50 Reasons to Hit the Road

An advertising feature of

The Topeka Capital-Journal Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Don’t sit at home with so many places, concerts and festivals to enjoy!

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50 REASONS TO HIT THE ROAD THIS SUMMER

Study: Workers benefit by using vacation time

By Jan Biles

jan.biles@cjonline.com

While American workers love the idea of having paid vacation days, fewer people are using the time off they are earning.

Richard Smalley, marketing manager at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, says Project: Time Off, a study by the U.S. Travel Association, indicates Americans are taking the least amount of vacation in nearly 40 years.

“Workers take 16 vacation days now,” said Smalley, pointing out the number is down from 20 days reported about 15 years ago.

Why aren’t workers taking the paid vacation days they’ve earned?

Forty percent say they don’t like returning to a mountain of work that’s piled up while they were gone, according to the study. Thirty-five percent believe no one else can do their job; and 22 percent don’t want to be seen as replaceable.

However, Smalley said, taking vacation time results in several benefits for the worker, and in turn the employer: higher productivity and performance, a more positive attitude toward work, increased happiness, improved mental and physical health, and better relationships and social life.

Having free time also allows people to create stronger bonds with family and friends by taking vacations, experiencing new activities or simply spending more time together.

“People remember experiences more than material things,” he said.

Tourism is a big business in Kansas and bolsters the state’s economy, Smalley added. In 2014, Kansas recorded 34.8 million visitors, who spent $6.2 billion in the state. Additionally, tourism has an annual economic impact of more than $9.6 billion, and 4.9 percent of those employed in the state work in tourism-supported jobs.

KDWPT has created two websites to help those planning a day trip or vacation in Kansas: TravelKS.com, which offers ideas for things to do and places to eat, stay and shop, and KSOutdoors.com, which has information about outdoor activities at state parks.

Jan Biles can be reached at (785) 295-1292.

Ann deaN

OCTOBER 2015 FILE PHOTOGRAPH/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Decorated cars and other wheeled entries will be featured in the Art Tougeau parade on May 28 in downtown Lawrence.

Kansas City Royals’ Danny Duffy pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the 2015 American League Championship series.

THE BIG 5-0

Events, places you can explore ary with a multitude of animals, interactive experiences and educational programs.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday Admission: $14.50 for ages 12-54; $13.50 for ages 55 and older; $11.50 for ages 3-11; free for ages 2 and younger Information: www.kansascityzoo.org Bonus: Exotic animals also can be seen at the Topeka Zoo, 635 S.W. Gage Blvd., topekazoo.org; David Traylor Zoo in Emporia, zoo.emporia-kansas.gov; Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina, www.rollinghillswildlife. com; and Sunset Zoo in Manhattan, www. sunsetzoo.com.

The Capital-Journal Memorial Day is just around the corner, and we all know what that means: It’s time to plan summer outings and day trips.

Plenty of opportunities lie within a 100mile drive of Topeka. So get out your calendars and Sharpies, because we’ve compiled a list of 50 reasons for you to hit the road this summer.

DeBruce Center

The 32,000-square-foot DeBruce Center on the University of Kansas campus is home to the original rules of basketball, created in 1891 by James Naismith. The new facility, which adjoins Allen Fieldhouse at 1647 Naismith Drive in Lawrence, also features a life-size statue of Naismith; the Courtside Cafe; the Original Rules Gift Shop; and displays celebrating Naismith and legendary KU basketball coach Forrest “Phog” Allen.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday Information: http://cjon.co/1ThWijJ

Zoos

Tigers, koalas, antelope, oh my! The Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Drive in Kansas City, Mo., is showing off some new animals this summer: two scimitar-horned oryx calves — a type of desert antelope — recently born at the zoo; two Sumatran

Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame

CHRIS NEAL/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

A statue of James Naismith, the creator of basketball, sits in front of the new DeBruce Center in Lawrence. tigers — 4-year-old brothers Conrad and Thomas — born at the San Diego Safari Park; and a pair of koalas — 2-year-olds, Coedie and Burra — from the San Diego Zoo. The zoo is a 202-acre nature sanctu-

If you’re heading to Kaufmann Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., to root for the Kansas City Royals, you might arrive a little early and take a look at the new exhibits at the Royals Hall of Fame, inside Gate A on the west side of the ballpark. “Bright Stars — Big Moments: A History of the All-Star Game” includes artifacts on loan from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum from all-star games dating back to 1933. “The Year of the Rookies: 2011 Rookie Royals” features 12 rookies who made their Major League debuts with the Royals in 2011, and “Outfields of Gold: Royals Gold Glove Contenders” focuses

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50 REASONS TO HIT THE ROAD THIS SUMMER

The big 5-0 Continued from 4C on five Gold Glove outfielders who played for the Royals.

