🎥Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair returns with Old West Fun

By SALINA POST

The Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair is set to bring Old West excitement to downtown Salina on Saturday, September 28. The event, held at the Smoky Hill Museum located at 211 W. Iron Avenue, offers a full day of family-friendly activities, entertainment, and food—all for free.

Smoky Hill Street Fair volunteers help children create paper crafts and paint pumpkins on Saturday, Sept. 23 during the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier

The festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with a parade down Santa Fe Avenue. Visitors can then explore the area around the museum, which will be transformed into an Old West-themed playground, featuring a stagecoach, historic demonstrations, free crafts, and more. Highlights include caricature artists, airbrush tattoos, and a chili cook-off.

Chili lovers can sample and vote on their favorite recipes from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for just $2. The winners of the People’s Choice and Judges' Choice awards will be announced at 2 p.m.

Smoky Hill Street Fair chili cook off competitor Pete Jagel dips out some of his chili for a tester on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier

Live music will play throughout the day, with performances on the main stage by local favorites.

Street Fair Lineup

11 a.m. Steel Skarecrow, featuring Jared Brown and the Dirt Road Misfits, blending country and southern soul.

12 p.m. Jake Gill, a country singer known for his engaging and energetic performances.

1 p.m. Eating contests, sponsored by Bravo Sliders-N-Bites, The Cozy Inn, and Martinelli's Little Italy.

2:15 p.m. David Zerf, a Manhattan, Kansas native, performing classic Kansas cowboy and pioneer tunes.

3 p.m. Steel Skarecrow returns for a final set with Jared Brown and the Dirt Road Misfits.

The museum itself will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring its latest exhibit, Step Up to the Task, and the interactive Curiosity Shop. The Museum Store will also be open, offering a selection of Kansas-made products and local artwork.

Musicians Geff and Dawn Dawson perform on Saturday, Sept. 23 during the Smoky Hill Street Fair in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier

Thanks to local sponsors, including the City of Salina, Friends of the Museum, Salina Ortho, and many others, the event remains free to the public. For more information and updates, visit the museum’s website at www.smokyhillmuseum.org.

Mark your calendars for a day of fun and celebration on September 28 at the Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair!