The annual Kansas Originals Spirit of Kansas Festival will be held on Oct. 11th. Starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m., a line-up of musicians from around the area will be performing under the Big Tent and talented artists, craftsmen and food producers will be hand on for visitors to meet and learn from. To add to the days fun and excitement, Autumn Leaf Alpacas of Natoma, will be bringing their alpacas and angora goats for people to pet and enjoy. A large selection of specialty Kansas foods will be available for taste-testing. The day will highlight the best of Kansas.  
The Great Decorated Pumpkin Contest will create a challenge for anyone who wants to bring a decorated pumpkin--and the stakes are worth it. Adult first place will receive $75, with $50 second prize and a $25 gift certificate for 3rd place. There will be two age groups for childrens pumpkins with a bicycle for each. Winners will choose the color of the bicycle and whether its a girls or boys. Pumpkins need to be brought in by 12 noon. Judging will begin at 1 p.m. Winning pumpkins will become the property of the Foundation.
New this year will be the fun dollar auctions. Plans are to have a dollar auction between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m. with some great items to be auctioned, so bring plenty of dollar bills. A food stand offering Kansas Originals Sliders, Farmers Beans, potato salad, Rabbit Creek cheese cake and pumpkin pie along with a variety of other foods will be open throughout the event.  
Kansas Originals is operated by the Post Rock Opportunities Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation which is currently celebrating their 25th anniversary. Their mission is to market the work of Kansans. The Festival is a major fundraiser in helping with the expenses of day-to-day operations. In the past 23 years Kansas Originals has sold the art, crafts and food products of more than 1,750 Kansans to people from every state in the union and more than 100 foreign countries and introduces nearly 100,000 visitors to Kansas products through their locations each year.  
“We need the support from anyone and everyone who believes that we are an asset to this area, and that the Foundation provides a valuable service to Kansans,” says CEO Marge Lawson. “We want people to support our events and we always appreciate the backing of corporate and personal donors who wish to support the arts in helping to keep our doors open.”
Check Kansas Originals Facebook page for updated information about events and Kansas products at www.facebook.com/kansasoriginals. The Foundations online catalog is at www.kansasoriginals.com. Kansas Originals is located along Kansas Highway 232, the Post Rock Scenic Byway, on the north side of Interstate 70 at Exit 206 near Wilson. For further information call 785-658-2602.