The counties of Jewell, Republic and Smith counties in north central Kansas will host the third annual Big Kansas Road Trip May 4-7.

A project of the Inman-based Kansas Sampler Foundation, the Big Kansas Road Trip (BKRT) provides the public first-hand experiences in rural communities, oo-director Marci Penner said.

“It’s like a tri-county open house. Each visitor creates their own plan of where and when to go to any particular place,” she said.

Communities are asked to simply be good at being themselves and organizations, attractions, and businesses are invited to help the public get to know them through a variety of activities.

Activities range from fire department fundraisers in Republic to eating pie on the porch in Burr Oak and Smith Center. Tours of a meat locker in Kensington and the Pro Hoe Manufacturing plant in Munden are scheduled. From dawn to dusk, visitors are invited to walk the track of the world’s fastest dirt track in Belleville. Visitors are welcome to attend the livestock sale in Mankato on Friday, May 5. Wooden skating rinks are open in Formoso and Cuba, and in Cuba people can rock on the famous Rock-a-thon rockers. There are more than 40 other events designed to help the public get to know the culture of small towns.

Attractions include the White Rock Creek Scenic Back Road to Lovewell Lake and State Park, Lake Emerson, and the new Mammoth display at the Jewell County Museum; the Home on the Range Cabin, the Center of the 48 Contiguous States, and a Dutch Mill replica in Smith County; and the Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site, the National Midget Auto Racing Museum and the clock tower bridge in Republic County. Locally owned restaurants will tempt visitors in every town.

Photo opportunities in Norway, Cuba and Lebanon, plus courthouses, museums, unique shopping experiences, trails, murals, vintage displays of wedding dresses and hair care products, and endearing community touches are some of the options.

Visitors should make sure to check the schedule as many things only happen at specific times. Information about events, attractions, shop stops, restaurants, lodging and other pertinent information can be found at bigkansasroadtrip.com or in a 55-page print guide. Locations for the guide are found at bigkansasroadtrip.com or by contacting wendee@kansassampler.org. Information and pictures are posted daily on the Big Kansas Road Trip Facebook page. The BKRT guide and a day program will be available in information centers (county seat libraries) during the event.

“The BKRT provides an opportunity for the public to understand rural culture by stepping in to these small-town environments,” Penner said. “In Agenda, you’ll meet Glenda Trecek, who opened five stores in this town of 62 people. Do some shopping in Kensington to support the community owned grocery store. Drive around Burr Oak to see sunflowers made out of farm parts that show community pride. It’s not easy sustaining a rural community but by taking part in the BKRT you’ll learn that residents love their hometowns.”