Ellsworth Independent-Reporter

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Spirit of Kansas Art Fair and Fun Day is Saturday
By Alan Rusch
Last Updated: September 15, 2009

The chance to meet Kansas artists, to participate in silent and live auctions, to be entertained with comedy and karaoke, and to eat some great barbecue — it's all part of the seventh annual Spirit of Kansas Art Fair and Fun Day this Saturday, Sept. 19, hosted by Kansas Originals Market and Gallery north of Wilson.
“We really are looking forward to it this year," said Marge Lawson, chief executive officer of the not-for-profit Post Rock Opportunities Foundation, parent organization of Kansas Originals.

“The best part are the people — the people that come to enjoy and the artists," added Laura McClure, board president. “We are celebrating Kansas and Kansas artists."

The schedule of events includes:
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Live easy listening music by local musicians before and between events.
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Meet the Kansas Artists.
• 11 a.m. — Silent auction begins.
• Noon — “Deeper Thoughts From a Real Cowboy," presented by Don Fields.
• 1 p.m. — “It's All About Choice," presented by the Delbert Harvey family.
• 2 p.m. — “The Story of Ira E. Lloyd," performed by Dennis Katzenmeier.
• 3 p.m. — Comedy and Karaoke, hosted by Laurie DeDander.
• 4 p.m. — 4-Told Gospel Singers.
• 4:45 p.m. — Silent auction ends.
• 5 p.m. — Live auction with 25 exceptional items.
• 6 p.m. — Clem's Cooking Barbecue, featuring Tracy Meyer and his crew. ($10 per person, which includes a chance to win a limestone bench provided by Vonada Stone Company.)
• 6:30 p.m. — Homemade ice cream.
• 7 p.m. — Drawing for prizes.

In addition to free admission, the Spirit of Kansas Art Fair and Fun Day includes something for all ages. For the kids, there will be “Make and Take" art, a money scramble, and a treasure hunt. Kansas Wildlife and Parks will have “casting" for kids.'

“We'll have free drawings every half hour," Lawson said.

According to Lawson, the Spirit of Kansas Art Fair and Fun Day was started to educate the public about the Kansas Originals Market and Art Gallery and the Post Rock Opportunities Foundation.

“At the time we started this, nobody understood that we weren't just a store along I-70," she said. “They didn't understand our mission, which is to support Kansas artists, craftsmen and food producers. We enhance the image of Kansas artists and craftsmen, and sell their work for them. We offer the public something they can't get anywhere else."

“I don't know how many people realize that the majority of the artists that are represented here are over 65 and low income," McClure said. “Many are minorities and women in business for themselves. That creates an opportunity for them that wouldn't be here if this hadn't started."

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