Whether they’re big, medium or small, celebrations occur in communities throughout Kansas almost year-round.

Fun of all types can be found within easy driving distance.

For large events, there’s the Wichita River Festival from May 8-16, with nine days of entertainment, food and family fun. For medium, one of the best around is the Maple Leaf Festival in Baldwin City the third full weekend in October. This year, that’s Oct. 17-18. For small, take your pick, but the Gaylord Watermelon Days Sept. 6-9 sounds like a good time.

In other words, there’s something for everyone.

“From big city barbecue and NASCAR racing in Kansas City to the Wild West rodeo of Dodge City, the annual Prairie Fire Festival in the Flint Hills and OZtoberfest in Wamego, Kansas is home to a special event or fun festival nearly every week of the year,” said state tourism director Becky Blake. “For families looking for a true experience and adventure that’s close to home and affordable, the towns, communities and ranches of Kansas are the perfect destination for a lifetime of memories.”

While the Wichita River Festival attracts thousands of people every year, there are more events smack in the middle of the state, an easy drive from anywhere.

“Wichita’s festival calendar has something for everyone,” said John Rolfe, Go Wichita president and CEO. “In addition to Riverfest, which is nine days of celebrating our river, the Wichita Flight Festival honors our aviation heritage. Events such as the Black Arts Festival and Wichita Asian Festival celebrate our cultural diversity. And then there’s the Wagonmaster’s Chili Cookoff, which is just plain fun.”

Small-town attractions

Baldwin City, a town of 3,800 just southeast of Lawrence, puts on a celebration of the fall foliage, the Maple Leaf Festival. The festival is known for its long parade, events, craft booths and tons of food that annually bring thousands of people to the town just south of Lawrence.

“The Maple Leaf Festival offers all of the elements of a perfect Kansas weekend: arts and crafts, glorious fall color, great food and entertainment set in an historic and picturesque downtown off the Santa Fe Trail,” said Annie France, chairwoman of the Maple Leaf Festival committee. “Join us and 30,000 of our closest friends to celebrate what makes Kansas in the fall so special and memorable.”

Another area festival that definitely should be on your do-not-miss list is Old Shawnee Days, set this year June 4-7 at Shawnee Town, 11600 Johnson Drive, Shawnee. Festival hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 4 and 5; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 6; and 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 7.

The event features concerts, and a parade is planned for 10 a.m. June 6. No admission fee is charged, so all concerts and entertainment are free. Costs may include food, drink, crafts and the carnival. For more information, visit the 2009 Old Shawnee Days Web site: www.oldshawneedays.org.

As for the small-town celebrations, they can be found in every corner of the state at almost any time. Among them are pioneer days, old settlers celebrations, harvest festivals, Octoberfests, polkafests, riverfests and more.

Then there are the unique events, such as the Kansas State Cow Chip Throwing Contest in the Cow Chip Capital of Kansas, Russell Springs. That’s Sept. 6.

More information about these and other events can be found at www.travelks.com.

Holiday spirit

With the major holidays, there are many celebrations to choose from. Fourth of July, Veterans Day and Christmas have a large number of events throughout the state. And if it’s county fairs you’re looking for, wade through the July and August portions of the listings and you’ll find as many as you want.

If rodeo is your sport, Kansas has another big-time event considered by many in the same vein as NASCAR. That’s the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo, the richest Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo in Kansas and the only Wrangler Pro Tour rodeo in the state.

“The Dodge City Days celebration and PRCA rodeo is one of the finest examples of cowboy celebrations in the state of Kansas,” said Jan Stevens, director of the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Time magazine voted the Dodge City rodeo as one of the most authentic American experiences. We truly do live up to all the expectations of the cowboy and western enthusiast.

“We also take pride in our nomination to American Cowboy’s ’20 Best Places to Live the West,'” Stevens said.

From east to west, north to south, Kansas offers plenty to do within a day’s drive.