Parks and Recreation | Old Prairie Town at Ward Meade Historic Site Events
With more than five acres of grounds, Old Prairie Town at Ward Meade Historic Site is a favorite location for annual festivals and other outdoor activities.Tulip Time at Old Prairie Town, April 10-26th, 9am-5pm
Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site is proud to announce that it is now the new home of “Tulip Time” previously known as “Tulip Time at Binkley Gardens”. For over 20 years Jerold Binkley planted thousands of tulips in his gardens, and Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site is proud to carry on a great Topeka tradition. Over 24,000 tulips and 7,000 daffodils will be planted throughout the botanical gardens at Old Prairie Town, in addition to the 500 varieties of trees and shrubs in the 2 ½-acre garden. The botanical gardens also feature 1,500 feet of new walkways throughout the garden.
Tulip Time Tour Only $5.00, Tulip Time Tour and Historic Building Tour $7.00, To Schedule Group Tours Call (785) 368-2438
Prairie Cruise Night, May 2, 2009, 6-9pm
Join Old Prairie Town for its 2nd Annual Prairie Cruise Night. So cruise you’re spruced up classic that is older than 1950 and enjoy a night out at Old Prairie Town. Don't have a car or truck to show off at cruse night? Stop on by anyways and have a look at all the beautiful rides! Potwin Drug Store and Mulvane General Store will be open for shopping until 9pm. For more information call John Bell at 368-2437.
Summer Sunset Concert at Old Prairie Town, June 13, 2009, 6-9pm
Bring your family out for this fun-filled evening to listen to some wonderful local artists performing at their best. Bring your own lawn-chair and enjoy the beautiful Old Prairie Town setting, while listening to some great music! This is a family friendly event and children are welcome! Fee: $2 at the gate, 10 and under free
30th Annual Apple Festival: October 4th, 2009, 10-5pm
Apple Festival takes place on the first Sunday of October. More than 10,000 visitors attend each year. Demonstrations of pioneer skills, blacksmiths, quilters, musicians, craftsmen, and culinary artists make this a must-see fall activity.
Everything from Bierock to Barbeque from sarsaparilla to Green Rivers, and, of course, apples in caramel, in pie, in fritters, in cider! Arts & Crafts are available at Peddler's Village in the Botanical Gardens. For ticket information call 785-368-2439
Scary on the Prairie, October 24th, 2009, 4-6pm
Activities start with eerie sounds and ghoulish stories in the haunted Schoolhouse, spicy cookies straight from the campfire with cold apple cider and trick or treating in all the vintage buildings. Geared for elementary school aged children. (children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian ) Cost: $2.00 per person
Holiday Happenings: Thursday, December 3rd - 5th, 2009
Join the festive crowd experiencing the charm of the beautifully decorated Old Prairie Town at Ward Meade Historic Site Mansion at holiday time. You will step into the Mansion and experience an enchanting evening you’ll long remember.
A Candelight Dinner is the main course of a magical Victorian evening! An elegant buffet will be served from the dining room of the Mansion to be eaten by candlelight in the reception room. Live music will entertain you throughout the evening. Tour the Mansion, and then enjoy hot cider and cookies by the fire in the cabin and hot fudge sundaes in the Potwin Drug Store. Look for future announcements of new events to be held on these special nights. They are sure to become a part of your holiday traditions. Reservations limited to 72 per evening, and they fill up fast. Reservations accepted beginning August 1. Please call 368-2438 for your reservation.
Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Fee: $29.50 includes Victorian dinner, tour and entertainment.
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