Motoring Mondays: Crawford County

     Crawford County is considered the Fried Chicken Capital of Kansas and dubbed one of the 8 wonders of Kansas Cuisine.

     Since 1930, Crawford County has been known for these six restaurants serving up hearty plates of delicious fried chicken and Frontenac Bread, which is served with every meal.

     Chicken Annie's Original, Pittsburg.

     Chicken Annie’s was founded in 1934 by Annie Pichler. The restaurant has been passed down through generations of the Pichler family.

     Chicken Mary's, Pittsburg.

     What started as a hobby became a business when Mary Zerngast, a German Immigrant, initiated Chicken Mary’s in 1945. It continues to be owned and operated by the Zerngast family.

     Gebhardt's Chicken and Dinners, Mulberry.

Ted Gebhardt, an Army veteran, started up Gebhardt’s in 1942 with his wife, Meg.

     Barto's Idle Hour, Frontenac.

     Ray Barto launched his restaurant in the 1950s and became known for hosting polka band performances at his restaurant.

     Chicken Annie's Pichler's, Pittsburg.

     Opened by Louis and Louella Lipoglav, the daughter of the Annie Pichler, founder of       Chicken Annie’s, in 1971.

    Chicken Annie's Girard, Girard.

    The restaurant was open by Anthony Pichler, grandson of Annie Pichler, founder of  Chicken Annie’s, in 1970.
    To view the restaurants’ hours, days they are open, locations and brief descriptions about each place, visit Crawford County Fried Chicken.

Motoring Mondays: The International Pancake Day Hall of Fame

The International Pancake Day Hall of Fame, located in Liberal, commemorates the internationally known Pancake Race, which happens every year on Shrove Tuesday in February.

The racing competition was initiated in 1950 between Liberal and Olney, England, and centers on women running down town streets while flipping pancakes, simultaneously in each city.

 In addition to the pancake race, the town of Liberal also hosts pancake eating contests, flipping contests, a parade and other festivities.

The Hall of Fame was created in 2005 and is dedicated to preserving the history of Pancake Day through the years. It serves as the headquarters for the acclaimed event on Shrove Tuesday.

The Hall of Fame is also used as a gathering place for community events and educational purposes.

This facility operates by appointment only, but International Pancake Day is open to everyone.

Visit International Pancake Day to learn more about Liberal’s most exciting day of the year and the headquarters that runs it.

Motoring Mondays: The Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo

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Monkey Island is a popular exhibit at the Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence, KS

The Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo is located in Independence.
     Since the early 20th century, the Riverside Park has been an asset to the community, with amusement attractions and beautiful landscapes.
     The park also features the Ralph Mitchell Zoo, which was added to the park in 1925. It features numerous animal exhibits, most notably, Monkey Island, which was famous for being the birth place of Miss Able, the first non-communist monkey launched into space in 1959.
     It’s a great place for field trips, wedding receptions or just a fun place to go with family or friends to spend the day in nature.
     The park is open every day from 9 a.m. thru 7 p.m.


Bears can be seen at the Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence, KS

 To learn more about this historical park and zoo, visit Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo.

Motoring Mondays: U.S. 36 Highway Treasure Hunt

The U.S. 36 Highway Association sponsors the annual U.S. 36
Highway Treasure Hunt the third weekend in September.



The U.S. 36 Highway Association sponsors the annual U.S 36 Highway Treasure Hunt the third weekend of September. This year, it will be Sept. 15 thru 17. This event gives people the opportunity to shop garage and antique sales along U.S. 36. It spans 400 miles across the northern part of Kansas through 13 counties, from Cheyenne County to Doniphan County.

The event helps promote local businesses that are located along U.S. 36 which encourages motorist to travel and helps the economic welfare of the communities along the route. More than 35 towns participate in this event. Click here to see a short video highlighting the sales and other things to see along the route.

The history of the event is rooted in the Pony Express, which occurred from 1860-1861, and still follows the original route from St. Joseph, Mo., to Marysville.

U.S. 36. is the only Kansas highway with four geological regions on its route.

To learn more about this statewide event, visit the official website for US. 36 Highway Association. Maps of the sales locations in cities along U.S. 36 will be available later this month on this website as well.

Motoring Mondays: Cow Chip Throwing Capital, Russell Springs

Since 1955, Russell Springs has featured an annual cow chip throwing competition. Competitors from around the state gather to take part in the contest, which includes men’s, women’s and junior’s classes as well as politicians and VIP classes.

The event is part of the community’s Old Settlers’ Day celebration that also includes a parade and a junior rodeo.

  The Cow Chip Throwing Contest happens annually on Labor Day Weekend.

Participant in the Cow Chip Throwing Contest in Russell Springs

Winners of a previous Cow Chip Throwing Contest

Motoring Mondays: The Stone House

The Stone House is a suburb home turned art gallery located in the heart of Fredonia.

Built in 1872, the Stone House is considered the oldest house in Fredonia.

Now, it is operated by the Fredonia Arts Council and is a beautiful monument from the late 19th century, complete with vintage stone walls and even stain glass windows built by a local artist.

The Stone House features art from across Kansas, from local pieces to regional exhibits.

There is also the opportunity to purchase secondhand items at the gift shop.

    

A more recent addition to the Stone House is the Brick House Studio located behind the building where art classes are offered.
The Stone House is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

To learn more about the history and happenings at the Stone House, visit The Stone House Gallery.