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Published August 25, 2007 07:55 pm - BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. — Organizers expected a fair forecast to push up attendance for the final Cowtown Days’ events at Kiwanis Park on Saturday. Baxter Springs celebrates its heritage By Greg Grisolano
ggrisolano@joplinglobe.com BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. — Organizers expected a fair forecast to push up attendance for the final Cowtown Days’ events at Kiwanis Park on Saturday. “We’re hoping for 5,000 people tonight,” said Bert Kellum, one of the organizers for Baxter Springs’ annual festival. The three-day event, sponsored by area businesses and the Baxter Springs Chamber of Commerce, commemorates the town’s history as an important stop during 19th century cattle drives. “When they used to move cattle from Texas to Abilene, Baxter would be the first town in Kansas they would stop at,” said Lynn Hartley, Baxter Springs high school football coach. Kellum said rain kept some festival-goers away Friday. “It killed us last night,” he said. “We had about 150 people out here Friday night. It was like a private party.” The festival started Thursday with three hours of gospel music and a carnival. Friday’s events included performances by the Kansas Steel Guitar Association and the Duling Family band. On Saturday, more than 1,000 people attended the parade, which featured more than 30 vehicles and about two dozen horses and mules. Festivities Saturday also included live music, crafts and collectibles, carnival rides and the classic rock band “Coup de Ville” headlining the night’s music. Kellum said the highlight of the festival would be the giveaway drawing for a custom 2002 Harley-Davidson softtail motorcycle. Hitting the trail Two area legislators and supporters of a former Congressman hit the campaign trail during the Cowtown Days’ parade Saturday morning. State Rep. Doug Gatewood, D-Columbus, and state Sen. Dwayne Umbarger, R-Thayer, were both driving in the parade, waving and tossing candy to spectators. Supporters of former U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun, who was upset by Democratic challenger Nancy Boyda in 2006, also were encouraging people to support Ryun in 2008. 
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