If you don’t have tickets to the Symphony in the Flint Hills next weekend — and even if you do — there’s plenty to do in Chase County before and during the weekend.
There will be a wildflower tour at 1:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Thursday near Matfield Green. Buses will load at Matfield Green, Highway 177 and Cassoday Grade School on Highway 177. Reservations must be made. For reservations and more information contact the Chase County Extension Office (620) 273-6491 or Butler County Extension Office (316) 321-9660.
Chase County will be packed with activities next weekend beginning with the Flint Hills FolkLife Festival, which will run on June 13 and 14. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 13 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 14, the lawn of the Chase County Courthouse will be filled with historical presenters in period dress.
They will demonstrate skills that were necessary for pioneers in the mid-1800s. Demonstration items will be for sale after they are made.
In previous years, historic demonstrators have made baskets, blacksmith items, soap, hand carving, homemade root beer, natural herbs, ropes, kettle corn, pottery, weaving, calligraphy and gourd banjos. There also will be storytelling, an Abraham Lincoln portrayer and live music.
The festival, now in its 11th year, began when Charley Klamm of Cottonwood Falls, a longtime participant in folk festivals, discovered one was canceled and decided to begin one in Chase County.
There will be an annual FolkLife Festival Jam Session at 7:30 p.m. June 13 by the K-177 Bluegrass Pickers.
For more information on the FolkLife Festival contact co-founder Sue Smith at the Emma Chase Cafe (620) 273-6020. There is no admission charge.