Hours: Open on game days. Non-game days open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. TuesdaySaturday, May 27-Aug. 30, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, Sept.

2-20.

Admission: Free to those with game tickets; $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for ages 4-12 and free for ages 3 and younger for a pass that allows unlimited visits per year Information: www.nlbm.com/s/index. cfm

Art Tougeau

If it has wheels, adorn it and join Art Tougeau, a parade of decorated cars, bicycles, skateboards and other wheeled art, at noon May 28 in downtown Lawrence. Line up in front of the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire, at 10 a.m. After the parade, enjoy the awards ceremony and post-parade block party at the arts center.

A pre-parade painting block party will be from 5 to 9 p.m. May 27 in the 900 block of New Hampshire. Decorate your cars, bikes and other wheeled entries and dance to live music.

Information: www.arttougeau.org

Broadway bound

The drama and music of Broadway is coming to several area theaters: n Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, Mo.: “Matilda the Musical,” through May 28; “The Bridges of Madison County,” June 14-19; “Bullets Over Broadway,” June 28-July 3; “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” July 13-19; “If/Then,” July 26-

MATTHEW MURPHY

“Bullets Over Broadway” is one of the Broadway musicals being staged this summer at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, Mo. July 31; “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder,” Aug. 9-14; and “The Rat Pack is Back,” Sept. 9-11. http://cjon.co/1TJGNLP n Topeka Civic Theatre, 3028 S.W. 8th Ave./Helen Hocker Theater in Gage Park: “Comic Potential,” June 3-18; “The Outsiders,” June 17-26; “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” July 8-Aug. 13; and “Bye Bye Birdie,” July 22-Aug. 7. www.topekacivictheatre.com n Theatre Lawrence, 4660 Bauer Farm Drive in Lawrence: “Guys and Dolls,” June 10-26; and “A Chorus Line,” Sept. 16-Oct. 2. www.theatrelawrence.com

Concerts

Pop, country, rap, rock — just about any type of concert you crave has been booked this summer at area venues:

MATTHEW JOHN GONZALEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

The Dave Matthews Band will perform on June 29 at the Providence Medical Center Amphitheater in Bonner Springs. n Topeka Performing Arts Center, 214 S.E. 8th Ave: Willie Nelson and Leon Russell, Aug. 2; Chicago, Aug. 7; and Liverpool Legends, Sept. 24. www.topekaperformingarts.org/ n Stiefel Theater, 151 S. Santa Fe in Salina: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, June 2; Gordon Lightfoot, June 18; Willie Nelson and Leon Russell, Aug. 1; Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Aug. 23; and Martina McBride, Sept. 23. www.stiefeltheatre.org n Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd. in Kansas City, Mo.: Zac Brown Band, May 27; Journey and the Doobie Brothers, May 28; Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill, June 17; Little Wayne and 2 Chainz, June 18; Selena Gomez, July 1; Drake and Future, July 23; Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas, Aug. 6; Gwen Stefani, Aug. 12; Julion Alvarez,

Aug. 13; and Dixie Chicks, Aug. 30. www. sprintcenter.com/events n Granada Theatre, 807 Commercial in Emporia: Wynonna and Big Noise, July 24; and Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters, Aug. 20. emporiagranada.com n Providence Medical Center Amphitheater, 633 N. 130th St. in Bonner Springs: Keith Urban, June 2; Dave Matthews Band, June 29; Brand New and Modest Mouse, July 1; Lynryd Skynyrd, July 8; G-Easy and Logic, July 12; Rascal Flatts, July 29; Korn and Rob Zombie, Aug. 10; Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, Aug. 18; and Luke Bryan, Aug. 25. providenceamp.com n Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road in Kansas City, Mo.: Boston, June 5;

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50 REASONS TO HIT THE ROAD THIS SUMMER

The big 5-0 Continued from 6C The Cure, June 8; Fantasia and Anthony Hamilton, June 10; Paul Simon, June 11; Bad Company and Joe Walsh, June 20; Bob Dylan, June 21; Widespread Panic, June 22; Steely Dan, June 23; Flight of the Conchords, July 7; Weezer and Panic at the Disco, July 20; Duran Duran, July 24; Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy, Aug. 5; Kool & the Gang, Aug. 6; Heart, Aug. 15; Josh Groban, Aug. 16; and Bryan Adams, Sept. 16. http:// cjon.co/1U2aJW1

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Ready to make a big splash? Schlitterbahn Waterpark, 9400 State Ave. in Kansas City, Kan., is home to Verruckt, the tallest water slide in the world. The park features an interconnected river system that takes visitors through more than a mile of rapids, currents and tidal waves.

