Blog #3 - Summer in Atchison

          This year I spent my first entire summer break in Atchison, KS. At first the town seemed very quite because 1,500 college students suddenly disappeared. As a student this completely changed my perception of Atchison. Despite Atchison sometimes feeling like a ghost town during the summer months, there were plenty of activities and events that interested me. Atchison features two golf courses, two lakes, friendly bars and restaurants, workout facilities and a softball league. Some of the events within the community are Juneteenth, the Atchison garden tour and the International Forrest of Friendship celebration, but no event is greater than The Amelia Earhart Festival. Commonly known as Ameliafest, the Amelia Earhart celebration is a five day long festival. It annually takes place during the second weekend of July.

The festival showcases a country music concert, a carnival and firework show.  Every year Warnock Lake hosts an annual outdoor country music concert known as Lakefest. The concert attracts many visitors to Atchison from all over the Midwest. Lakefest is no ordinary small town concert. This summer the concert easily had a few thousand people in attendance. Lakefest has featured many “big name” country music stars such as, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton and Brian Adams.  Warnock Lake offers a unique venue and a natural outdoor setting for any concert. The natural incline of the slopping hills provides a stadium like seating when looking down at the stage.

          Downtown Atchison features a large carnival for friends and families. Games, rides, food, alcohol, music and prizes are all available. The carnival is the first attraction to kickoff Ameliafest, beginning on a Wednesday night.  Without a doubt the highlight of Ameliafest is the firework show. I have seen many firework shows in my day but this show takes the cake. The fireworks are shot over the Missouri River providing a view of Missouri. 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 is almost magical.

          Overall Ameliafest is a great event for the Atchison community. Many people need to stop, visit and experience Atchison during the summer. People will be amazed by how much fun a small town can offer in one weekend.  Ameliafest is also a great chance to remember Amelia Earhart and keep her legacy alive.