LaCrosse, Kansas: The Kansas Barbed Wire Collectors Association will be hosting Antique and Barbed Wire Supershow 2008 in conjunction with their annual show on May 1-3, 2008 at the Rush County Fairgrounds in LaCrosse. This national show is the largest of it kind with participants coming from across the United States. In addition to traditional sales and trade tables, there will be displays including barbed wire and related items, antiques, and collectibles. There is no admission fee for the public.

Events will begin on Thursday afternoon with set-up at 3:00 pm in the 4H Exhibit Building at the Rush County Fairgrounds. Table and space reservation information is listed below. Thursday evening is reserved for various association meetings at the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum Hagemeier Conference Room.

The display buildings at the fairgrounds will be open on Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. In addition to the traditional barbed wire and related displays, the Association is inviting antique and craft vendors to participate as well. Lunch concessions will be also be available. Door prizes will be given away throughout the day and event participants will be able to enter their own “derby horse” in several “runnings” of the Kansas Barbed Wire Derby with an opportunity to win our own version of the Triple Crown.

On Friday and Saturday, the “Tribute to Veterans” collection will again be on display. This large, privately owned collection includes historical uniforms and equipment spanning the 20th century. New items have been added and the collection can only be seen during the barbed wire show.

Displays will be judged in the afternoon on Friday. Those wishing to have their displays judged may enter at the registration desk on Friday morning; however, space is limited so reservations are suggested.

On Friday night, the museum will host a cookout at 6:00 pm with proceeds to benefit the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum. Entertainment will be provided by “Off-Duty” featuring down home music by our own County Sheriff and Chief of Police. Following the meal, there will be old-fashioned picnic games for kids and adults and the World Champion Barbed Wire Splicing Contest with prizes awarded in Men’s, Ladies’, and Youth categories. Participants will also have an opportunity to get up close and personal with some equine friends (horses) including Ms. Friskie, a descendant of famed Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown winner, Secretariat.

On Saturday, displays will be open from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm. Events will include a ladies hat-making contest and geo-caching at the fairgrounds. At 3:00, the public auction will be held. Tear down will begin following the auction.

On Saturday evening, there will be a candlelight reception and banquet at the LaCrosse City Auditorium beginning at 6:00 pm. The event will be in a formal setting themed after the Kentucky Derby; however, casual dress is acceptable. Reservations are required. The reception will consist of light h'orderves including mint julip (non-alcoholic), fruit and snack trays, and a chocolate fountain. The banquet will follow with a menu of a sirloin filet, baked potato, vegetable, salads and desserts. Wait staff will be on hand to serve the participants. A short program and awards ceremony will follow.

For more information or to register online, visit: www.rushcounty.org/BarbedWireMuseum or call Brad at 785-222-6149 or Mike at 785-672-4833.