Kids can play on 13 mini slides, and the whole family can relax on beaches, in private cabanas or a heated pool with a swim-

SCHLITTERBAHN WATERPARKS AND RESORTS

Visitors to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kan., will get a thrill when they ride the Verruckt, the tallest water slide in the world. up refreshment bar.

Hours: Varies; check online calendar at http://cjon.co/1suXJ23.

Admission: $41.99-$44.99 for ages 12-54 and $29.99-$32.99 for ages 3-11 and 55 and older for one-day admission when purchased online; other ticket packages available Information: http://cjon.co/1qx6l71

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50 REASONS TO HIT THE ROAD THIS SUMMER

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Kansas Belle Dinner Train

If the sound of a train whistle and riding the rails excites you, you might want to sign up for the 22-mile round trip from Baldwin City to Ottawa on the Kansas Belle Dinner Train. The dinner train offers a three- or five-course dinner with optional live entertainment in a climatecontrolled railroad car. Rides are available on weekends by reservation only at office@kansasbelle.com or (785) 594-8505.

Prices vary.

Information: www.KansasBelle.com Bonus: The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad in Abilene offers a limited schedule of rides on a variety of passenger trains. www.asvrr.org

Union Station

“Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life,” an exhibition that offers a rare three-dimensional journey into the form, function and beauty of the human body through all stages of life, is on display at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Road in Kansas City, Mo. The exhibit’s more than 100 preserved human specimens, including 14 whole-body palatinates, demonstrate the complexity, resilience and vulnerability of the human body in distress, disease and optimal health.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday Admission (excludes taxes and fees): $21.95 for ages 13 and older; $16.95 for ages 3-12 Information: unionstation.org/cycleoflife

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The “Amazing Dinosaurs!” exhibit will run through Sept. 11 at the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan.

Flint Hills Discovery Center

Visitors to the Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 S. 3rd St. in Manhattan, will be able to explore how dinosaurs lived, how big they grew and what they ate. The “Amazing Dinosaurs!” exhibit will run through Sept. 11. “For the first time ever, kids can explore, discover and touch real teeth and bones from many of the most famous dinosaurs,” said exhibition curator Tom Hendershot. “They’ll find out how fast baby dinosaurs grew and touch real dinosaur eggs.”

Other special events include the Wolf Spider Night Walk on June 18; Kids’ Dinosaur Dinner Theater, featuring dinosaurinspired food and storyteller Priscilla Howe, on June 25; and the National Day of the Cowboy on July 23.

Summer hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondayWednesday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday Admission: $9 for adults; $7 for seniors, military, teachers and students with ID; $4 for ages 2-17; free for ages 1 and younger.

ADVENTUREMONKEY.COM

Bicyclists in the gravel-grinding Dirty Kanza 200 on June 4 will travel a 200-mile route through the Flint Hills.

Information: www.flinthillsdiscovery. org Bonus: Experience the tallgrass prairie first-hand and hike the nature trails at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve at 2480B K-177 highway in Strong City. http://cjon.co/1TJGWi5

Flint Hills Rodeo

The oldest consecutive rodeo in Kansas, the Flint Hills Rodeo attracts nearly 6,000 people each night to its arena in Strong City. This year’s rodeo at 8 p.m. June 2-4 will have plenty to offer participants and spectators, said Buck Bailey, president of the Flint Hills Rodeo Association. In addition to roping, bull riding and barrel racing for adults, youngsters can participate in Buckaroo/Buckarette activities, a calf scramble and mutton busting each night.

Admission: $12 for reserved, $9 for adults and free to ages 12 and younger for June 2; $13 for reserved, $10 for adults and $8 for ages 12 and younger for June 3; $15 for reserved, $11 for adults and $9 for ages 12 and younger for June 4

Information: www.flinthillsrodeo.org Bonus: Another rollicking rodeo to check out is the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo Aug. 3-6 at the fairgrounds in Abilene. www.wildbillhickokrodeo.com

Dirty Kanza 200

Watch nearly 1,900 bicyclists cross the finish line of the Dirty Kanza 200, a gravel-grinding ride on June 4 that begins and ends in Emporia and includes a 200mile route through the Flint Hills. Some cyclists will pedal 100-mile and 50-mile routes. The Dirty Kanza will start at 6 a.m. at 807 Commercial St. in downtown Emporia. A festive finish-line party with entertainment, food and merchandise vendors will begin at 4 p.m.

