Final preparations are being made for the 20th celebration of the Elk River Festival, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Elk County Courthouse Square in Howard.

This year’s theme is “Honoring Our Past - Promoting Our Future,” and will be tied in to the dedication of the new All Veterans Memorial at Jackson Park.  A dedication ceremony will be held at the memorial at 8:30 a.m., and will feature the Elk County Community Choir.

The Howard Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a t-shirt quilt giveaway for the 2009 Elk River Festival.  Donations are being accepted for one chance for $1 or six chances for $5.  The drawing will be held Sept. 26 at the festival.  Entrants need not be present to win.  Chances are available from Traci’s Trends, Lanning Auto, Batson’s Drug Store and Family Market, some other area businesses, Chamber members, or by calling 620-374-2838.  The quilt is on display at Traci’s Trends in downtown Howard.

Beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 22, you must visit a local business to obtain the clues that will lead you to the medallion for the 4th Annual Medallion Hunt.  You must display your 2009 Elk River Festival Button to receive the clues.  The winner will receive $50.  The first clue will be at Batson’s Drug Store on Sept. 22 at 10 a.m.   When the medallion is found or for any questions, call John and Linda Cooke at 620-374-2540.

Purchase Elk River Festival buttons at any local merchant in Howard or the Howard Chamber of Commerce.  The purchase will enter you in drawings for gift certificates from local merchants.  The drawing will be held at 6:30 p.m and you must be present to win.

A festival walk will begin activities on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Jackson Park.  Join other community members in exercise and camaraderie at the walking path. The walk will begin at 7:30 a.m.

A biscuit and gravy breakfast will be served at the Cox Building from 7 to 9 a.m.  The food will be prepared by the West Elk FFA for a free-will donation.  The FFA will also sponsor a petting zoo on the southwest corner of the courthouse lawn.  The petting zoo is free for all ages.

The festival will also feature the 20th annual Chili Cook-off.   You may prepare your chili the day before and reheat or you can begin cooking as early as 9 a.m. on the courthouse lawn.  Pre-entry is required.  Contestants will win $1 for every vote they receive.  First, second, and third place winners will also receive additional money of $50, $30, and $20.  You can buy a sampler packet for $3 and vote for your favorite.  Sampling begins at 11:30 a.m.  Contact Benji Crupper for more information at 620-249-9159.

The cake walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. in front of the City Office.  For more information or to donate a cake, call Carolyn Corle at 620-329-4359.

The quilt show will be held inside the courthouse at 10 a.m.  Quilts may be entered between 8:30 and 10 a.m.  Votes will be tallied at 3 p.m.  Contact Judy Simon for more information at 620-374-2576.

Parade registration will begin at 10 a.m. and the parade will start at 10:30 a.m.  Prizes will be awarded in several categories.  Contact Norma Barkus for more information at 620-374-2386.

The pet show contest will start at noon on the courthouse lawn.  Pre-entry is required.  Contact Dr. Julia Fechter at 620-374-2424.

Bingo and horseshoe pitching will follow at 1 p.m.  Kid’s games will begin at 1:30 p.m., and the 4th annual Ice Cream Freeze-Off begins at 2 p.m.  Pre-entry is required.  Contestants will win $1 for each vote they receive.  First, second, and third place winners will also receive additional money of $50, $30, and $20.  Buy a sampler packet for $3 and vote for your favorite.  For more information, contact Shirley Black at 620-374-2503.

The talent show/open mic will begin at 3 p.m.  If you want to perform call Terrell Guillory or Lynne Thompson at 620-374-3080.

The Benson Historical Museums will be open between 4 and 5 p.m.  The barbecue will begin at 5:30 p.m.  An adult meal is $7 and kids 10 and under eats for free with a paid adult.  Bring your lawn chairs to enjoy the concert afterwards.

This year the festival will feature different entertainers for the evening concert.  Beginning at 6 p.m. the Elk County Community Choir will present a selection of patriotic songs.  At 6:30 p.m will be the button drawings.

At 7 p.m. David Oakleaf will perform.  His performance will feature acoustic arrangements of old and new country and rock as well as original music from his new album.  The concert is sponsored by SKTC; free-will donations will benefit the Howard Chamber of Commerce.
The Howard Chamber is also seeking the talented people of our counties and surrounding states to come and show their arts and crafts.  There is no entry fee.  Please send a card (with your name, address, and appropriate size of space you  will need) to the Howard Chamber of Commerce at P.O. Box 545, Howard, KS 67349 or email us at lbcooke@sktc.net. If you have any questions or wish to register via phone, please call Linda Cooke at 620-205-7061.
For more information about the Elk River Festival or the Howard Chamber of Commerce, contact Benji Crupper at 620-249-9159.