By the time most of you read this, the worst part of Black Friday will have come and gone.
There comes a time, usually around 4 a.m., on the Friday after Thanksgiving when I will pause and think for just a second what I’m missing out on.
Standing in line, shivering, waiting for the doors on some shopping mecca to mercifully open its doors only to be hit suddenly by an adrenaline rush that is the fever to go grab the most attractive looking bargain to be had — only to find I was a second too late and beat by the family of 10 who got in line at 1 a.m.
Why do they need to score all 10 of those Power Wheels four-wheel drive trucks? Perhaps one for a gift, while the other nine find their way to Ebay for a profitable auction?
Like I said, I’ll think about it for second, then roll back over and continue a peaceful slumber.
Inaugural Citizens Bank Bowl
In the previous edition of this travel column, a mention was made in regards to purchasing tickets for the inaugural Citizens Bank Bowl.
Now, two weeks later and with the game pairing announced — top-ranked Fort Scott vs. No. 2 Blinn in a NJCAA sanctioned national championship contest — those $10 tickets seem to be quite the bargain.
The game will be played at Carnie Smith Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m.
When the Citizens Bank Bowl first came to reality last spring, discussions began about potential pairings and dream scenarios. Make no mistake about it, Fort Scott vs. Blinn was the dream and it has become reality.
Credit goes to Fort Scott Community College President Dr. Clayton Tatro, Fort Scott Head Coach Jeff Sims and former Fort Scott Athletic Director Rusty Beene, it was their vision that saw a need for a new bowl game and their partnership with Pittsburg State University proved to be a winning tandem.
The support of Citizens Bank brought the event to life and without Citizens Bank, this event would not be possible.
Add the excitement, atmosphere and renowned venue that are Carnie Smith Stadium and Crawford County: The Football Capital of Kansas, you have the formula for a successful NJCAA National Championship game.
Tickets are on sale at all Citizens Bank locations and at the Pittsburg State University ticket office.
For more information about the game, log onto the bowl Web site at www.citizensbankbowl.com.
8 Wonders of Kansas Geography
There are less than four days to submit a nomination in the Kansas Sampler Foundation’s 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography contest.
Some 39 nominations have been submitted including a good representation of Southeast Kansas.
Notables include the Strip Pits of the Mined Land Wildlife Area; others include the Twin Mounds of Fredonia and the Geological Natural Mounds of Linn County such as Sugar Mound.
To make a nomination in the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography contest, log onto www.8wonders.org. The deadline is midnight on Monday, Nov. 30.
Upcoming events
The holiday season has hit and there are a plethora of holiday events and activities scheduled to take place this weekend and on into next week in Crawford County, get out and enjoy:
• The arrival of Santa Claus at Meadowbrook Mall will take place today and Santa will be on hand to visit with children and take photographs now through Dec. 23. Friday, Santa’s hours will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. After Friday, Santa’s hours will be Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Saturday’s 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday’s 1 p.m.-5 p.m. For more information, contact Meadowbrook Mall at 231-9240 or log onto www.meadowbrookcomplex.com.
• Sunday, the City of Frontenac will conduct its annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony at Christmas Park located next to town hall and the courthouse at 200 East McKay. Event begins at 5 p.m. and features the lighting ceremony, live music from “Sweet Adelines” and the Frontenac High School band, a lighted train ride for kids, hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Santa courtesy of the Frontenac Fire Department. For more information, contact Frontenac City Hall at 231-9210.
• Monday, the 30th annual Pittsburg Christmas Parade presented by the Pittsburg Parks and Recreation will take place at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Pittsburg. Lineup begins at 5 p.m. in front of Pittsburg Community Middle School. For more information, contact Pittsburg Parks and Recreation at 231-8310.
• Wednesday, the annual Arma Christmas Parade will take place at 7 p.m. in downtown Arma. For more information, contact Stefanie Peternell, 347-4711.
• Thursday, the annual Girard Fire Department Christmas Parade will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Courthouse Square where attendees can walk down the candy trial to visit Santa and enjoy the sounds of the season. For more information, contact the Girard Fire Department at 724-6216.
• Friday, the annual lighting of the grounds at Big Brutus will take place as Christmas lights and several large stars on Big Brutus will be lit during this special evening. Lights are on from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. For more information, contact Big Brutus at 827-6177, www.bigbrutus.org, bigbrutus@columbus-ks.com
Craig Hull is the director of the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau. It is the purpose of the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote travel and tourism in Crawford County, Southeast Kansas and the Midwest. He can be reached at chull@pittsburgareachamber.com or at 1-800-879-1112.
PITTSBURG —