Information: www.visitemporia.com

National Biplane Fly-In

Get an up-close look at antique, experimental and modern biplanes at the Na-

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50 REASONS TO HIT THE ROAD THIS SUMMER

The big 5-0 Continued from 8C tional Biplane Fly-In from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

June 4 at Freeman Field, 18th and Jackson in Junction City. Other highlights include biplane rides; aircraft operations on the grass runway; food and aviation-themed vendors; horse-drawn wagon rides; children’s activities; a full-motion flight simulator; and a pancake feed from 7 to 10 a.m.

Admission: $5 per carload Information: www.nationalbiplaneflyin. com

Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home

Hop in the car and head to the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, 200 S.E. 4th St. in Abilene, to learn about Dwight Eisenhower, a five-star general who became a U.S. president. Highlights include the “World War II Remembered: Leaders, Battles and Heroes” exhibit on display through December, and the Symphony at Sunset Annual D-Day Commemoration Concert on June 4, featuring the 1st Infantry Division Band at 7 p.m. and the Salina Symphony at 8:30 p.m.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily, AugustMay; 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. daily, June and July Admission: $12 for adults; $9 for seniors, retired/disabled military and students with ID; $3 for ages 6-15; free for active military with ID and ages 5 and younger Information: http://cjon.co/1W4T6IC

Cosmosphere

The Cosmosphere, 1100 N. Plum in Hutchinson, has a collection that includes U.S. space artifacts second only to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, as well as the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow. The attraction encompasses the Carey Digital Dome Theater, which offers documentary showings daily and feature films on weekends; a newly renovated planetarium; and Dr. Goddard’s Lab, where visitors experience live science demonstrations daily.

Upcoming special events include Launch Into Summer, a free event from 1 to 3 p.m. June 5, and a Gemini-10 50thanniversary event on July 30.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

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Biplane rides will be available at the National Biplane Fly-In on June 4 at Freeman Field in Junction City.

Admission: $26 for adults, $23 for seniors and military, $17 for ages 4-12 and free for ages 3 and younger for all-access pass for museum, theater shows and simulator ride; museum-, theater- and ride-only tickets also available Information: Cosmo.org

Kicker Country Stampede

More than 15 country music stars have been corralled for this year’s Kicker Country Stampede June 23-25 at Tuttle Creek State Park, north of Manhattan. Headliners are Sam Hunt and Dierks Bentley on June 23; Chris Janson and Tim McGraw on June 24; and Chase Rice and Jake Owen on June 25.

Hours: Concerts start at 2 p.m.

Admission: $89 for one-day general admission; $150 for three-day general admission; $20 for one-day child general admission; $40 for three-day child general admission. Prices may go up nearer to event.

Information: http://cjon.co/1WELv48

Casinos

If you like to roll the dice, turn a card or take a chance at the slots, you might want to take a drive on US-75 highway north of Topeka. Prairie Band Casino and Resort in Mayetta offers more than 1,100 slot machines and a multitude of table games.

The Sac & Fox Casino in Powhattan has more than 700 slot machines and a variety of table games.

Prairie Band Casino and Resort also provides live entertainment in its Great Lakes Ballroom. Upcoming shows include classic rock group America on June 25; pop group The Monkees on July 1; country singer John Michael Montgomery on July 14; former Motley Crue singer Vince Neil on July 30; and mentalist/magician Oz Pearlman on Aug. 28.

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A space suit worn by Gemini 10 astronaut Michael Collins is on display at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson.

Information: www.prairieband.com/ gaming/; www.sacandfoxcasino.com

Maker Faire

Invention, creativity and resourcefulness are celebrated at Maker Faire Kansas City, a family-friendly showcase of things people create themselves — from new technology and electronic gizmos to urban farming and homemade foods and clothes — June 25-26 at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Road in Kansas City, Mo. Also featured are educational presentations, demonstrations and hands-on workshops.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 25; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 26 Admission: $14 for adults, $11 for youths and $50 for four-person family pack for one-day pass; $22 for adults, $17 for youths and $70 for four-person family pack for weekend pass.

Information: makerfairekc.com

Kansas Museum of History

The story of Kansas soldier James Clark Hughes, who fought in World War I and World War II, will be explored in “Captured: The Extraordinary Adventures of Colonel Hughes,” on display through May 28, 2017, at the Kansas Museum of History, 6425 S.W. 6th Ave. Hughes photographed battlefields and towns in Europe, recorded his daily survival as a Japanese prisoner of war and saved many belongings from the wars, which were later donated to the museum. Also, the museum’s main gallery features “The Story of Kansas” exhibit and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe locomotive.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $8 for adults; $7 for seniors and military; $6 for students with IDs; free for ages 5 and younger Information: kshs.org/museum

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Ever wonder how the rich in the Roman Empire lived? “Luxury: Treasures of the Roman Empire,” on display July 9 through Oct. 2 at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St. in Kansas City, Mo., will give a glimpse into the lifestyles of the ancient Roman elite, who used luxury items to show off their wealth and thank the gods. View a glittering array of silver, gold and gemstones and learn about Roman mythology and legend.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday Admission: $12 for adults; $10 for seniors; $6 for students with IDs; and free to ages 11 and younger Information: www.nelson-atkins.org Bonus: Extensive art collections also can be seen at the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, www.spencerart.ku.edu, and Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University in Manhattan, beach.kstate.edu.

