Autumn in Louisburg - Louisburg, Kansas

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Special Section of The Miami County Republic

Autumn in

Louisburg

Ciderfest fun set for

Sept. 28-29 and Oct. 5-6

Page 2

Cedar Cove plans major expansion Page 4

Powell Pumpkin Patch honors Apollo 11 moon landing Page 6

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Special Section of The Miami County Republic

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

LOUISBURG CIDER MILL

This aerial photo shows a portion of the Louisburg Cider Mill’s corn maze and pumpkin patch on the other side of the road.

Ciderfest ushers in fall season in Louisburg

BY DOUG CARDER doug.carder@miconews.com

Fall means cider, pumpkins and festivals in Louisburg.

Louisburg Cider Mill is ready to kick off its 41st annual Ciderfest festivities on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Activities begin with the Louisburg Lions Club’s pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The day also features pony rides, inflatable slide, cider

Twelfth Annual

and doughnut-making, craft booths and many other activities.

Ciderfest occurs annually on the last weekend in September and the first weekend in October. This year, that’s Sept. 28-29 and Oct. 5-6. The festival will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. both weekends.

There is no admission or parking fees to attend Ciderfest.

Ciderfest attendees can watch apples being freshly pressed into pure apple

cider, from the initial washing to the actual press in the mill. The general store also will be open throughout the festival.

Live music during the festival will feature bluegrass and country sounds.

The vendor booths will include a variety of items for sale, such as original candles, home-crafted furniture and many other crafts.

There are also plenty of activities for the kids at the Louisburg Cider Mill,

Games for ages 1 to 101

A local favorite, Miss B’s is one of the last places where you can still get REAL home cooking!

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which was established in 1977.

Children can ride a hay wagon to the Cider Mill’s pumpkin patch to pick pumpkins or navigate the 10-acre corn maze. This year’s maze design features Lost Trail root beer, which is bottled at the mill.

The Family Farm also features farm animals, picnic areas and other activities. A teepee is the newest addition to

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Special Section of The Miami County Republic

FILE PHOTO

Jaxon Johnson, 4, tries to lift a big pumpkin at a recent Ciderfest. The Louisburg Cider Mill’s annual festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28-29, and Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5-6.

CIDERFEST

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the farm. Admission to the Family Farm is $10. Children age 3 and under are free, according to the Louisburg Cider Mill’s website.

The corn maze and pumpkin patch opened Sept. 13 for the season and will be open daily through Thursday, Oct. 31, according to the website. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

The $10 admission price covers the corn maze, hay wagon, children’s play area, spider web climber, Mount Sunflower slide, farm animals, corn crib, tricycle track, live music, orchard trail, tire tower, learning barn, beehive exhibit, giant swing set and the 10-acre pumpkin patch where pumpkins are sold separately, according to the website.

Some of the other upcoming activities this fall are Community Service Gratitude weekend from Friday, Oct. 11, through Sunday, Oct. 13. All community

service workers, teachers, firefighters, enlisted military, first responders, EMTs, nurses and doctors with a valid ID badge will receive $2 off admission to the Family Farm.

Zombie Forest Night will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. Participants are encouraged to dress the part for the evening of live music, a bonfire, hayrides and other activities.

Attendees should bring flashlights to navigate the maze in the dark.

Zombie Forest is a fundraiser for the Paola High School robotics group.

The 10th annual Burning Scarecrow event will take at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. Live music, a bonfire, hayrides and other activities are slated for the evening. The maze will be open for those who want go through it in the dark as Zombie Forest continues, according to the website.

On the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 26, activities will include trick or treating, a kids music show and a costume contest.

For more information about Ciderfest or other activities planned this fall at the Lousiburg Cider Mill, visit its website at www.louisburgcidermill.com.

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Special Section of The Miami County Republic

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Major expansion planned at Cedar Cove

BY BRIAN MCCAULEY brian.mccauley@miconews.com

LOUISBURG — It was William Pottorff, with the help of Shelly Tooley, who first opened the Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory & Education Center in 2000, but it’s Steve Klein and B.J. Auch who plan to lead the facility into a new era.

For nearly 20 years, Cedar Cove has housed large cats and other endangered animals at the facility located about two miles east of Louisburg on Kansas Highway 68. After the passing of Tooley in 2008 and Pottorff in 2012, Klein and Auch have taken lead roles in operating Cedar Cove.

Klein is the Cedar Cove facilities director and board president, and Auch is the director of operations, board treasurer and vice president.

The facility has become a sanctuary, or retirement home as Klein calls it, for big cats and other animals. But space limitations on the current 10-acre tract have caused Cedar Cove to have to turn away some animals, and it has made expansion difficult. That’s all about to change though after the recent

acquisition of 126 acres of adjoining property from George Criswell.

