Email Jason to add events to the calendar or report changes
JANUARY
Jan. 29
KANSAS DAY: SESQUICENTENNIAL OF KANSAS STATEHOOD
Special program at the Atchison County Historical Society Museum, 200 S. 10th St. “Stump the What Iz It Guys.” Bob Staley and Charlie Wagner will showcase some of their most unusual items and try to identify items brought in. Prizes to those who stump our experts. Event at 6 p.m. is free and open to the public. Refreshments provided. For more information, call 913-367-6238 or email GoWest@atchisonhistory.org.
Jan. 29
ad astra per aspera: john james ingalls & john A. martin,
shaping the future of Kansas
New exhibit in the Atchison County Historical Society in honor of the State of Kansas Sesquicentennial runs through August. 200 S. 10th Street. 913-367-6238 or GoWest@atchisonhistory.org for details. Other Kansas Day events include a scavenger hunt and the introduction of “The 8 Wonders of Atchison County.” Full details at www.atchisonhistory.org.
FEBRUARY
feb. 5
Legislative Coffee Sponsored by AT&T
Townhall-style meeting featuring state legislators serving Atchison and the surrounding area. Event begins at 9 a.m. at the Santa Fe Depot, 200 S. 10th St. The series gives local citizens the opportunity to discuss the issues facing the state and the Atchison area with the leaders who make the decisions in Topeka. Sponsored by AT&T. For more information, call 913-367-2427.
Feb. 18-20, 25-27
"the kitchen witches"
This devilishly funny comedy finds two rival cooking show hosts forced together in a join show where insults and food fights ensue. Theatre Atchison Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m.; Sunday shows at 2 p.m. Tickets: $10 adults, $6 students. Call 913-367-SHOW, email theatre@theatreatchison.org or visit www.theatreatchison.org for more information.
Feb. 21
President’s Day
Visit the David Rice Atchison World’s Smallest “unofficial” Presidential Library for Presidents Day. Free copy of the US Constitution & Declaration of Independence for visitors. The Presidential Library is inside of the Atchison County Historical Society Museum, 200 S. 10th Street.
MARCH
March 5
Legislative Coffee Sponsored by AT&T
Townhall-style meeting featuring state legislators serving Atchison and the surrounding area. Event begins at 9 a.m. at the Santa Fe Depot, 200 S. 10th St. The series gives local citizens the opportunity to discuss the issues facing the state and the Atchison area with the leaders who make the decisions in Topeka. Sponsored by AT&T. For more information, call 913-367-2427.
March 11-13
"peter pan"
Family classic presented by 2nd-8th grade After School Players at Theatre Atchison. Friday and Saturday shows at 7 p.m.; Sunday show at 2 p.m. Tickets $5. Call 913-367-SHOW, email theatre@theatreatchison.org or visit www.theatreatchison.org for more information..
March 12
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Annual parade’s activities include the crowning of the grand marshall, judging and plenty of events and specials at many Atchison businesses and organizations. Trophy presentations to be held at the Elks Lodge following the parade. Contact Theresa Davenport at 913-367-0007 for more information.
March 18-20
kansas state akt festival
Theatre Atchison hosts four theatres from around the state in this qualifying competition for the regional American Association of Community Theatres Festival. Performances open to the public for $5 each or purchase an all-access pass for $15. Call 913-367-SHOW, email theatre@theatreatchison.org or visit www.theatreatchison.org for more information.
March 29
Farm City Banquet
The Atchison area business community honors farm families of the area with a special banquet and program. For more information, contact the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce at 913-367-2427 or visit www.atchisonkansas.net.
March 31-april 2
Spring Open House
Atchison’s businesses will roll out the red carpet for you! Get into the swing of spring with plenty of deals, contests, prizes and everything you need to get ready for spring and summer. Call 913-367-2427 or visit www.atchisonkansas.net for more details.
APRIL
April 1-2
Spring Open House
Atchison’s businesses will roll out the red carpet for you! Get into the swing of spring with plenty of deals, contests, prizes and everything you need to get ready for spring and summer. Call 913-367-2427 or visit www.atchisonkansas.net for more details.
April 2
Legislative Coffee Sponsored by AT&T
Townhall-style meeting featuring state legislators serving Atchison and the surrounding area. Event begins at 9 a.m. at the Santa Fe Depot, 200 S. 10th St. The series gives local citizens the opportunity to discuss the issues facing the state and the Atchison area with the leaders who make the decisions in Topeka. Sponsored by AT&T. For more information, call 913-367-2427.
April 8-10, 17-19
"moonlight & magnolias"
This delightful comedy explains the back story of the creation of the beloved film classic “Gone with the Wind” on stage at Theatre Atchison. Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m.; Sunday shows at 2 p.m. Tickets: $10 adults, $6 students. Call 913-367-SHOW, email theatre@theatreatchison.org or visit www.theatreatchison.org for more information.