Amelia Earhart Festival/ LakeFest

Atchison is serving up two festivals on the same weekend in July: The 20th Annual Amelia Earhart Festival on July 1516 celebrates the life of the Kansas-born aviatrix, while LakeFest on July 15 features country musicians on an outdoor stage at Warnock Lake.

Highlights of the Amelia Earhart Festival are a fly-in from 8 a.m. to noon July 16 at the Amelia Earhart Airport; aerobatic performances at 7:55 p.m. and fireworks after dark, both on July 16 in downtown Atchison; and helicopter rides for $40 a person from 4 to 9 p.m. July 15 at Warnock

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50 REASONS TO HIT THE ROAD THIS SUMMER

The big 5-0 Continued from 10C Lake and 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. July 16 in downtown Atchison.

Featured performers at LakeFest are Tyler Farr, Frankie Ballard and RaeLynn.

Gates open at 4 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m.

Admission: $35 for LakeFest Information: visitatchison.com

Cyclovia Topeka

Bicycling and fitness fans will get a workout when Cyclovia Topeka makes its debut July 29-30 in downtown Topeka.

The festival celebrates cycling, wellness and activity. Highlights include a glow ride and Shawnee County’s largest workout on July 29. Events on July 30 include cycling events, food trucks, bike safety experiences, children’s obstacle course, health fair and showing of “The Rider & The Wolf” at the Jayhawk Theatre.

Information: http://cjon.co/1Tqmndq

KU Natural History Museum

Located in Dyche Hall on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence, the KU Natural History Museum is home to four floors of exhibits and collections of more than 9 million specimens of animals, plants and fossils. Exhibits include the Panorama, created by Lewis Lindsay Dyche for the Kansas Pavilion at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago; a live bee colony; and the horse Comanche. Newer exhibits include “Biodiversity: Picturing Science,” featuring works from the International Images for Science Exhibition, as well as displays about mammal skulls, microbes, camels and Tyrannosaurus rex.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday Admission: $5 for adults; $3 for children Information: biodiversity.ku.edu Bonus: The Sternberg Museum of Natural History at Fort Hays State University in Hays is home to the famous “fish-within-afish” — a 14-foot Xiphactinus with its final meal, a 6-foot Gillicus, preserved within its ribcage. sternberg.fhsu.edu

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

With more than 10,000 square feet, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum preserves the history of African-American baseball. A self-guided tour lets visitors view multimedia displays; hundreds of photographs and artifacts from the late

1800s through the 1960s; and 12 life-sized bronze sculptures of Negro League players. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, 1616 E. 18th St. in Kansas City, Mo., is part of the 18th and Vine complex that includes the American Jazz Museum.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday Admission: $10 for adults; $9 for seniors; $6 for ages 5-12; free for ages 4 and younger Information: www.nlbm.com

Orchestra on the Oregon Trail

Voices, strings and woodwinds will blend Sept. 4 during the Orchestra on the Oregon Trail concert in a meadow at Alcove Spring, a historic park between Marysville and Blue Rapids. The Topeka Symphony Orchestra will be joined by a 75-member choir from Hesston College for five songs, including “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz” and “Hymn of the Fallen” from “Saving Private Ryan.” The rest of the concert will feature patriotic tunes and musical arrangements from popular movies, ranging from “South Pacific” to “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

Gates to the park open at 1 p.m.; the concert starts at 7 p.m. Afternoon activities include nature walks, wagon rides, cowboy poetry and live music. After the concert, attendees can dance, take ghost tours or star gaze.

Admission: $60 for adults; $15 for ages 12 and younger Information: www.ooot.org

Huff ’n Puff

Dozens of hot-air balloons will take to the sky as part of the Huff ‘n Puff Hot Air Balloon Rally, one of the oldest annual balloon events in the nation. The rally will be Sept. 9-11 at Tinman Circle at Lake Shawnee, southeast of Topeka. Evening flights and balloon glows are planned between 5 and 9 p.m. Sept. 9-10, with balloon launches at 7 a.m. Sept. 10-11.

