Thursday marked the 25th anniversary of a landmark, made for television movie that was filmed in Kansas.
Yes, a film made in Kansas has had some impact in Hollywood.
It was 25 years ago, Nov. 20, 1983, when the made-for-TV movie “The Day After” was broadcast on ABC.
Some of the cast and crew gathered in Lawrence Thursday, where most of the film was shot, for a special viewing of the movie and reunion.
Based on a Cold War scenario where Kansas City was destroyed by a pair of nuclear missiles, it shows the effects felt by surrounding communities and families.
The film was said to be based in the Midwest because common thought during this time was the Midwest would not be a target during such an attack.
With over 100 million viewers, it still holds the record for the most watched TV movie of all time.
The movie “The Day After,” the TV series “Jericho” and movies and TV series based on “Superman” have led many visitors to Kansas to ask, are the only movies worth shooting in Kansas based on nuclear war and superheros?
Putting the ‘out’ in house
If you get the urge this weekend to get “out” of the “house,” may I suggest a day trip over to Elk Falls just west of Independence for the 13th annual Outhouse Tour.
Yes, that is correct, Outhouse Tour.
Since 1995, the small community located in Elk County has celebrated its vast collection of one-door depositories.
In response, the event earned the billing as the Greatest Event on Earth by Festival Media Corp., a company that operates festivals.com.
National publications such as Midwest Living and American Profiles have printed feature stories on the event.
The event draws some 1,800 visitors to a community of 120.
Tour buttons are sold for $1 each allowing visitors to vote for the best outhouse.
The tour includes more than just outhouses, including outhouse paraphernalia, collectibles and miniature outhouses.
To top it off, Elk Falls is discussing creating an outhouse preservation society.
Crawford County CVB Grants
Time is running short for entities interested in applying for the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau 2009 Tourism Marketing Grant Program.
The Crawford County CVB annually awards grants to special events and attractions with the purpose of increasing travel and tourism in Crawford County and assisting in the marketing of travel and tourism in Crawford County.
The window to apply for the 2009 Tourism Marketing Grant Funding Program began Sept. 1, 2008 and continues through Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. Applications received after Dec. 1 will not be considered for funding.
Applications and guidelines can be picked up at the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau office located inside the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce at 117 West Fourth Street, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, contact me at 1-800-879-1112.