April 9
Taste of Home Cooking School & home Expo
Learn techniques and recipes at the famous Taste of Home Cooking School. Event held in conjunction with annual Home Expo that will provide all the products, ideas and services you need for your spring home and garden project, along with a little bit of everything else. Several ticket packages available. Call 913-367-0583 for more information.
April 9
Elks Gala event
The Atchison Elkshave restored their lodge/ballroom on the third floor. To celebrate, they will be having a GALA EVENT on April 9. A formal dinner will start at 6 p.m., followed by a dance at 8 p.m. If you are not a member of the Elks and want to attend, find a member and come as their guest or call Debbie Betts and she will get you signed up as her guest. The Elks will be unveiling their hidden treasures that they found on their third floor. It will be a great evening as the Elks have not had a formal dinner and dance at their lodge for at least 30 years. Come and enjoy with them their lodge home that was built in 1906 as an Elks lodge and has always been their home. To reach Debbie Betts you may call 913-367-8126.
April 29
atchison art walk
This new event brings together Atchison stunning downtown area, its eclectic array of shops and eateries, and its love of the arts. Browse works by area artistsdisplayed in local businesses, while sampling an assortment of refreshments. Take in the beauty of spring in Atchison!. Call 913-367-2427 for more information.
MAY
May-Sept.
12-Gauge Railroad weekends
Children’s train rides Memorial Day through Labor Day at the Atchison Rail Museum, 200 S. 10th. Call 913-367-7536 to check availability.
May 7
Haunted Atchison Tours
Narrated trolley tour through “the most haunted town in Kansas.” Advanced reservations required. Call 800-234-1854 or visit www.atchisonkansas.net.
May 8
Kiwanis Spring Flea Market
Three blocks of merchandise for sale or trade on Main Street. For more information, call 913-367-5222.
May 21
ATchison Farmer's Market Opening
Opening day for the Atchison Farmer's Market, which will begin its 13th season in downtown Atchison. Open Wednesday afternoons from 2:30-5:30 p.m. to Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon. This season will feature more events and many more vendors. For weekly updates of what is available, activities and recipes, visit atchisonfarmersmarket.com.
May 28
Vintage & Experimental Aircraft Fly-in
Annual event with displays of vintage and experimental aircraft sponsored by EAA Chapter #967. Amelia Earhart Airport, 16459 286th Rd. Call Ron Wade at 816-262-5090 or 816-233-4525 for more information.
JUNE
June 3
13th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament
A 4-person scramble format event scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the Bellevue Country Club. Event entries are limited and several sponsorship packages are available. Tournament includes a silent auction, food and drinks, and lots of prizes. For more information, call 913-367-2427.
June 3-5, 10-12
"The nerd"
This hilarious comedy on stage at Theatre Atchison takes the idea of an unwelcome houseguest to a complete new level! Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m.; Sunday shows at 2 p.m. Tickets: $10 adults, $6 students. Call 913-367-SHOW, email theatre@theatreatchison.org or visit www.theatreatchison.org for more information.
June 4
Haunted Atchison Tours
Narrated trolley tour through “the most haunted town in Kansas," along with tours of the infamous Sallie House and the always active Berry Home, and a special book signing by Debra Pickman, author of "The Sallie House Haunting: A True Story." Advanced reservations required. Call 800-234-1854 or visit www.atchisonkansas.net.
June 4
2nd annual dog daze
This is a favorite among bargain hunters in the region. In the retail business, merchandise that has some scratches and dents and merchandise that has just lain around too long are affectionately known as DOGS. Atchison Merchants pull out their dogs on the mall and in their stores for this event. The Dog Daze Event into a Humane Society and Animal shelter Dog Daze Event too. Shelter dogs and cats make the best pets because they know what it is like to lose a home that they loved. When adopted again, they become the most loyal pets you will ever love. So the Humane Society will let dogs and cats put their best paws forward. Also, featured are free hot dogs, treats and games for the kids.
June 7, 14, 21, 28
summer sounds
Weekly summer concert series held Tuesday nights in June. Free shows in the 500 block of the beautiful Commercial Street Mall feature different music each week. Sponsored by the Atchison Musical Arts Society.
June 11
Joe Carrigan Golf Tournament
Proceeds from annual tournament fund the Joseph M. Carrigan Scholarship. Event sponsor River Cities Community Credit Union awards scholarships to high school seniors who are members or children of members. Several scholarships awarded each year in memory of Joe Carrigan and his contributions to the Atchison community. 9 a.m. shotgun start at Pineview Country Club.
