Late in the eighteen hundreds, people seeking better life west of the Missouri were given an opportunity to acquire free land from the government on a first come first serve basis, which became known as a “land rush.” Every September, in Winfield Kansas, there is a slightly different rush to claim land. Not a hundred and eighty acres, but rather a small piece of a tightly knit community of Walnut Valley Festival campers. Although the festival itself isn’t until the third weekend in September, campers line up well in advance to participate in a land rush for an on-site campground. Why such a clamor? For the unique musical magic and experience you will find there.
by: RUth Vano
Unique Pickins
written by: Ruth Vano
edited by: Glenna Jeanne
photos by: Glenna Jeanne
types of crafts
clothing
photographs
jewelry
food
woodworking
wool yarn
embroidery
+ more!
types of food
greek salad
gyros
fish and chips
baked potatoes
kettle corn
coffee
homemade ice cream
apple dumplings
ruben sandwiches
hamburgers
chicken
roasted corn
A and I in the stands of stage 1
stage 1
Socks in the Frying Pan
types of instruments
For the past 49 years, the Walnut Valley festival has brought excellent Bluegrass music and performers from around the world to a small rural town in Kansas. In addition to the performers, there are various competitions for all ages. The performers, competitors, and the music ability from the public at the campsites makes the experience matchless. This festival is family friendly so bring the kids along. It’s a great place to learn about music and dance around in the grass to work off that energy. It may even spark an interest in starting to play an instrument.
You might have been to concerts and festivals that are too loud and attendees are boisterous and inconsiderate, but here at Winfield – the focus for everyone is on the music – listening, learning, and sharing a love for music and the instruments used to create their unique sounds. Bring a comfortable chair and walking shoes and be ready for the wealth of talent and camaraderie that envelope the performing stages and festival grounds. Not a camper? No problem. The festival runs Thursday through Sunday, always the third full weekend in September. You can attend every day, or just a day. Hotels are available in Winfield and surrounding towns.
The festival has four stages with ongoing musical performances on each stage from early in the morning to midnight. The stages are close enough to walk to within a few minutes of each other. If you don’t think blue grass or other acoustic music is your kind of music – think again – its guaranteed you will find music you enjoy. Whether you come to listen to the competitions in flat picking, hammer dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, etc., or the groups of blue grass talent that perform there, you will be impressed with the organization and hospitality you find. If you are lucky enough to camp onsite, there is also Stage 5 in the campgrounds where musicians of all ages and abilities get together to jam, learn, help, and encourage one another. The music does not stop.
In addition to the musical performances, venders come to the festival to provide opportunities to purchase instruments, accessories, crafts, and the best fair food!
The Walnut Valley festival becomes a home away from home. Once you experience Winfield you will want to come back again and again. You become part of the family, part of this caring community.