Waylaid at the Kansas Sampler Festival, but in a good way

Tom Parker, an author and photographer from Blue Rapids, was the recipient of one of 10 WeKan! awards presented May 2 at the Kansas Sampler Festival in Wamego.

The awards are presented to individuals or organizations that have made outstanding efforts to help preserve and sustain rural culture in their area. The Kansas Sampler Foundation chooses recipients who have a cooperative spirit, show enthusiasm and dedication for their community and whose efforts have made a real difference in rural Kansas.

Parker’s award was for “Putting Kansas in a good light.” 

“The wording of the award is a nod to his exceptional photography as well as his ability to write about the essence of Kansas communities,” said Marci Penner, Kansas Sampler Foundation director. “Tom is a big asset in conveying rural culture to the public.”

The award is a handcrafted plate made by Elk Falls Pottery. This is the twenty-third year for the WeKan! awards. 

Photo by Brad Neff

A very muggy, muddy run/walk fitness race at Alcove Spring Historic Park

Archeological survey at Alcove Spring Historic Park, with Kansas state archeologist Bob Hoard, the National Park Service, the Oregon-California Trail Association, volunteers and the Wheat State Treasure Hunters