Atchison summer blog

Summer in Atchison

                The past two summers I have spent the majority of my time here in Atchison. The town is quite in the summer, all the college students have headed home for the next 3 months. Despite Atchison sometimes feeling like a ghost town during the summer months, there are plenty of events Atchison hosts. Some of the events within the community are Juneteenth, 4^th of July, but no events is bigger than Ameliafest. The Amelia Earhart is a weekend long festival that takes place during the second weekend of July. Ameliafest

                The country music festival features a concerts (lakefest), a carnival and firework show.   Every year Warnock lake host an annual outdoor country music concert known as Lakefest. The concert attracts many people from all over the Kansas and Missouri area. Lakefest has featured many big name country artist in the past such as Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton and this year featured Brian Adams.  Warnock lake offers a unique and natural venue. The natural incline of the slopping hills allows the audience a stadium like feel when looking down at the stage. This past summer a few thousand people were in attendance.

                Downtown Atchison features a large carnival for friends and families. Games, rides, food, beer, music and prizes are all available. The carnival is the longest attraction of Ameliafest running from Wednesday through Sunday night.  Without a doubt the biggest highlight of Ameliafest is the firework show. I have seen many firework shows in my day and this show hands down takes the cake. The fireworks are shot over the Missouri River providing a great venue. The lights and flashes off the explosion reflect off the River and the sounds echo throughout the streets of Atchison. The show lasts about 15 minutes and the grand finale has never let anyone down.

                Overall Ameliafest is a great event for the Atchison community. Many people need to stop, visit and experience Atchison during the festival. People will be amazed by how much fun a small town can produce in one weekend. Even outside of all the events,  it is a great chance to remember the legacy of Amelia Earhart.