June 14
ATCHISON CATBACKER EVENT
Catbackers from around the area will meet at Willie's for a special event beginning at 5:30 p.m. Willie's is located at 701 Commercial. Kansas State head football coach Bill Snyder will be the guest speaker at the event. The cost is $30 for adults and $12.50 for children 12 and under. Space is limited, so RSVP as soon as possible. To RSVP, call Kristin at the Berger Company, 913-367-3700.
June 17-19
International Forest of Friendship Celebration
Annual celebration honoring men and women of aviation and aerospace with children’s activities, parade of U.S. and foreign flags, honorees ceremony and featured speakers. Call 913-367-1419 or 785-847-6800.
June 18
Paolucci's Annual Street Dance
Annual street dance hosted by the historic Atchison restaurant. Features live music, food, dancing and fun!
June 18-19
Juneteenth Celebration
Sixth annual celebration to commemorate the date when the last slaves in America were freed in 1865. For more information, call 913-367-2481.
June 26
Amelia Earhart Century Ride
Recreational bike ride covers as far as 100 miles. Begins on the morning of Sunday, June 27. For more information, contact Gary McGregor at 913-360-2617 or CLICK HERE to download the event brochure and registration form.
JULY
July 9
Haunted Atchison Tours
Narrated trolley tour through “the most haunted town in Kansas.” Advanced reservations required. Call 800-234-1854 or visit www.atchisonkansas.net.
July 14
Grandfather Earhart's Ice Cream Social
St. Mark's Lutheran Church will host Grandfather Earhart's Annual Ice Cream Social from 5-7 p.m. on July 14 at St. Mark's. Ice cream and other desserts will be served. For more information, call
913-367-0417.
July 15-16
Amelia Earhart Festival
15th annual celebration of the life of the famed aviatrix. Friday evening LakeFest outdoor concert at Warnock Lake features Darius Rucker and two opening acts. Other highlights include a downtown fair with arts & crafts, live entertainment, food vendors and children’s activities, panel discussions with authors and researchers, award luncheon, carnival rides, aerobatic performances, aviation displays and spectacular fireworks over the Missouri River. Call 800-234-1854 or visit www.atchisonkansas.net.
AUGUST
Aug. 2-6
Atchison County Fair
4-H, domestic living and agricultural exhibits, food booths, parade, carnival and live music. County Fairgrounds, Effingham. Call 913-833-5450.
August 6
Haunted Atchison Tours
Narrated trolley tour through “the most haunted town in Kansas,” along with tours of the Berry Home Advanced reservations required. Call 800-234-1854 or visit www.atchisonkansas.net.
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 1 – Oct. 31
burial practice: death, funeral customs and the great beyond
Special temporary exhibit in the Atchison County Historical Society Museum, 200 S. 10th. Visit www.atchisonhistory.org or email GoWest@atchisonhistory.org for details.
Sept. 3 – Oct. 31
Haunted Atchison Season Begins
Narrated trolley tours through “the most haunted town in Kansas” are part of a two-month-long season of activities in Atchison. Other activities include “History and Mystery” walking tour, On-Site Investigations, Awakening What Lies Within, private home visits, psychic readings and cemetery walking tours. Visit www.atchisonkansas.net for complete details and ticket information regarding Atchison’s “haunted” activities. Call 800-234-1854 for more information.
September
bridge day
Celebration of the opening of the new Missouri River Bridge at Atchison and the Deafy Boular Memorial Bricklaying Contest. Details and exact date to be determined. Email GoWest@atchisonhistory.org for details or to be notified via email with details.
Sept. 9-10
Nell Hill’s Fall Open House
Mary Carol Garrity’s historic home in Atchison will be dressed up for the season. This year’s open house will be bigger than ever! We’re pitching a huge event tent next to Mary Carol’s home and filling it with fabulous fall merchandise. After you tour her home, shop at Nell Hill’s Atchison and Garrity’s for fall and holiday décor galore. www.nellhills.com.
Sept. 11
Kiwanis Fall Flea Market
Three blocks of merchandise for sale or trade on Main Street. For more information, call 913-367-5222.
Sept. 23
A TASTE OF ATCHISON
A sampling of everything Atchison has to offer, from the cuisine of the area to items from our many unique shops. And, new this year, a photography contest to let people see just how stunning the Atchison area is. Join us for music, food and excitement on our beautiful downtown pedestrian plaza from 5-8 p.m. Some items are free, some at very low cost. The music and fun are always free!
800-234-1854. www.atchisonkansas.net.
OCTOBER
Oct. 1 – 31
Haunted Atchison Season
Narrated trolley tours through “the most haunted town in Kansas” are part of a two-month-long season of activities in Atchison. Other activities include “History and Mystery” walking tour, On-Site Investigations, Awakening What Lies Within, private home visits, psychic readings and cemetery walking tours. Visit www.atchisonkansas.net for complete details and ticket information regarding Atchison’s “haunted” activities. Call 800-234-1854 for more information.
