– 2019 Event Inductee –
Prairiesta
Prairiesta is a huge celebration of the history, heritage, and culture of Russell, Kansas, and has been held every ten years since 1941. The 2011 Prairiesta celebrated Russell County's 140th Anniversary and the 150th Anniversary of the State of Kansas. The high point of the week’s events was the Prairiesta Parade, which began with a longhorn cattle drive down Main Street and continued with over 140 entries.
The themes for every Prairiesta:
1941: Wagons West
1951: Pioneers of Progress
1961: Tepees to Towers
1971: Post Rock to Moon Rock
1981: Frontiers to Freeways
1991: Saga of the Plains
2001: Prairiesta2001@russell.fun
2011: Windmills to Wind Power
2021: Here’s To 150 Years
Scene from the 1951 Prairiesta Parade.
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Salina Journal
May 15, 1961
Page 8
Prairiesta Fun but Lot of Work
RUSSELL – Russell residents are having a barrel of fun with their Prairiesta celebration, but there’s a lot of hard work attached to it. Russell hopes to make this year’s celebration the biggest in the city’s history. Work began last week on the production of the Prairiesta pageant, “Tepees to Towers.”
Russell hopes to make this year’s celebration the biggest in the city’s history. Work began last week on the production of the Prairiesta pageant, “Tepees to Towers,” to be presented June 6-9 during the Prairiesta.
Has 15 Scenes
The show will include 15 scenes, a prologue and a finale. Members of each scene will have one rehearsal period each week until the Prairiesta, according to director Paul Haagen.
R. L. Welch and Mrs. Lawrence Wilhelm, cast co-chairmen, were in charge of a recent meeting when roles were assigned. The parts were read and those interested volunteered to be responsible for that scene.
Among the groups taking part are the FFA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Beta Sigma Phi, Zeta Mu chapter, Sunflower Riding Club, Russell County Riding Club, BPW, Elks, Rotary, Kiwanis and Knights of Columbus.
Meanwhile, other phases of the celebration are in progress in Russell.
“Jail sentences were handed five defendants Saturday for violations committed during the first Prairiesta promenade. Kangaroo Court prosecutor Gene Balloun said that “Judge” John Voelk had placed four of the five on probation.
Punished On Spot
The other was punished on the spot. Ralph Ewing, found guilty of not wearing a shaving permit, had mustache and sideburns painted on by members of the RBI-Russell Beard Inspectors.
Jake Ehrlich was sentenced to be banished to the sidewalk in front of the Prairiesta headquarters for one hour Saturday, to sell $1 worth of wooden nickels while attired in an official Prairiesta bonnet.
Mrs. Allan Evans also appeared in front of headquarters in a men’s derby, and selling men’s Prairiesta toppers. She was assisted by Mrs. Mrs. Frank Page and Mrs. Allen Fowler, Dressed in men’s clothing but wearing bonnets.
Their offenses were their failure to wear “belle” or “brother” badges.
Prior to their sentencing, the five were locked in the Prairiesta jailhouse.
After they had been locked in, it was found that Judge Woelk had no badge and he was thrown into the cell, too.
Other Russell citizens hung extra locks on the cell door, and Woelk was finally freed by Jim Thoman, Prairiesta general chairman, using a hammer.
The next Prairiesta will be held June 10-13, 2021, and will celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Russell County.