Criswell is a Cedar Cove board member, and it was his family’s initial 11-acre donation of land in 1997 that allowed Cedar Cove to eventually open at 3783 Kansas Highway 68. The most recent sale of 126 acres was finalized in late 2017, and Klein and Auch have been busy mapping out plans for a large expansion.

“It’s invigorating knowing the possibilities,” Klein said. “There is so much potential locked up here.”

Although the plans still have to be approved by the county, Klein said the current proposed design includes the construction of an Earth dome containing a tropical rainforest, planetarium, event center with views of the animals, greenhouse, classroom space and a new habitat expansion with multiple enclosures for the animals to be circulated through.

The most recent addition to the plans is Powell Observatory.

It was announced earlier this summer that the Astronomical Society of Kansas City (ASKC) plans to relocate from its existing site

BRIAN MCCAULEY / STAFF PHOTO

B.J. Auch, Cedar Cove director of operations and vice president, feeds a breakfast of raw meat to a male cougar named Tom.

at Louisburg’s Lewis-Young Park onto Cedar public in a five-state area, has operated out Cove’s recently purchased vacant land. of Lewis-Young Park for the past 35 years Powell Observatory, which features one of the largest telescopes open to the CEDAR COVE/Page 5

Peace...

Tranquility...

31 Years!! !

Bring your family to the pumpkin patch for your pumpkins, gourds and ornamental corn.

$5 Admission Under 5 Fre e

• Hay Wagon Ride • Rubber Duck Race, • All New Minions Hay Maze • Bean Bag Games • Tube Slides • Pedal Carts • Bounce House You can also schedule your field trip for day care, pre-school, or elementary group during the week!

West on Kansas Highway 68 to Vermont Road, then three miles south to 2710 Vermont Road, Rantoul.

Louisburg 75125150

Saturday 10-6 Sunday 12-6

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www.louisburgkansas.gov

for a recorded update

OPEN

Small-town living at its best

City of Louisburg

1-800-296-6745

www.pleasantridge.com

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Special Section of The Miami County Republic

CEDAR COVE

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and previously was looking to relocate to the Louisburg school district’s Circle Grove property before the Cedar Cove land was offered.

Klein said he hopes Cedar Cove and Powell Observatory can work together to create an environment where people can learn about the planet we live on and what we need to do to preserve it for future generations of animals and people.

“We have an opportunity to become a beacon of conservational inspiration,” Klein said.

That message goes beyond the need to save the endangered big cats, Klein said, although that is also an important task.

He wants Cedar Cove visitors to also learn the importance of preserving land and not destroying long-term resources for shortterm benefits such as tearing down rain forests for farm land or lumber.

Part of Klein and Auch’s plan for the new Cedar Cove property is to restore the BRIAN MCCAULEY / STAFF PHOTO land to its natural state by removing invaSteve Klein, Cedar Cove facilities director and board president, talks about the new fences he has sive species and reintroducing native plants installed to create additional habitats for the animals. and wildlife to the area. He also plans to

install solar panels over a large new parking area to generate environmentally friendly electricity.

Those who visit Cedar Cove now can already get a feel for the atmosphere Klein and Auch are trying to create. A hydroponic garden greets visitors near the front entrance. Klein said he has already harvested cantaloupe, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers and other fruits and vegetables.

Cedar Cove has also partnered with The Kansas Bee Company to introduce two beehives onto the property, as well as an observation hive located inside the gift shop.

Cedar Cove is open to the public April through October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Winter hours from November to March are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Admission is $9 per adult, $7 per child (ages 4 to 12) and $6 for seniors. Children 3 years old and under are allowed in free.

Currently, the park houses 26 animals.

The two newest to join Cedar Cove are a female arctic fox named Finn and a male red fox named Huxley.

Along with the foxes, Cedar Cove is home to seven tigers, two African lions, one cougar, one African spotted leopard, six bobcats, one African caracal, two African servals, two wolves and two coatimundi.

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Special Section of The Miami County Republic

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Powell Pumpkin Patch ready for fall season

BY DOUG CARDER doug.carder@miconews.com

The pumpkin crop at Powell Pumpkin Patch weathered the frequent rainstorms this year in good shape, one of the owners said in mid-September as the Sept. 28 opening day drew near.

“The pumpkins are looking pretty good, despite all the rain,” Logan York said. “We had some minor flooding, but nothing got into the pumpkins.”

The farm has 55 acres of pumpkins this year, which is slightly down from last season, he said.

“It varies a little from year to year, depending on the rotation (of the fields),” York said.

York owns and operates Powell Pumpkin Patch with his wife, Katie, and his parents, Darrell and Regina York.

