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Did you know?

By Keyta Kelly - | Jul 15, 2009

Did you know that the 13th Annual Amelia Earhart Festival is fast approaching? Who among us doesn’t have a little bit of Amelia in us? That spirit of adventure; that wanting to be just a little different by wearing bloomers while the rest of the girls wore dresses; belly slamming your sled downhill across roads and under carriages; and of course growing up to soar, and becoming a pioneer. Of course we’ve got some of that in us, we’re Kansans – just as Amelia was.

On July 17 and 18 Atchison, the birthplace of Amelia Earhart, will celebrate Amelia and that sense of adventure that resides in all Kansans. The festival promises to be as fantastic as always. It’ll kick off Friday, July 17 at the Atchison Library where Amelia herself will tell you of her childhood in Atchison and of her first cross-Atlantic flight. Amelia is played by Ann Birney with the performing troupe “Ride into History” of Admire. If you’ve never seen Ann portray Amelia, you simply must attend. The similarity is uncanny and Ann makes you believe that you are actually sitting and listening to Amelia as she relives her childhood and her adventures.

After visiting with Amelia, head over to Warnock Lake where country performers Rodney Atkins, Little Big Town and Jack Ingram will perform at 6 p.m. If you’re up to it the next morning, wake bright and early for the 2K/8K fun run/walk starting at 8 a.m. Not quite into all that early morning exercise (me neither)? Then head back to the library where author Elgen Long whose book is the inspiration behind the soon to be released movie about Amelia starring Hillary Swank and Richard Gere will speak and answer questions. Downtown during the day on Saturday there will be craft booths, food vendors, live entertainment and activities for the kids, plus yet more music, train rides, petting zoos and on and on. So, after enjoying the library and the downtown area, head to the river. The riverfront will be home to food vendors, musical performances and aerobatic performances. And, last but certainly not least…. fireworks! Yes, at 9:45 p.m., on the banks of the Missouri river, the sky will light up with a dazzling fireworks show choreographed to music.

So, why not take a short drive to Atchison this weekend and let your sense of adventure free? You can find out more information about this festival at http://www.atchisonkansas.net/v_AEFestival.htm.

Didn’t know there was so much to see, do, buy, taste and learn in Kansas? This is just a taste of what you’ll learn about at the 21st Kansas Sampler Festival when it comes to Leavenworth County. Only 295 days until the Kansas Sampler Festival. For more information go to www.kansassamplerfestival.com or e-mail me or call me at kssamplerfestlvco@sunflower.com – phone (913) 417-7575.