Russell County residents have been gearing up for a once-a-decade summer event, marking the county’s 140th anniversary.

Prairiesta, a celebration that the community organizes once each decade, is planned for June 9-12. The event got its start in 1941, according to The Hays Daily News.

Sandra Daugherty, one of many volunteers helping organize the celebration, said Prairiesta highlights Russell County’s history and culture

“It’s just a chance to celebrate our past and get to renew acquaintances,” Daugherty said.

The four-day event also has significant economic impact, with all of Russell’s 200 hotel rooms already booked, said Janae Talbott, executive director of Russell County Economic Development and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Several class reunions are also planned, and the event usually brings Russell County natives home again, she said.

“Not only will it have an impact on hotels, but also the eateries, people filling up with fuel,” Talbott said. “It will bring people who grew up here. It will bring them back to look at the community again and see what Russell County has to offer.”

Events include a Main Street parade June 11 with at least 100 entries, including a herd of longhorn steer. There will also be a vintage baseball game June 12 at Memorial Park, and a carnival downtown beginning June 9.

A souvenir store has been opened in Russell, and men have been working on their entries for a beard-growing contest for the past several months.

There will be 15 free “heritage demonstrations” throughout the weekend, including wheat weaving and corn shelling. Those events are intended to give attendees an idea of what life might have been like on the plains more than 100 years ago, Daugherty said.

Several events, such as the crowning of a Prairiesta queen, have been leading up to the celebration for the past several months.