By Roger McKinney
rmckinney@joplinglobe.com
BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. — The Baxter Springs Sesquicentennial Committee is working out details of the celebration planned for June 28-July 5.
The City Council has budgeted $40,000 for the town’s 150th anniversary celebration, said Mayor Huey York. He said several industries donated an additional $29,000 in sponsorships.
“You don’t get this opportunity very often,” York said.
According to information provided by the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum, the town actually was incorporated in 1868 — 140 years ago — and named in honor of John J. Baxter, who settled the area in 1849. Even before it was incorporated, it was the site of the Baxter Springs Massacre, when Confederate guerrilla leader William Quantrill’s forces killed 103 Union soldiers during the Civil War on Oct. 6, 1863.
Planning committee members meeting Friday were Phyllis Abbott, Dean Auman and Linda Feagin. Committee members said they have been planning for the celebration about a year.
The theme of the celebration is Baxter Springs, Hometown America.
A full day of activities is planned for both Saturdays of the celebration, June 28 and July 5. A historical pageant is planned July 4 and 5, and a fireworks display is scheduled July 4 after the pageant.
“I’m trying to make it as entertaining as possible and still keep it historic,” Abbott said.
A downtown parade is planned for Saturday, June 28. The parade will include the Marching Cobras band. Committee members also are seeking float entries with a theme related to the town’s history.
The event will replace the annual Cowtown Days festival this year, committee members said.
Auman said the committee referred back to a souvenir program from the city’s centennial celebration for ideas. A new souvenir program will be available for purchase at this year’s celebration.
Performers scheduled during the week include Jana Jae and Livewire, and Duke Mason.
Each night’s activities will have a different theme. A 1950s and 1960s night is planned for downtown on Tuesday, July 1. Frontier Day is planned for Kiwanis Park on Wednesday, July 2.
Events will take place downtown, in Kiwanis Park, at the library and at the high school.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Auman said. “This is going to be a real special week.”
