CRAWFORD STATE PARK TO HOST COUNTRY MUSIC JAMBOREE SEPT. 27

Live music begins at 3:30 p.m. and will continue through the night

PRATT – Camping, chili, and country music – what more could you ask for? Thanks to the Friends of Crawford State Park, all this and more will be part of a one-night event, Sept. 27 at Crawford State Park’s Oak Point Campground. Crawford State Park is located just nine miles north of Girard on K-7. The first event of the day will be a chili cook-off beginning at 12 p.m. with a cook’s meeting, followed by cooking from 12:30 to 4 p.m., judging at4 p.m., tasting session at 4:30 p.m., and awards at 5:30 p.m. There is a $20 entry fee for anyone wanting to enter the chili contest.

Following the cook-off, an “end of the season” campers’ pot luck will take place at 6:30 in the back of the campground amphitheater. Those interested in staying are asked to bring a covered side dish as spaghetti red (chili) will be provided.

Apart from good eats, park goers can also enjoy the park’s Country Music Jamboree beginning at 3:30 p.m. and running through the night. A host of local musical acts including The Duling Band, Jeff Simpson, Kinley Rice, and Jason Richison will perform.

The Duling’s are a local legend and part of a musical family that have entertained for over 50 years. The variety they bring to the stage is sure to please young and old.

Jeff Simpson, a resident of Cherokee, has been performing blues and jazz harmonica for the past 17 years. He is a regular with several area country, bluegrass, and classic rock bands.

Kinley Rice, a 15-year-old country singer from Fort Scott, is currently a regular on TV’s “Kelly’s Kountry Junction.” Her musical influences are Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Hank Williams, and many other country legends.

Jason Richison, another Fort Scott resident, will perform classic country music with energy and an edgy guitar. He is also a member of the Fort Scott Jubilee Hot Band and lead guitarist for Kelly’s Kountry Junction television program.

Campsites will be available and can be reserved by visiting ReserveAmerica.com.

For more information on the chili cook-off, contact Kevin Smith at (620) 362-3237, or by e-mail atkmsmith@ckt.net.

LOVEWELL STATE PARK SENDS OFF SUMMER WITH TWO DAYS OF EVENTS

Saturday, Sept. 7th, Lovewell State Park will host its first-ever “Tailgating Saturday”

PRATT ­­– Lovewell State Park will celebrate the end of the summer with two days of events Sept. 7 and 8, including a free park entrance day on Sunday. Events include a football-themed campsite decoration party, a chili cook-off contest and a 3D archery shoot.

The weekend will kick off with the park’s first-ever “Tailgating Saturday,” a friendly football-themed competition where campers will compete to see who can decorate their campsite with the most pride for their favorite team. No registration is required.

After taking in the scenic views of campers in all their pigskin-glory, park goers can fill up on good eats at the chili cook-off contest Sunday at the Lovewell Marina. Those wishing to compete in the cook-off must register with the park office no later than 9 a.m. Judging will be done by the first 100 people who contribute a $5.00 donation for a taste-testing ticket. Judges will have from noon to 1:00 p.m. to score entries and vote for their favorites. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place.

For park goers who would rather compete outside of the kitchen, a 3D archery shoot will be held Sunday for archers of all skill levels. Registration for the shoot will begin at 9 a.m., with course completion by noon. Shooters are asked to donate a $10 entry fee and will compete in men’s, women’s and youth divisions. Following the 3D shoot, archers may also participate in a steel deer competition, for a donation of $5. Prizes will be awarded for the first, second and third places.

For more information, contact the Lovewell State Park office at (785) 753-4971.