Across Kansas, housing is a crucial issue for small towns. In Selden (pop. 200), Jerry Kaus is proving what’s possible. As the developer of the Selden Courtyard Apartments, Jerry has brought modern housing to Selden—and he’s not stopping there. Hear about his next plans for downtown buildings and how one person’s vision can shape a community’s future. Meet at the courtyard gazebo to be part of the conversation.
Follow your nose to the Golden Plains Walking Trail where The Satisfiers—a local favorite—will be tempting you with their irresistible cookies. What started as a homemade cookie dough business has grown into a full line of treats you’ll now find in grocery stores across western Kansas and Nebraska. With nine crave-worthy flavors—Chocolate Chip, M&M, Reese’s, Peanut & Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Butterscotch Pecan, Sugar, Oatmeal Butterscotch, and Oatmeal Raisin—there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Their dough is usually scooped up in two- or four-pound tubs, but during the tour you can enjoy the finished product fresh and warm. Trust us, this is one tasty trail stop you won’t want to skip!
Theater in rural? This is where you'll find the heart of it. For 10 years the Main Street Arts Council has inspired young performers in northwest Kansas to explore the arts. Tour guide Karl Pratt will take us down the stairs into the catacombs of the Bottle Kap Studios building to find the sets, costumes, and props used in the regional summer theater series. Karl will also share about building the Main Street Summer Theater Festival into a successful asset for the region. The building, known as "Play" in its earlier years was also used as a bomb shelter during the Cold War Era.
Guided Nature walk at Sheridan State Fishing Lake. The lake has been drained, but walk along the trail with us to spot birds, wildlife, and learn about the importance of conservation in this area with Sam Richards of the Audubon of Kansas. Guided walk times are 8:30am and 6pm. From Hoxie, 12 miles east on U.S. 24, one mile north on 110 E Rd.
Go straight to jail to learn the unique story of the historic Sheridan County Jail, built in 1927. This 8-bed lockup is unlike most others—you won’t find bricks or boards here. The entire structure is made of a single piece of steel, a rare feat of engineering that’s still holding strong nearly a century later. In each cell, find the original sink-toilet combos. Only closed a few years ago, the jail remains a fascinating landmark of local law enforcement history. Whether you’re into historic architecture, curious about justice in small-town America, or just love uncovering quirky treasures, the Sheridan County Jail is a stop you'll want to lock down on your explorer schedule. Stair climbing is part of this adventure. Saturday 10:30am-2pm
Come enjoy a warm bowl of chili at Cottonwood Ranch and support the Hoxie Scouts with a freewill donation. Along with chili, the meal will include cornbread muffins and homemade dessert. Please remember to bring a lawn chair.
The Pop Up officially kicks off with a welcome from the Kansas Sampler Foundation staff followed by The Stump, a tradition that started in 1990 with the Kansas Sampler Festival. Marci Penner brings a tree stump to and asks the audience questions about things to see and do in Kansas. Those with the first correct answer will get a ticket, and at the end of the 15-minute game, several lucky winners will take home prizes from Stump Sponsors. It’s a fast and fun fifteen minutes! Meet on the grounds of the Sheridan County Courthouse. We'll do some sing-alongs of Kansas and Americana favorites. Merchandise (t-shirts, hats, sport packs, picnic blankets, and the Kansas Guidebook 2 for Explorers) will be sold.
Sheridan County Cemetery Scavenger Hunt! Are you a fan of cemeteries or on a quest to visit a cemetery in every county? Pick up a special scavenger hunt sheet at the Historical Museum of headstones to seek out. You'll have fifteen to choose from in Sheridan County. Use the handy link in Read More to choose one or more!
Scott Cameron will help us wrap up the day with four sing-along songs (Friends in Low Places, Sweet Caroline, Take Me Home Country Roads, and Home on the Range) plus "your choice from the Pop Up Songbook" and then Scott will sing another hour set!
All-around musician and artist Karl Pratt will lead us on piano and song as we group sing My Favorite Things, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Part of Your World.
Join us for a warm Selden welcome at the Golden Plains Walking Trail! Meet the people who make this small town thrive—including the Selden Mayor, the Events Director, the owner of The Satisfiers, and dedicated committee members who keep community life strong. Enjoy casual conversation, hear a short presentation at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., and get to know the spirit behind Selden. Don’t forget your lawn chairs—settle in and be part of the story of a town that’s keeping its heart alive.
Meet at PSI for tours. Max of 14 people per tour. Transportation (shuttle) provided from PSI to Feedlot. Learn about the history of the Foote operation - spanning from ranching, feeding America, feedlot operations to transportation and banking. Two tours offered at 11:30am and 1pm. Call Lonny Geiman for more information, 620.960.8322.