The Powell Pumpkin Patch also features a corn maze and offers gourds, squash

and Indian corn. This year’s maze design pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing.

Powell Pumpkin Patch offers free parking and free admission to the pumpkin patch. A nature trail winds through the property and hayrides on the weekends, according to its website. There’s also a small play area for the kids.

The Powell Pumpkin Patch started in 1990 when the York family planted 35 acres on the farm. Even though the Powell family no longer owns the farm, the Yorks said they kept the Powell name to honor Marjorie Powell Allen.

The pumpkin patch will open for the season on Saturday, Sept. 28, and will be open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Halloween day. The patch is located at 25695 Spring Valley Road, west of Louisburg.

Logan York said the county took down SUBMITTED PHOTO the closed roads Monday, Sept. 16, as the The corn maze at Powell Pumpkin Patch pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo Spring Valley Road bridge reopened just 11 moon landing. in time for the pumpkin-picking season and the additional traffic on the road at this time of year.

“I wasn’t sure if they were going to be done in time, so I was really glad to see it open,” York said. “The new bridge looks good. I’m glad they decided not to abandon the bridge and replaced it.”

The wider bridge also is no longer limited to three tons, which will enable the family to move farm equipment without having to take a long way around, York said.

For more information, visit the pumpkin patch’s website at www.powellpump kinpatch.com or on Facebook as Powell Pumpkin Patch.

Enjoy the Autumn activities in Louisburg.

RIDE WITH US & LET YOUR ENJOYMENT BE OUR BUSINESS!

at Louisburg

Please email info@miamicountytrolley.com or give us a call to make your reservation.

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201 W. Amity/P.O. Box 306 • Louisburg, KS 66053 913-837-4337 • www.brileysonics.net

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Special Section of The Miami County Republic

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Cider Run expected to attract over 600 runners

BY DOUG CARDER

attract more than 600 runners this year, said Becky Bowes, one of the organizers and executive director of the Louisburg Chamber Fans of the fall season and exercise should of Commerce. As of Sept. 17, more than 500 make plans to jog down to Louisburg’s people had already signed up for the event. downtown district on Registration ends Sept. 30.

Saturday, Oct. 5, for the For more information, annual Louisburg Cider Run. check out the Louisburg The Louisburg Cider Run Cider Run’s Facebook page. sports a 10K run, a 5K run Organizers urge runners and and a Kids Run. The races spectators to stick around start and end in downtown after the races for the finLouisburg. The route will ish-line festivities includtake runners on a tour of ing music, food trucks, and the ’Burg that includes lake other activities. All race views, parks and other local participants will receive a sites. The course has rolling bottle-opener medal and hills, straightaways and folks a T-shirt, according to the lining the route to cheer on Bottle-opener medal Cider Run’s website. runners of all ages. Walkers The run will take place in are welcome, too. conjunction with the Louisburg Fall Festival, The Kids Run will begin at 3:30 p.m., and which will feature a variety of area vendors the 5K and 10K runs will begin at 4 p.m. set up downtown as the celebration continThe Louisburg Cider Run expects to ues into the evening. doug.carder@miconews.com

Open Daily 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sept. 28 - Oct. 31

Your Pumpkins are Ready for Picking!

Building memories and providing unforgettable old-fashioned family fun has been a long standing tradition at the Powell Pumpkin Patch.

We invite you to come on out and enjoy a relaxing, fun day with your entire family.

Admission is Always FREE!

Driving Directions:

25695 Spring Valley Rd. - Louisburg, KS 66053

Achieving Excellence Together in your Neighborhood!

68

Powell Pumpkin Patch

69

271st St.

Louisburg

Plenty of directional signs will lead the way.

If you need more help, call Regina at 913-879-2477

For Group roup ou Sched oup Scheduling he ed eduling ca call alll K Katie atie e at

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Call Peoples Services LLC OR stop by the office 8 S. Broadway #14 in Louisburg.

Office open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:30 to 6pm www.peoplesservices.us

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Spring Valley Rd.

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Quivira Rd.

247th St.

• Pumpkins of all sizes and varieties • Squash & Gourds • Free Hay Rides • Hay Playground • Giant Corn Maze • Nature Trail

Check out our website at 751250731

www.powellpumpkinpatch.com

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Special Section of The Miami County Republic

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Family friendly fun!

• • • •

We have a large selection of wines from fruity sweet whites to rich dry reds!

VINEYARD WINERY STABLES COTTAGES

GastroPub Food Truck is always onsite ite for flatbread pizzass and appetizers!

Isinglass

Estate

16241 West 381st Street • La Cygne, KS • (913) 226-2287 • www.IsinglassEstate.com 751250711