COOL, WET WEATHER WON'T DAMPEN MAY PARK EVENTS

Events planned throughout May despite continuing cool weather
PRATT -- Recent wet, cool weather in the Sunflower State hasn't stopped Kansas state parks from conducting special events as spring unfolds, however slowly. Despite the weather, May is the time when Kansans clean up their boats and camping gear and head to their favorite state parks.

To enhance these visits, park staff conduct a variety of special events. Some events are scheduled in conjunction with Free Park Entrance Days, some celebrate a special historical event or geological attribute of an individual park, and others are just for entertainment. Each park sets its own dates for these events.

Events may include anything from a marathon race to boating courses and equestrian events. Many are educational and all make visiting Kansas state parks more fun. For more information on state park events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the "State Parks" page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us.

Park goers are urged to phone the park they intend to visit before traveling. Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may be found on the KDWP website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column.

Free Park Entrance Days, a fishing tournament, and an equestrian trail ride marked the opening weekend of May. The following is a list of events for the rest of the month:

  • May 9 -- Great Plains Running Company trail run at Perry State Park;
  • May 9 -- Catfish Nation fishing tournament at Perry State Park;
  • May 9 -- Women on Target shooting event at Tuttle Creek State Park;
  • May 9 -- Family Center Farm and Home horse trail ride at Hillsdale State Park;
  • May 10 -- Free Park Entrance Day at Hillsdale State Park;
  • May 10 -- Free Park Entrance Day at Crawford State Park;
  • May 16 -- Kansas Best of Bass Team Fishing Tournament at Perry State Park;
  • May 16 -- Jackpot Buddy Bass Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park;
  • May 17 -- Jayhawk Marina crappie tournament, Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami County fundraiser at Hillsdale State Park;
  • May 17 -- Kansas Bass Federation Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park;
  • May 24 -- Wright Flight of Kansas/Missouri horse trail ride at Eisenhower State Park; and
  • May 30 -- Catfish Nation fishing tournament at Eisenhower State Park.

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