EMPORIA BY THE SEASON

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AUTHENTIC EMPORIA

EMPORIA BY THE SEASON

The right time to visit Emporia is anytime. As the city changes with the seasons, plan your trip to make the most out of the experiences Emporia has to offer.

SPRING

THINK GREEN

Celebrate the luck of the Irish at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Explore downtown for themed events and specials.

THE TASTE

Enjoy the best Kansas has to offer. At Emporia Main Street’s Taste of Emporia, sample products from local wineries, breweries and distilleries and enjoy a variety of food samples and entertainment.

SUMMER

FLATLAND CRUISERS CAR SHOW

Take a step back in time during the annual Flatland Cruisers Car Show. Open to all classes of cars, trucks and motorcycles, these beautiful vehicles will impress attendees.

FARM TO TABLE

Open year-round, the Emporia Farmers Market (emporiafarmersmarket.org) offers the best in locally-grown produce and goods. From sun-ripened tomatoes to oven fresh cinnamon rolls, shopping local is the best way to eat local.

LYON COUNTY FREE FAIR

Every year the Lyon County Fair Grounds is home to one of the most exciting events in town, the Fair! Enjoy the carnival, demolition derby, and concerts. Photo by Kansas Drone Imaging

CYCLING OR DISC GOLF

Summer is a great time to be outside. One of the best ways to enjoy Emporia’s parks is by playing a round of disc golf. No matter what your skill level is, Emporia has a course perfect for you. Another way to commune with nature is to explore the back roads of the Flint Hills on bike. With thousands of miles of roads and trails, there is always an new adventure over the next hill.

AUTUMN

APPLE PICKING

The Orchard (1120 N Highway 99) is a great place to go for outdoor fun. Pick your own apples, fish in the well stocked pond, or play a round of miniature golf. Try an apple cider slushie at their country store, or buy local honey, fresh local fruits and produce, and a variety of Kansas-made products.

ON THE FARM

In October, visit the Roga Pumpkin Patch (150 Rd 140) to find the perfect pumpkin on a real working farm. This is a must go attraction every year before Halloween. Enjoy hayrack rides, corn mazes and a hay bale play area for the kids.

EEK!TOWN EXTRAVAGANZA

October is full of spooky events. The Historic Haunted Tours offer a behind-the-scenes flashlight tour of downtown locations. Dress the kids up and visit all your favorite Commercial Street businesses during Downtown Trick-or-Treating for sweet treats. (emporiamainstreet. com) Photo by Justin Ogleby

FREEDOMFEST

Freedomfest (emporiafreedomfest.org) is an amazing array of events ranging from the family friendly 1-mile Freedom Run, to a disc golf tournament, to the most challenging 4 hours of your life, the Will to Win Spur Challenge, a 5k run, 40 mile gravel grinder, and SPUR readiness test.

WINTER

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Enjoy the Yuletide in downtown Emporia. Take a horse-drawn Carriage Ride tour of historic Commercial Street Thursdays in December, and ring in the season by watching the Annual Community Christmas Parade. After shopping downtown during Moonlight Madness, see the Holidaze Lighting display at the David Traylor Zoo.

WHITE CHRISTMAS AT RED ROCKS

Tour Red Rocks State Historic Site, the former home of famed journalist, author and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, William Allen White. Red Rocks is decorated for the holidays, and local talent performs your favorite seasonal music for this Open House.