by Mark Buckley
Through My Eyes
Every weekend is special, but this one is extra special for many of us in Hutchinson. You will only be bored if you do not like trains, things and automobiles.
First, I must tell you why I love trains. When I was 3 days old, I acquired my first train. In 1950, the Intfen Furniture Company in Atchison, Kansas, gave the boy born closest to Christmas a brand new Lionel Golden Anniversary Union Pacific train set. I was born on Dec. 22 and won that train. This started my love for Lionel trains.
Trains: This love I have for trains will continue this Saturday and Sunday at the Center of the Nation train show at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. The Pride of Kansas building will be filled with model trains of all sizes. There will be over 100 vendor tables, with dealers from many states. Operation Life Saver will be available to help adults and children learn about train safety. There will be door prizes and even a model train set given away. All who like trains will get to see deluxe train layouts created by master craftsmen. There will even be a massive Lionel layout, where you get to operate one of its many trains. It is affordable, as children get in free with a paid adult.
Things: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Avenue A Park in Downtown Hutchinson will be converted to Smallville, home of Clark Kent (Superboy). If you always wanted to know why Hutchinson is called Smallville, come by the Toy Depot for a list of reasons developed by the Smallville Festival’s founder, Chris Wietrick.
The festival will have live music, a picnic, carnival, food trucks, street dance, pet parade, animal adoption, superheroes breakfast (first responders), superhero storytelling, costume contest, bingo, movies at the FOX, and a Morgan Wilk Concert (BYOB: bring your own blanket). For a full listing of activities, go to their Facebook page, Smallville Festival. And speaking of the FOX, Saturday night it is holding a celebration of its historic restoration and preservation, a fundraiser honoring 95 years of the FOX!
Down the street will be the Hutch Downtown Con and Market, offering a creative showcase highlighting artists, authors, comics, original comic book authors, trading cards, art, gothic items, jewelry, stickers, crystals, cosplay and more!
Friday night, you will be able meet and have your picture taken with some of your favorite superheroes at the Hutchinson Zoo, Zooper Heroes. You will also be able to meet the animals’ keepers; there will be animal encounters and more.
Automobiles: As part of Smallville, Salty Cycles and Salt City Cruisers will have a massive bike and car show on East Sherman Street. If you don’t get your fill on Saturday, then on Sunday, head to South Hutchinson for the Reno County Veterans Memorial Car Show. This is another good event, as all money raised will go to support veteran causes. Contact Joey Reed for information or to enter the show 620-664-2647.
Wow! It sounds like I am an advertisement for Hutchinson. Truthfully, I am, because I love this town, what it has to offer, its people and spirit. If you ever need more information on what is happening in Reno County, go to Visit Hutch, Hutch Post or just check out our own Hutchinson Tribune. Until next time…
Mark Buckley is the president of Toy Depot. He can be reached at 620-474-6100.