Leavenworth ? Visitors to this weekend’s Kansas Sampler Festival in Leavenworth have the opportunity to see exhibits and try foods and beverages from across the state.

Ray Miller Park is starting to take the shape of a festival. Earlier this week, tents were being put up throughout the park.

“It’s starting to look bright and pretty with the bright-colored tents popping up,” said Keyta Kelly, director for the festival in Leavenworth.

This year, the festival’s second in Leavenworth, will feature tents showcasing representatives from cities and counties of various regions in the state, as well as food offerings from across Kansas. Music, dance and comedic entertainment and programs involving people in period dress are planned. And a wine and beer tasting tent will be open.

Also planned, Kelly said, are a stage with children’s entertainment, old-fashioned games and face painting celebrating the sesquicentennial.

About 8,500 people visited the festival in 2010, making it the most-attended Kansas Sampler Festival since the annual event started in 1991 near Inman.

In 2012 and 2013, the festival will take place in the southwest Kansas community of Liberal.

With Mother’s Day being Sunday, the first 500 mothers at the festival each will receive a $2 coupon for a food or drink item or an item at the Carroll Mansion Herb Market area at the festival. The annual event normally takes place at the Leavenworth mansion, but has been moved to the festival in an effort to boost attendance for both the market and the festival.

“We think there’s no better plan than to bring your mom here for Mother’s Day,” Kelly said.

For more information, visit the Kansas Sampler on Marketplace.