By SALINA POST
Celebrate Kansas Day a bit early at the Smoky Hill Museum in Salina on Saturday.
The State of Kansas turns 162 years old on Sunday.
The free event for the whole family is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Saturday in the museum, 211 W. Iron Avenue.
A variety of demonstrations, make-and-take crafts, and delicious refreshments will be available. Learn how to make butter and shell corn, as well as wool carding, spinning, and weaving, according to information from the museum.
And if you're looking for special Kansas-made gifts for Kansas Day, check out the selection of Kansas-made items available in the museum store.
While you're at the museum, check out the latest exhibit, sparked not by the candles on Kansas' birthday cake but by an exploration of both national and local historic fires.
According to information from the museum, while huge national fires receive the most attention, all communities, Salina included, suffer from and learn about the power of fire. The exhibit examines these historical fires that have significantly impacted fire safety, construction codes, legislation, policies, and procedures.
The Fire: Embers of Discovery exhibit runs through Oct. 7.