The cornstalks provide a perfect green backdrop against the white tablecloths and sparkling clear wine glasses set out in the field. The sun bathes the dome-topped silos as evening approaches and the music begins.  This is Feast of the Fields, an agricultural and culinary event held in the Kaw River Valley, east of Manhattan, Kansas, and planned for June 5, 2011. 

The location lies in the heart of the Flint Hills and in the heartland of America.  Historic Beecher Bible and Rifle Church is just a few minutes drive to the east.  Scenic Pillsbury Crossing is a couple of miles to the southwest.   The Feast of the Fields is held upon land that has been farmed by the same family for four generations under the name River Creek Farms.  A combination of history and nature blooms throughout the region.

"We wanted to tell the story of what we do in a way that would connect with those unfamiliar with farming and intrigued by new experiences," says Mary Mertz, coordinator of the Feast.  "Serving a dinner of local faire in a field where crops are growing seemed to be a great venue and the perfect way to bring it all together."

The meal is a culinary delight of fresh and locally produced foods prepared by Chef Scott Benjamin, owner of 4 Olives Restaurant in Manhattan.  The wines are from Kansas vineyards and the meat entrees are supplied by local livestock producers.  This year River Creek Farms spring lamb will be served.

As participants arrive at the Feast of the Fields, they are greeted with hors d'oeuvres and soft background music played by an accomplished musician.  The sun slowly drops over the west field where rows of corn have been cut to allow for the placing of tables.  People from urban areas around the region mingle while enjoying a glass of wine near a hay shed.  The sounds of Simmental cattle and Rambouillet sheep can be heard from their pens in the distance. 

River Creek Farms family members, Bob and Mary Mertz, Joe and Kim Mertz, briefly welcome the group and give a little background information on their farming operations.

"Our life is centered around the farm.  And this event gives us an opportunity to shed some positive light upon agriculture," Mertz says. "Our goal is to have people leave here sharing smiles and with a great lasting impression of Kansas farms and foods."

Feast of the Fields will be held Sunday, June 5, 2011, from 6:00 p.m. until dusk.  Those interesting in a unique and authentic adventure can find out more about FEAST OF THE FIELDS at their web site www.feastofthefields.net. 

This is the Spring Creek School located on Spring Creek Road across from the Spring Creek Cemetery in Pottawatomie County.

Join the Shehi Reunion Organization for a Memorial Stone Dedication marking the location of the Spring Creek School on Saturday, June 11 at 2:00.

• Enjoy an authentic trail ride on one of our famous

  palomino horses. 

• Swimming in a huge outdoor pool.
• Night hikes
• Shooting sports
• Canoeing and more!

 For more information about Family Camp, click here.

Sweet sixteen! 

Country Stampede turns Sweet Sixteen this year.  How sweet it is to celebrate with County Music's hottest stars coming to The Little Apple^�

The 16^th Annual 94.5 Country Stampede will be held at Tuttle Creek State Park June 23-26. Eric Church gets things rocking on Thursday night, June 23.  Friday, June 24, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Joe Nichols and headliner Lady Antebellum, who are Country Music Awards Vocal Group of the Year and Single of the Year winner with , "I Run to You" Lady Antebellum also were awarded a Grammy for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group. 

This Sweet 16 Music Festival only gets better on Saturday with Blake Shelton, winner of Music Video of the year takes the stage with "Hillbilly Bone" as one of his best.  To make the day of music and fun complete the Academy of Country Music award winner and Top Male Vocalist, Brad Paisley, takes the stage with "Water"and many of his other hits.

Be a part of the "Stampede" as gates open Friday - Sunday at noon.  Performers take one of multiple stages starting at 1:00 p.m.  

Country Stampede is the largest country music festival in the Mid-West!  Get your tickets now at www.countrystampede.com 

 "Governor's Day" at the First Territorial Capitol

In honor of Kansas and the Civil War 150th anniversaries, the First Territorial Capitol has planned a grand celebration on Saturday June 18 from 10-4 p.m. free to the public.  This is your opportunity to sample life as it was in 1855 while you learn the history of the First Territorial Capitol.  The day will be filled with re-enactment and demonstrations of mountain and plains men, trappers and traders, homesteaders, Fort Riley's cavalry soliders and artillery, and "legislators", a great experience for young and old alike.   For directions to the First Territorial Capitol click on http://www.kshs.org/portal_first_territorial_capitol 

The "Just Right" conference is presented to offer an educational opportunity to tourism professionals in small to medium sized communities. Olivia Simmons will share her thoughts on "Where to start" as a tourism professional in said communities. We are pleased to have Secretary Jennison join the conference on the eve of recognition of the "new" Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, & Tourism. This is your opportunity to learn, share, and discover the role you play in the world of tourism.

Click here to register or to view the conference brochure.

The Art of Maude J. Mitchell Coming to the

Wabaunsee County Historical Society Museum

 "Homesteads of the Free" exhibition opens June 4, 2011

Alma, Kan. -In conjunction with Symphony in the Flint Hills' commemoration of the 150^th anniversary of Kansas' statehood and the start of the Civil War on June 11, the Wabaunsee County Historical Society and Museum is hosting an exhibition titled "Homesteads of the Free: The Art of Maude J. Mitchell (1875-1957)" that will run from June 4 to July 5, 2011.

"We are excited to celebrate our state's heritage by presenting to the public the work of a true Kansas pioneer," said Michael Stubbs, Wabaunsee County Historical Society board member. "Maude Mitchell's roots are here in Wabaunsee County and she worked hard to preserve and make vital the history and culture of this area.  Her work was once well known, then nearly forgotten, and is now being rediscovered."

Mitchell was the daughter of Captain William Mitchell, a leader of the Beecher Bible and Rifle Colony who also operated an Underground Railroad station at his home three miles east of Wabaunsee. Maude received her early education at district school number two in the area before attending college and studying art in New York. She returned to Kansas in 1915 to manage the Mitchell Ranch and became a well-known Kansas artist for her paintings of views in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties.

"Maude is known for her impressionistic landscapes as well as paintings of the farms and outbuildings of her neighbors," said Stubbs. "A few pieces in the show also depict the homes of former slaves and their descendants who were settlers in post-Civil War Wabaunsee County."

In addition to painting, Mitchell was also a musician and composer. Her published works include "Prairie Road's A-Windin'," recorded by Roy Rogers. Mitchell also created a series of murals for Columbia University, where she studied art, and designed the stone gateway at the Wabaunsee Township Cemetery.

"Homesteads of the Free: The Art of Maude J. Mitchell" will be on exhibit from June 4 to July 5 at the Wabaunsee County Historical Society Museum in Alma, Kansas. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, call 785-765-2200 or email wabcomuseum@embarqmail.com.