Editor’s Note: This will be one in a series of four articles about the upcoming Bushton anniversary celebration.

(Excerpt taken from the Bushton News, July 13, 1900)
“Wednesday was a gala day for Bushton.  Everybody put on holiday attire and proceeded to have the most bestest time imaginable, and if they didn’t have it, they could blame no one but themselves as the time and everything that went with it was right here.  Bushton’s Harvest Home picnic was everything that the bills indicated and it will long be remembered as one of the most enjoyable occasions of the season in Central Kansas. The day was all that could have been desired, the weather seemed made for the occasion, the immense crowd was good natured and orderly and not a thing happened to mar the pleasure of the day.  The large tabernacle furnished ample shade and the stands furnished ample refreshment to the hungry and thirsty.”
While the 125th Anniversary Celebration in Bushton can’t promise the weather will be as perfect as that celebration so many years ago, it is shaping up to again be “one of the most enjoyable occasions in central Kansas!”  The anniversary committee has been working for several months to put together an event for young and old on August 10th and 11th, kicking off with entertainment at Thunderbird Park Friday evening.  On Saturday, there is a parade, craft booths, anything with wheels car show, kids games, historical displays and demonstrations, bingo, ice cream social, music, dancing and beer garden.  And of course, lots of great food!  From 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Bushton Community Center, a barbecue lunch will be served and at 5 p.m., the Bushton Fire Department will grill hamburgers and hotdogs at the Fire Station.  
Jane Habiger, chairman of the 125th Anniversary Committee says “This is an event that celebrates the history of our community, and it can only happen through the support of many local volunteers.  We have been fortunate that many area businesses and individuals have stepped up to donate funding as well as some really nice items for a fund-raising drawing.   One way to support Bushton’s Anniversary Celebration is to donate in exchange for tickets to win one of the drawings.  Of course, you may also want to purchase commemorative crocks, t-shirts or other memorabilia during the celebration.  For tickets or to pre-order one of the crocks that are being specially made to commemorate this event, contact the Quivira Federal Bank. ”
For the latest information, watch the ‘City of Bushton’s 125th Anniversary Celebration’ page on Facebook.  To set up a booth, contact Linda at 620-562-3407.  For parade entries, contact Tim by July 31 at 913-515-8910.  To enter anything with wheels in the car show, contact Todd at 620-257-8788 as soon as possible.
According to the Bushton News article from the 1900 picnic, “There were people in attendance from every town in Rice County, and Ellsworth and Barton counties sent goodly delegations.”  The anniversary committee would like to invite the whole area to come help Bushton celebrate their 125th Anniversary this year on Aug. 10 and 11.