Fifty-one people representing nearly 20 countries became United States citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene. As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, the ceremony served as a powerful reminder that citizenship is both a privilege and a responsibility—one that many spend years working to earn.

Professional football is thriving in Kansas. When the Salina Liberty and Southwest Kansas Storm met in the National Arena League Championship, the game became more than a battle for a title—it was a showcase of two communities, passionate fan bases, and the growing impact of professional football across the state. From Salina to Dodge City, Kansas was the real winner.

The Smoky Hill River Festival celebrated its 50th year by bringing thousands together for four days of music, art, food, and community. While the festival has grown tremendously since its beginnings, its greatest strength remains the same: creating a place where people can gather, reconnect, and celebrate the arts together.

Athletes from across Kansas gathered in Wichita for the Special Olympics of Kansas Summer Games, competing in track and field events while showcasing determination, skill, and sportsmanship. The annual event is one of more than 170 competitions hosted by the organization, which serves nearly 5,000 athletes statewide.

We first featured Cash Hollistah on Ask A Kansan, and now he’s building something special in Salina. R&B Me Please blends classic and modern R&B into one high-energy night — complete with live art and an all-female DJ lineup. With a spring event already in the works, this growing series is quickly becoming a can’t-miss experience in Kansas.

For one day each year, two towns separated by more than 4,500 miles flip pancakes in the name of pride, tradition, and international goodwill. What began in 1445 with a hurried dash to church has grown into a 77-year rivalry between Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, England. On Shrove Tuesday, medals are awarded, bragging rights are earned, and one town claims the title of International Pancake Champion.

Around Valentine’s Day each year, an event takes place across the world, a night dedicated to celebrating and honoring individuals with special needs: Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Here in Kansas, seven Night to Shine events were held in 2026, each hosted by a local church committed to creating an unforgettable evening for its guests. Ask A Kansan attended the McPherson County event sponsored by Journey Mennonite Church in McPherson. While each Night

Hikers across Kansas kicked off the new year with First Day Hikes at 24 Kansas State Parks. This year’s hike at Glen Elder State Park offered a fog-filled, three-mile walk through nature and a chance to reflect on the area’s deep history, including the sacred site of Waconda.

his week’s Curious Kansan segment takes us to “The Best Square Mile on Earth”. Lindsborg, Kansas home to the beloved Svensk Hyllningsfest.

In 1867, the Peace Treaty between the U.S. government and Plains tribes was signed along Medicine Lodge Creek. Today, the legacy lives on through the Peace Treaty Festival each September. Highlights include the Intertribal Powwow at Memorial Peace Park, where traditions like the Gourd Dance are shared—keeping culture alive while honoring the past.

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge hosted its 10th annual Mountain Man Rendezvous. From trappers to flintknappers, 1,300 visitors—including 350 students—experienced life on the 1800s prairie.

For over 50 years, this little northwest Kansas town has run its own carnival — rides, games, and that quirky “four smalls for a medium, four mediums for a large” prize swap that leaves grandpa buried in stuffed animals by the end of the night. It’s all powered by volunteers who check every ride, run the games, and make sure nothing sits idle when the gates swing open. And when they do? Generations of families return, proud to be part of a tradition that makes Oberlin feel l

The 48th annual Smoky Valley Saddle Club Rodeo brought big crowds to Marquette, Kansas, for a weekend of family fun and rodeo action. From crowd-favorite Mutton Busting to high-energy bull riding, this long-standing Kansas rodeo tradition continues to draw local talent and spectators alike. With cooler temperatures and a heartfelt tribute to founder Lawrence Wayne Spohn, the community once again proved that it’s committed to keeping this iconic event alive.

The 45th Annual Leadsled Spectacular , hosted by Kustom Kemps of America (KKOA) , rolled into Salina the weekend of July 24–27 and...