One of the most historic communities in the country expands in population and comes to life in greatest glory this weekend.
Located on the original Santa Fe Trail, Council Grove was also site of a Kaw Nation Reservation and school for the Kaw people’s children.
That’s premise for the 35th annual Washunga Days celebration Friday–Saturday–Sunday, June 16-17-18, honoring the last full-blooded Kaw chief, Washunga.
Appropriately, the Kaw Nation Powwow will be featured, along with a full slate of entertainment for everyone.
All the stops have been pulled to coordinate one of the “hottest lineups” of musical entertainment in the central part of the United States this year.
“We’re so excited to have Wade Bowen, a Texas Country Red Dirt singer from Waco, Texas, highlighting this year’s Washunga Days,” announced Lindsay Gant of the Washunga Days Committee.
Bowen will be featured on the Main Stage Saturday evening, June 17, at 10 o’clock, with a CG Stars & Stripes Fireworks show preceding him at 9:30.
Other special entertainers include Clearview Band, The Box Turtles, Savanna Chestnut, Walker McGuire; the Kansas Bluegrass Association Treblemakers, The Route, Bryton Stoll, Jessica Page and SmithField.
“The Kaw Nation Powwow is set for Friday and Saturday in the Dance Arbor at Allegawaho Park near Council Grove,” Gant said.
The area beneath the arbor, considered a sacred place by the Kaw people, is used for dancing and ceremonies.
There will also be a Kaw Culture and Dancing program at the Kaw Mission State Historic Site, which served as a school for Kaw youth in the 1800s, and now is a state-supported museum.
Additional attractions planned during Washunga Days are a parade, car show, vintage market, food vendors, kids activities, petting zoo, Run-Shunga 5K run/walk, carnival, adult beer garden, magic show, helicopter rides, inflatables, special softball games and more.
Admission buttons are required for certain attractions. Complete details and schedule can be found at www.washungadays.com.