Information: www.huff-n-puff.org

Haskell Indian Art Market

About 130 American Indian artisans will sell handmade items at the Haskell Indian Art Market Sept. 10-11 at the powwow grounds at Haskell Indian Nations University, 155 Indian Avenue in Lawrence. Jewelry, pottery, paintings, drawings/prints, basket and rug weavings, sculptures, beadwork and carvings will be available. Entertainment is scheduled at noon and 2 and 4 p.m. each day. Food vendors will be onsite.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 10; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 11 Information: http://cjon.co/1rXkkV5

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50 REASONS TO HIT THE ROAD THIS SUMMER

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Buskers, parades sure to put you in a festive mood The Capital-Journal In the summertime, there’s nothing more fun than spending an afternoon — or a full day — at a festival. Within a hundred miles of Topeka, you’ll find street buskers, art fairs, antiques, music, jousting knights and plenty more to explore.

Lawrence Busker Festival

Five stages with more than 25 street performers playing for tips and applause — that’s what you’ll see at the Lawrence Busker Festival May 27-29 in downtown Lawrence. The lineup includes jugglers, contortionists, clowns, musicians, yo-yo

artists, acrobatic and aerial acts, extreme pogo stunts, fire dancers and more.

Hours: 5 to 11 p.m. May 27; noon to 11 p.m.

May 28; 1 to 5 p.m. May 29 Information: lawrencebuskerfest.com

Glory Days Festival

The Glory Days Festival, Car and Motorcycle Show promises family entertainment May 27-28 on the courthouse lawn in downtown Holton. Highlights are a concert by Gary Bell and Friends at 5:30 p.m.

May 27 and an alumni parade at 11 a.m., car and motorcycle show, garden tractor pull, food and crafts on May 28.

Information: www.exploreholton.com

Big Blue River Days

Head to Marysville June 3-5 for Big Blue River Days. The festival kicks off with the classic car-centric Friday Night Cruisin and Poker Run on June 3. Other highlights that weekend include the Auto Fest Car Show, Big Blue BBQ Championship, an antique tractor show, children’s activities, food vendors and the Rib Run. Information: www.visitmarysvilleks.org

Mulvane Art Fair

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The Artyopolis children’s area is a popular attraction at the Smoky Hill River Festival, which will be June 9-12 in Salina.

More than 90 artists, live blues music, food trucks, hands-on art activities and a beer garden are among the attractions at the Mulvane Art Fair June 4-5 on the Washburn University campus.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 4; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 5 Admission: $10; free for ages 11 and younger Information: mulvaneartfair.org

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The GoFourth! Festival on July 4 in Lawrence features a car cruise, inflatable rides, live music and a fireworks show.

Patriotic pyrotechnics: Lighting up the sky for the red, white and blue The Capital-Journal Want a little sparkle and boom at the end of your Fourth of July celebration?

Then grab a blanket — and maybe some earplugs — and head to one of these spectacular fireworks shows.

Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival

The Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival, sponsored by the Topeka Blues Society, is from noon to 11 p.m. July 4 at Reynolds Lodge at Lake Shawnee, 3027 S.E. Beach Terrace.

The music starts at noon and continues until dark, followed by fireworks that reflect over the lake. Featured bands are the Cate Brothers, Divas on Fire, Honey Island Swamp Band, Ghost Town Blues Band, Tas Cru Band, KALO and the Pina Brothers.

Information: www.topekabluessociety. org

Sundown Salute

The largest free Independence Day celebration in Kansas kicks off June 30 in Junction City and ends with a parade at 10 a.m. and nighttime fireworks on July 4 at Heritage Park, 6th and Washington streets.

Other highlights of the five-day festival include a concert featuring Bret Michaels, former lead singer of Poison, at 9 p.m. July

3, a veterans ceremony, food vendors, crafters, a carnival, extreme sport demonstrators and a car show.

Information: www.sundownsalute.org

GoFourth! Festival

Lawrence’s July 4 festival starts at 3 p.m. with a classic car cruise, inflatable rides, live music, food trucks, carnival games and locally-made beer, followed by a big-bang fireworks display that night. Everything takes place in Burcham Park, 408 Indiana St., with free shuttles from downtown Lawrence to the festival grounds.

Information: www.lawrencego4th.com

Celebrate Freedom

Celebrate Freedom on July 4 in Wamego starts with a full day of fun activities and then culminates with the No. 1-rated fireworks show in Kansas. The massive, choreographed fireworks display starts at 10 p.m. at the Wamego Recreation Complex.

Other highlights include the Independence Day Parade at 6 p.m. in downtown Wamego; Kaw Valley Antique Engine, Truck and Tractor Club Show; Walter P. Chrysler Car Show; Hot Wheels races; an ice cream and cake social; a pork sandwich and homemade pie dinner; a carnival; and live entertainment.

