Aug. 30, 2012
After Labor Day, parks offer milder weather, uncrowded camping
PRATT — Many schools are already in session, and although this is often viewed as the end of summer, Kansas state parks are still going strong. Many events are planned for one of the busiest times the year — Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-3. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is one of the best times for a park visit. Once Labor Day weekend is over, crowds thin, and September provides a relaxing outdoor experience.

Trail rides, chili cook-offs, and fishing tournaments are among the many events slated for September, making the prospect of a pre-autumn mini-vacation even more inviting. Each park sets its own dates for these events, and all offer a chance to enjoy the special attributes of Kansas state parks, many of which feature rental cabins, as well as fascinating historical or geological features that enhance the park experience.

For more information on these events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the "State Parks" page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, www.ksoutdoors.com. Under “Reservations,” campsite and cabin reservations may be made online. Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may also be found on the State Parks page under "Locations."

The following is a list of September state park events:

• Sept. 1 — Clinton Trail Workday at Clinton State Park;
• Sept. 7-9 — Saddle Ridge Trail Riders Club Poker Ride at Hillsdale State Park;
• Sept. 8 — Hays Bass Anglers Association fishing tournament at Wilson State Park;
• Sept. 9 — Chili Cookoff and Free Park Entrance Day at Lovewell State Park;
• Sept. 9 — 3-D archery shoot and Free Park Entrance Day at Lovewell State Park;
• Sept. 15 — Hays Bass Anglers Association Big Bass Challenge at Wilson State Park;
• Sept. 16 — Heartland Coursing Association hound coursing practice at Clinton State Park;
• Sept. 22 — Kansas Buddy Bass Tournament at Hillsdale State Park;
• Sept. 22 — Women on Target instructional shooting at Tuttle Creek State Park;
• Sept. 22 — Heartland Motorcycle Poker Run fundraiser at Clinton State Park;
• Sept. 23 — Hays Recreation Center 30+K and 5K trail run at Wilson State Park;
• Sept. 28-30 — Kansas Bass Federation fishing tournament at Wilson State Park;
• Sept. 28 — Tour de Ted benefit bike ride for cancer research at Tuttle Creek State Park;
• Sept. 29 — 10th Annual Fall River Rendezvous at Fall River State Park; and
• Sept. 30 — Twin Rivers Bass Club of Emporia fishing tournament at Clinton State Park.

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