Oct. 1
Oktoberfest Arts & Crafts Festival
29th Annual event sponsored by Junior Guild, with more than 100 arts & crafts vendors, plus German foods and music along the city’s outdoor Mall. All day Saturday.
Oct. 1-2
Model Train Show
19th annual show with scale layouts, sponsored by members of the North East Kansas Railroaders, Inc. Admission fee is $3 for the event, scheduled for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday at Memorial Hall, 819 Commercial. For more information, call 913-367-7536.
Oct. 2
Atchison County Hand Corn Shucking Contest
Event begins at high noon at the Slattery Farm. For more information, contact Bob Staley at 913-367-1502.
Oct. 21-22, 27-29
Night Terrors Haunted House
Theatre Atchison’s annual indoor haunted maze and attraction changes each year and will be open beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is $10, but $5 off coupons are available at businesses around Atchison beginning in October. Night Terrors closes “when the crowd dies off.” Not recommended for those who are pregnant, have heart problems or for young children.
Oct. 28-29
Halloween Haunted Train
Miniature train ride for children with ghosts, goblins and treats. Event is sponsored by the North East Kansas Railroaders. Rides scheduled from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Atchison Rail Museum, 200 S. 10th.
NOVEMBER
Nov. 4-5
Holiday Open House
Make your list, check it twice and gather your friends for a fun-filled day shopping in historic Atchison! Local businesses will have treats, specials, contests and plenty of holiday cheer. Some businesses will extend the open house to include Nov. 4. Call 913-367-2427 or visit www.atchisonkansas.net for more details.
Nov. 10
Atchison Area 236th Marine Corps Birthday Party
Atchison area Marines (former or active duty) and their spouses are invited to celebrate the 236th birthday of the Marine Corps with a dinner and historic cake cutting ceremony at Cedar Ridge Banquet Hall, beginning at 6 p.m. on Nov. 10. Reservations required. For information, contact Bill Irons at 913-367-4491.
Nov. 16
110th birthday of jesse stone
Exhibit and program celebrating the birth of the Atchison native, who is one of the key influences on Rock ‘n Roll music. Atchison County Historical Society Museum. Visit www.atchisonhistory.org for details.
Nov. 17
Christmas Tree Lighting
Atchison's beautiful Mayor's Tree will be exquisitely decorated for the holidays. This popular event features local choral groups, Santa Claus, a food drive and coupons from local shops and restaurants, followed by the formal lighting of the downtown Christmas Tree. From 5:00-6:30 p.m. on The Commercial Street Mall. Call 913-367-2427 for more information.
Nov. 18-19
Nell Hill’s 30th birthday celebration
Thirty years ago this month, Mary Carol Garrity launched Nell Hill’s in Atchison. These three short decades have been so much fun that we’re celebrating with a huge birthday blowout at Nell Hill’s. Put on your party hat and join us!. www.nellhills.com.
Nov. 21-Dec. 31
celebrating a kansas christmas
Special temporary exhibit and decorations in the Atchison County Historical Society Museum explores how Kansans have celebrated the holiday season for 150 years.
Nov. 26
santa house opening
Grand opening the 2011 holiday season features Santa Claus arriving in spectacular fashion to his quaint Atchison home on the Commercial Street Mall. Santa will visit individually with children while singers and hot drinks bring in the holiday season. Call 913-367-2427 for more information.
DECEMBER
Dec. 2
Music at the Muchnic
Local choral groups will perform in the elegant Victorian parlors, which are decorated for the holidays. Located in one of Atchison's most beautiful structures, the Muchnic Art Gallery is located a 704 N. 4th Street. Call 913-367-4278 for more information.
Dec. 3
Sights & Sounds of Christmas
Join us on The Commercial Street Mall for a full day of family activities full of Christmas Spirit. Activities for the whole family, including Santa's Elves Workshop, Children's Holiday Train, Story Time aboard the Atchison Trolley, Little Miss and Mr. Wonderland Pageant, puppet shows, baking contest, live music and much more. Festival culminates in Atchison's first Parade of Lights. Activities run from noon to 5 p.m., with the parade at 5:30. Call 913-367-2427 for more information.
Dec. 3, 10, 17
santa house
Santa will be available in his home on the Commercial Street Mall to hear children’s wishes. Photos with Santa available for $1. Call 913-367-2427 for more information.
Dec. 8
ladies night out
Atchison shops and restaurants will cater to the ladies in this annual event, with one-night-only specials, refreshments and a truly festive atmosphere in the historic downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Call 913-367-2427 for more information.
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