Information: http://cjon.co/22gqHiM

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Wednesday, May 25, 2016 | 15C

16C | Wednesday, May 25, 2016 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

50 REASONS TO HIT THE ROAD THIS SUMMER

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2008 FILE PHOTOGRAPH/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Jugglers, contortionists, fire dancers and acrobatic acts will be featured at the Lawrence Busker Festival May 27-29 in downtown Lawrence.

The rock band Kansas will perform July 2 in downtown Topeka. The concert will follow the Rotary Freedom Festival, which celebrates the events leading to Kansas’ statehood.

Festive

Chuck D and Flavor Flav, will perform a free outdoor concert as part of the Free State Festival June 20-25 in downtown Lawrence. The five-day festival focuses on film, music, art and ideas, with a lineup that features musician Kris Kristofferson; Jad Abumrad, co-founder of the Peabody Award-winning public radio program/ podcast Radiolab; award-winning comedian Maria Bamford; film screenings; musical performances; and art talks.

Admission: Varies by event Information: www.freestatefestival.org

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Smoky Hill River Festival

It’s hard to find a more tantalizing menu of the arts in one place at one time than at the Smoky Hill River Festival June 9-12 in Oakdale Park in Salina. Highlights include four stages of live entertainment, the colorful Artyopolis children’s area, juried art shows, outdoor art installations, food vendors, crafts show, art demonstrations, fitness run/walk and puppeteers.

Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. June 9; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 10-11; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 12 Admission (button good for entire festival): $15 at the gate; $10 in advance; free for ages 11 and younger Information: riverfestival.com

Crown Center Antique Festival

If you’re into antiques, then you won’t want to miss the 16th annual Crown Center Antique Festival June 11-12 in Crown Center Square, 2450 Grand Blvd. in Kansas City, Mo. More than 40 vendors at nearly 100 booths will showcase pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and much more.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 11; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 12

Information: http://cjon.co/1rWQuzS

Washunga Days

The culture of Council Grove — both past and present — is celebrated during Washunga Days June 17-19 in Neosho Riverwalk Park, on W. Main Street at the Neosho River. The three-day event features the Kaw Nation intertribal powwow, live entertainment, car show, arts and crafts, food vendors, children’s games, 5K run/ walk, parade and fireworks.

Admission: $10 for adults and $5 for ages 3-6 at the gate; $5 for adults and $3 for ages 3-6 in advance Information: washungadays.com

Kansas KidsFest and Family Expo

Described as “a celebration for the imagination,” the Kansas KidsFest and Family Expo will feature more than 50,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, creation stations, live performances and inflatable rides from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 18 inside the Exhibition Hall at the Kansas Expocentre, S.W. 17th Street and S. Topeka Boulevard. The event also features educational workshops and information about nonprofits and businesses.

Admission: $7 online; $10 at the door; free for ages 2 and younger Information: www.kidsfestusa.com

Free State Festival

Public Enemy, with hip-hop artists

Rotary Freedom Festival

The events leading up to Kansas’ statehood will be celebrated at the Rotary Freedom Festival, which is making its debut from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 2 in downtown Topeka. Highlights will include a reenactment of the federal Army’s dispersal of the Free State Legislature in 1856 and tours of Constitution Hall and other historic sites. The festival will precede a concert by the band Kansas. Food trucks and an urban slide are among other activities.

Information: www.facebook.com/TopekaRotary/

Topeka Railroad Festival

All aboard for the Topeka Railroad Festival from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 9 at the Great Overland Station, 701 N. Kansas. The festival offers a variety of entertainment and activities for all ages: railroad memorabilia, model train layouts, railroad-related displays, trackless train

rides, arts and crafts, a children’s tent, historic re-enactors, food vendors, street entertainment and more.

Admission: $7 in advance; $10 at the door Information: http://cjon.co/1XmTEsx

Fiesta Mexicana

The music, food, dance and culture of Mexico will be celebrated at Fiesta Mexicana July 12-16 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 201 N.E. Chandler. Musical headliners are Las Fenix, an all-girls Latin pop band, and Roger Ortega Jr., an R&B and soul music artist. Other highlights include an art show, carnival, jalapeno-eating contest and children’s activities. The Fiesta parade will be at 10:30 a.m. July 9 along Kansas Avenue in downtown Topeka.

Information: www.olg-parish.org/ fiesta/

Kansas City Renaissance Festival

Travel back in time to the days of knights, feasts and roving musicians from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3 through Oct. 16, at the Kansas Renaissance Festival, 633 N. 130th St. in Bonner Springs. The festival features armored jousting matches, more than 100 artisan booths, 20 stages of entertainment, food and themed weekends ranging from Highland games to a wedding to witches and wizards.

