Upcoming Events
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SPECIAL MASS - ST. MARY'S SHRINE
Sunday, September 8, 2024 - 10:30 am
LORETTOSt. Mary Help of Christians Church in Loretto, Kansas celebrated its final Mass on June 29, 1997. After the church was closed, it was designated a shrine. The church has remained mostly unused for over a quarter century. On September 8, 2024, Father Reggie Urban, a native of the Loretto area, will once again celebrate Regular Mass at 10:30 am. Following the service will be a time of refreshments and fellowship.
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LA CROSSE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Saturday, September 14, 2024 - 6:00 pm
OPEN HOUSE / TOUCH-A-TRUCKRush County Fire District No. 4, La Crosse, will be hosting an open house on September 14 starting at 6:00 pm at the fire station. There will be events for kids and adults. There will be food and opportunities to see equipment from the fire department, EMS, and police up-close and personal. There will be an extrication demonstration at 7:30 pm, and an outdoor movie starting at dusk. Events are free, donations will be accepted.
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FALL FESTIVAL CAR SHOW
Saturday, September 28, 2024 - 10:00 am
LA CROSSEThe annual Fall Festival Car Show will once again take place in Grass Park in La Crosse on September 28, 2024. There will antique vehicles, food vendors, and fun for everyone. The museum complex will also be open across the bridge. Click the link for more information or to enter. There is no charge for spectators.
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VINTAGE BASEBALL GAME
Saturday, October 12, 2024 - 1:00 pm (time changed)
LA CROSSE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLThe Loretto Blue Jays were once a semi-professional baseball team based in the small community of Loretto, Kansas. Loretto was famous for having a lighted baseball field in a town of about two dozen people. The Blue Jays team will come active once again for one day when the play Baseball against the Historic Fort Hays Post 9 team using “Vintage Rules” in the La Crosse Elementary School field across from the historic Rush County courthouse. The event is free.
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MUSIC & MORE
Sunday, October 20, 2024 - 2:00 pm
HISTORIC NEKOMA SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCHThe historic 1914 Seventh-day Adventist Church on the hill south of Nekoma will once again become active with a day of Music & More. Starting at 2:00 pm, there will be musical performances, cowboy poetry, and more. Everyone is welcome and the event is free.
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THANKSGIVING DINNER & OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, November 10, 2024 - 11:00 am
ST. JOSEPH CHURCH - LIEBENTHALThe St. Joseph Altar Society will host its annual Thanksgiving Dinner starting at 11:00 am in the basement of the school. Following the meal, tours will be available of the church, rectory, and school. There will be historical displays in the school. There will also be an historical presentation in the church explaining the history of the Volga German settlers and St. Joseph Church.
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OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS - MUSEUM COMPLEX - LA CROSSE
Friday, November 29, 2024 - 5:00 pmOn the day after Thanksgiving, the Rush County Historical Society celebrates its annual Old-Fashioned Christmas. The buildings will be decorated for Christmas, and there will be special programs, homemade snacks and a visit from Santa with treats for the kids sponsored by the La Crosse Fire Department. All events are free.
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Past Events
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PROCLAMATION SIGNING
December 1, 2023On December 1, 2023, the Rush County Commissioners signed a proclamation officially lauching the celebration of Rush County's Sesquicentennial Celebration. The ceremony was 149 years to the day from the date the first appointed county commissioners signed the proclamation requesting official county status.
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A NEW OLD WAGON
December 31, 2023The Rush County Historical Society has undertaken the task of restoring the old baggage cart from the Timken Santa Fe Depot. Although altered from its original state, the cart dates back to the 1880s. It was used to transfer freight at the depot and in the immediate area. For years, the decaying cart has been parked on the platform of the Rush County Historical Museum. Society members plan to have the cart restored and in working order by the Rush Center St. Patrick's Parade in March.
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WALNUT VALLEY SENIOR CENTER POTATO BAR
On January 21, 2024, the Walnut Valley Senior Center in Rush Center hosted their Potato Bar from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. After the meal, visitors had the opportunity to browse historical displays from the communities of Rush County. The Rush Center Museum (located in the Senior Center) was also open. The Senior Center is located in the former Rush Center school building constructed in the 1950s. In addition to being the original county seat, Rush Center was the first school district organized in Rush County.
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RUSH COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION DENIM & DIAMONDS
On February 10, 2024, the Rush County Memorial Hospital Foundation will be hosting its annual Denim & Diamonds fund raising dinner. Tickets are $100 each and include: music, games, open bar, live auction, and wine pull. Event begins at 6:00 pm, Dinner at 7:00 pm. There will be a special historical display featuring the “Doctors of Rush County”.
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ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE & FESTIVAL
On March 16, 2024, enjoy this Irish celebration - Kansas Style
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For over 30 years, the community of Rush Center has invited you to “Come be Irish for the day!” Join us and see why we say, “There are only two kinds of people in the world, the Irish and those who wish they were.” Enjoy a variety of local food vendors, games, Bingo, and live entertainment in a festive family atmosphere. Be sure to try our homemade Irish Stew and all the fixins. -
OTIS OLD IRON DAYS
On April 26-28, 2024, Old Iron Days are back after a 15-year break! As part of the 150th Anniversary of Rush County, Kansas, the people of Otis have resurrected Old Iron Days for a one-time encore celebration in downtown Otis. Displays include antique vehicles, a parade, historical displays, food, games for the kids, and much more. History comes alive in Otis for the weekend.
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LA CROSSE BARBED WIRE FESTIVAL
On May 2-5, 2024, La Crosse hosts the 58th Annual Barbed Wire Festival.
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The Barbed Wire Festival is a family-oriented community celebration with events for the entire family. You don't need to be a barbed wire collector to participate. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
On Saturday, the World Champion Barbed Wire Splicing Contest™ will give contestants the opportunity to prove who can create the strongest and fastest fence splice. -
BISON HISTORY DAY
On Sunday, June 16, 2024, history comes alive in Bison, Kansas.
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Enjoy open houses at the historic Lone Star School and Bison Community Museum. The Lone Star School, the oldest commercial building in Rush County, is a Post Rock limestone church and school constructed in 1878. See a Post Rock limestone cutting and dressing demonstration in the City Park. There will be something for everyone in historic Downtown Bison, Kansas.