The 26th annual Kansas Sampler Festival will be held May 2-3 in Wamego’s City Park. More than 150 Kansas communities will showcase all there is to see, do, hear, taste, learn and buy in the state.
A project of the Inman-based Kansas Sampler Foundation, the festival is a kick-off for the tourism season. LaPlant said, “The annual event is like a living brochure of all things Kansas has to offer.”
Festival hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 2, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 3. Admission fee is $5 for adults and $3 for children 7-12. For more information go to kansassamplerfestival.com or call 785-456-1861.
Towns from Atchison to Ulysses will offer day trip suggestions and promote their Explorer Tourism attractions. Exhibitors in large tents show you what to see in particular counties or regions. For example, in the Dickinson County tent you can learn about the Kansas Auto Racing Museum in Chapman and also see a sheep shearing demonstration by Hope’s Abeldt Family Sheep Farm.  
Outside of the tents you’ll find Hedrick’s Exotic Animal Farm of Nickerson as well as the pack goats and Mammoth donkeys of Council Grove’s Paradise Ranch. New this year is a group from Lindsborg showing the public how to play the Swedish game of Kuub.
Find out about unique stores like the English Leather Shop in Horton or shop on-site from Kansas businesses like Dale Family Farms of Protection who will be selling their beef, summer sausage, beef sticks, and jerky. The public can view the works of a dozen Kansas photographers and buy Kansas art as well as products from more than forty entrepreneurs.
Be the first to see Native American dancer and educator, Dennis Rodgers of Topeka perform a new program, “Native Country” with Jami Amber Lynne of Basehor. You’ll also find historic performers such as Ann Birney, from Admire, who will portray Amelia Earhart.
Bierocks, schnitzel sandwiches, bison hot dogs, fruit kabobs, homemade ice cream, Swedish baked goods, smokehouse salads and Scottish sausage are just a few Kansas specialty items served by 22 food vendors.
Festival overseer WenDee LaPlant of the Kansas Sampler Foundation said, “Local festival director Michelle Crisler and her team in Wamego went over the top last year in planning the successful event and are eager to welcome everyone again to Wamego, the smallest community to ever host the state’s largest traveling festival. Wamego City Park, known for its unique Dutch Windmill and beautifully landscaped tulip beds, will provide a beautiful backdrop for visitors and exhibitors alike.”