Admission: $21.95 for adults; $10.50 for seniors and students with valid ID; $12.95 for ages 5-12; free for ages 4 and younger Information: www.kcrenfest.com

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18C | Wednesday, May 25, 2016 | The Topeka Capital-Journal

50 REASONS TO HIT THE ROAD THIS SUMMER

2014 FILE PHOTOGRAPH/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Bob Steinbock Jr. shows off some of the food at a past Germanfest, an annual benefit for Sacred Heart-St. Joseph parish.

STEPHEN SMITH

The Capital City Family & Food Truck Festival on June 11 at Gage Park will feature nearly three dozen food trucks.

Festivals are a foodie’s dream come true The Capital-Journal A festival isn’t a festival without food.

Here are some regional events that will please your palate and quench your thirst.

World Food and Wine Festival

The World Food and Wine Festival — from 1 to 9 p.m. June 3-5 and 10-12 at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Mo. — will pair regional and international wines with culinary delights prepared by Kevin Williams, the park’s executive chef. Participants, who must be 21 years or older and have a valid age ID, will hear stories of how the wines are created and why they are unique. Samples will include dry and sweet wines, reds and whites and sparkling.

Admission: $59.99 plus tax, for park admission and event, must be purchased in advance online; $25 plus tax, for event only.

Information: http://cjon.co/1TI4aVX

Germanfest

One word: krautstrudel. Volunteers have been making thousands of the meat-

and-sauerkraut-filled pastries to sell at Germanfest, a benefit for Sacred Heart-St. Joseph parish. The festival is from 5 to 11 p.m. June 4 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 5 at Sacred Heart Church, 312 N.E. Freeman.

Highlights on June 4 include the Fifth Annual Brat Trot at 8 a.m., mini-train, live entertainment and outdoor Mass at 4 p.m.

Activities on June 5 include a carnival, bingo, musical entertainment and live auction at 2 p.m. Both days will feature a basket booth, silent auction, country store, snack bar, beer garden, drawings and more.

Information: SacredHeartStJosephCatholic.org

Capital City Family & Food Truck Festival

Nearly three dozen food trucks will be selling delicious delicacies — from Hawaiian to barbecue to cupcakes — at the Capital City Family & Food Truck Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 11 at Gage Park, 635 S.W. Gage Blvd. Other festival highlights include: garden tours, minitrain and carousel rides, bounce houses, mobile laser tag and live music from Blazing Mojo, the A.J. Young Band and Beacon Blues. Horseshoe pitchers will share their

talents, and Helping Hands Humane Society will be at the Bark Park. The Topeka Zoo and the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, both in Gage Park, will offer family activities throughout the day.

Information: http://cjon.co/1st6iu8

Meatloaf Festival

Meatloaf makers will face off to take home the trophy at the World Championship Meatloaf Cook-off on June 18 in downtown Paxico. The cook-off is part of the activities planned for the Eighth Annual Meatloaf festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Other highlights include a parade, flea market, live music, historical displays, carriage rides, festival food, vintage farm tractors, children’s activities and a pie bake-off. Antique shops will be open.

Information: Paxicomerchants.com

Tap That Topeka: A Capital Brew Festival

Topeka’s largest brew festival — Tap That Topeka — will offer more than 140 American craft beer options from more than 40 breweries on June 25 in the 800 block of S.W. Jackson. Food, music, vendors and educational opportunities also

are on tap. A limited number of tickets are available; and attendees must be 21 years of age. Gates open at 3:30 p.m., with VIP ticket holders entering the brewers’ tents at 4 p.m., followed by general ticket holders at 5 p.m. Sampling continues until 8 p.m. Food trucks will be available from 3:30 to 8 p.m.

Admission: $65, VIP tickets; $35 for general admission; $10, designated driver tickets with a free nonalcoholic drink for those 18 years and older Information: http://cjon.co/250FUGn

Kansas Chocolate Festival

If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss the debut of the Kansas Chocolate Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sept. 24 in downtown Topeka. The festival will feature chocolate cooking demonstrations, food trucks serving entrees made from Mars chocolate candy and other chocolate-themed activities.

Earlier that day, the Kansas Chocolate Festival Winged Foot Run will kick off at 8 a.m. at the Combat Air Museum, 7016 S.E. Forbes Ave. Chocolate milk, chocolate mini cupcakes and Mars chocolate candy will be provided to runners after the race.

Information: http://cjon.co/250FSOU

The Topeka Capital-Journal | Wednesday, May 25, 2016 | 19C

20C | Wednesday, May 25, 2016 | The Topeka Capital-Journal