Smoky Hill River Festival to celebrate 50th anniversary

Program offers free festival wristbands for low-income families

'First Treasures' program connects youth with affordable art

Salina Arts and Humanities celebrates 60 years as independent city department

City of Salina launches public survey for new cultural master plan

Smoky Hill Museum opens exhibit honoring nation's 250th birthday

Museum rotates artifacts to showcase hidden collections

Smoky Hill River Festival to celebrate 50th anniversary

SALINA, Kan. - The Smoky Hill River Festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary June 11-14 in Oakdale Park. Advance four-day admission wristbands went on sale May 1 for $15 and are available through authorized retailers and festival sales channels. At-the-gate four-day wristbands are $20, daily admission is $10 and children 11 and under attend for free.

Program offers free festival wristbands for low-income families

SALINA, Kan. - Salina Arts and Humanities will distribute free wristbands for the Smoky Hill River Festival to low-income families through its Festival Families First program. The initiative, funded by city tax dollars and underwritten by local businesses, distributes coupons through social service agencies to help keep the event accessible to community members regardless of financial status.

'First Treasures' program connects youth with affordable art

SALINA, Kan. - The popular First Treasures program will return to the Smoky Hill River Festival on Saturday, allowing children ages 4 to 13 to purchase original artwork for $1 to $5. Exhibiting artists donate or consign artwork to foster an early appreciation for art collecting. Volunteers escort participating children through the tent so they can make independent selections.

Salina Arts and Humanities celebrates 60 years as independent city department

SALINA, Kan. - Salina Arts and Humanities is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, maintaining its unique status as an independent municipal arts department in Kansas. Executive director Brad Anderson said local arts and cultural events act as a major economic driver for the city, generating revenue through hotel stays, restaurant visits and downtown shopping while helping local businesses attract and retain workforce talent.

City of Salina launches public survey for new cultural master plan

SALINA, Kan. - Salina Arts and Humanities is developing a new cultural master plan to replace the previous "Big Ideas" plan adopted in 2009. The City of Salina has contracted Keen Independent Research to conduct the study and gather public input. Residents and regional visitors are encouraged to complete a bilingual online survey at salinaarts.com before the end of the Smoky Hill River Festival to help shape the future of arts, culture and downtown revitalization in Salina.

Smoky Hill Museum opens exhibit honoring nation's 250th birthday

SALINA, Kan. - Celebrating its 40th anniversary in its current location, the Smoky Hill Museum has opened a special exhibit honoring the upcoming 250th birthday of the United States. The exhibit, which opened in mid-April, highlights the importance of historical provenance by comparing artifacts with known local stories to those without. Admission to the downtown museum remains free to the public.

Museum rotates artifacts to showcase hidden collections

SALINA, Kan. - To make greater use of its collection, the Smoky Hill Museum continues rotating artifacts on display. Museum officials said only a small fraction of the thousands of locally significant items in their possession can be displayed at any given time. Admission remains free.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us