in make-and-take crafts reminiscent of the Old West era.
- Historical Re-enactors: Experience history firsthand.
- Color Me Crazy! Airbrush Tattoos: Add a splash of color to your day.
- Caricaturists: Capture a fun-filled memory.
- Old West Entertainment Schedule:
- 11:00 am: Geff & Dawn Dawson: Cowboy comedy meets Western music.
- Noon: Ghost Town Revival: Groove to rock and blues melodies.
- 1:00 pm: Jaron Bell: Blending country music with humor.
- 2:15 pm: Nick Taylor: Reviving 90s country hits with a modern twist.
- 3:00 pm: Geff & Dawn Dawson: Encore performance by the cowboy duo.
- 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm:
- Chili Cook-off Public Tasting & Voting: Sample and choose your favorite chili!
- 2:00 pm:
- Announcement of Chili Cook-off Winner: A spicy end to a flavorsome competition.
Be ready to be serenaded by the dynamic duo Geff & Dawn Dawson from Alma and rock along with the Salina-based rock and blues band, Ghost Town Revival. Moreover, the local talents of Jaron Bell and Nick Taylor are set to elevate the entertainment quotient.
The tantalizing chili cook-off offers local teams the chance to compete and showcase their unique concoctions. The public gets to vote for their favorite chili, with the winner announced at 2:00 p.m.
A special shout-out to chili maestros – only six spots are available, so get your applications in by August 31! And for those wanting to be a part of the grand parade, remember to send in your applications by September 1.
Mark your calendars for September 23, and be a part of this grand spectacle celebrating the spirit of the Old West in modern Salina. Don’t miss it!
