I walked past the beer garden a few times during Arkalalah. Didn't see anybody doing keg stands or running around shouting how drunk they were, which I half expected to see from the moral outrage in the letters to the editors. You barely noticed the beer garden walking by — it just looked like people milling about and talking. Maybe they were even having a good time?
I don't drink so I didn't go inside, but it didn't look wild and crazy. As promised the Hillcrest Bible Baptist Church boycotted the parade. The only other church floats I notcied were Sacred Heart and the Hispanic church on A Street behind Country Mart. Not sure if other churches joined the boycott or just didn't do a float, but it seemed like there weren't that many.
Oh well, the parade is a bit long anyway ...
-David Allen
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Arkalalah Vibe
Just returned from the street games on Summit. Man what a neat event. There's nothing like excited kids and and proud, smiling parents gathered in the historic downtown to make you feel good about where you live.
Isaiah, our 10-year-old, was still recovering from strep throat, so he didn't do the foot race but did hop down the pavement for the sack races. He crashed near the finish line but hopped up and over with a smile on his face. Friend Billy Gentry placed third, so he ran in the finals. He didn't place, but did get a scraped hand from falling on the pavement.
We live downtown so our house is surrounded by parked cars and people snaking around the block as they walk to the parade. Feels like a college football game day or something — there's nothing like it. Last Run Car show comes close, but Arkalalah has a friendly, feel-good vibe that just makes everything seem to fit into place. Gives the town a real purpose.
Another great thing about Arkalalah is that the hangover doesn't last long because the Halloween is around the corner. Can't wait to carve some pumpkins.....
Go Redsox!
-David Allen
Isaiah, our 10-year-old, was still recovering from strep throat, so he didn't do the foot race but did hop down the pavement for the sack races. He crashed near the finish line but hopped up and over with a smile on his face. Friend Billy Gentry placed third, so he ran in the finals. He didn't place, but did get a scraped hand from falling on the pavement.
We live downtown so our house is surrounded by parked cars and people snaking around the block as they walk to the parade. Feels like a college football game day or something — there's nothing like it. Last Run Car show comes close, but Arkalalah has a friendly, feel-good vibe that just makes everything seem to fit into place. Gives the town a real purpose.
Another great thing about Arkalalah is that the hangover doesn't last long because the Halloween is around the corner. Can't wait to carve some pumpkins.....
Go Redsox!
-David Allen
Fat and Happy
It's about all over but the parade, band show and reunions with classmates
I left the Class of '62 out of a story I did on the planned reunions for this Arkalalah. That was pointed out to me this morning at the Pancake Feed by Hollywood director and writer Mike Robe, a 1962 Arkansas City High School graduate, who grew up here.
Leaving out the ACHS Class of '62 is particularly a "bad" on my part because it also was my older brother Bill's class.
Mea culpa.
Anyway, the Class of '62 is having its reunion at 7 o'clock tonight (Saturday) at the Best Western Atrium Gardens on North Summit Street.
Felt so heavy this morning from all the Arkalalah snacking that I took a walk around my neighborhood before heading downtown for the Pancake Feed. (That made me feel less guilty indulging in this tasty Saturday morning Arkalalah traditon.)
Now I'm looking forward to the Big Parade.
Foss Farrar
Traveler reporter
I left the Class of '62 out of a story I did on the planned reunions for this Arkalalah. That was pointed out to me this morning at the Pancake Feed by Hollywood director and writer Mike Robe, a 1962 Arkansas City High School graduate, who grew up here.
Leaving out the ACHS Class of '62 is particularly a "bad" on my part because it also was my older brother Bill's class.
Mea culpa.
Anyway, the Class of '62 is having its reunion at 7 o'clock tonight (Saturday) at the Best Western Atrium Gardens on North Summit Street.
Felt so heavy this morning from all the Arkalalah snacking that I took a walk around my neighborhood before heading downtown for the Pancake Feed. (That made me feel less guilty indulging in this tasty Saturday morning Arkalalah traditon.)
Now I'm looking forward to the Big Parade.
Foss Farrar
Traveler reporter
Friday, October 26, 2007
Football Days
Last night was crisp and cool, perfect football weather, so I decided to go to the Cowley Cup game. (We didn't have a Cowley Cup when I attended Ark City High in the '60s, but the bitter rivalry between Ark City and Winfield existed then as it does today; of course, we played Winfield every year, but not necessarily around Arkalalah, and there was no Cup presented.)
By accident, met a couple of my old high school classmates and we watched the game together. Recalled old memories of the "glory days" when the Bulldogs averaged maybe a loss -- or two at the most -- per season. And we played Wichita teams then.
Last night's game reminded us a bit of the old days. The Bulldogs did themselves proud, we thought. It was a fun game and they played well defensively as well as offensively. Jordan Fields, a senior, had a good game, his last one of the season and of his h.s. career.
One of my classmates made the comment that the students used to sit in east stands at Curry Field, where visitor fans now sit. The adults and press box were on the other side, where now there are a mix of fans. The students on one side made quite a show of force backing the Bulldogs. He said he'd like to see that tradition of students sitting together over there revived.
We agreed we'd like to see the tradition of winning football games revived too. It just might happen.
Foss Farrar
Traveler reporter
By accident, met a couple of my old high school classmates and we watched the game together. Recalled old memories of the "glory days" when the Bulldogs averaged maybe a loss -- or two at the most -- per season. And we played Wichita teams then.
Last night's game reminded us a bit of the old days. The Bulldogs did themselves proud, we thought. It was a fun game and they played well defensively as well as offensively. Jordan Fields, a senior, had a good game, his last one of the season and of his h.s. career.
One of my classmates made the comment that the students used to sit in east stands at Curry Field, where visitor fans now sit. The adults and press box were on the other side, where now there are a mix of fans. The students on one side made quite a show of force backing the Bulldogs. He said he'd like to see that tradition of students sitting together over there revived.
We agreed we'd like to see the tradition of winning football games revived too. It just might happen.
Foss Farrar
Traveler reporter
I am done... I think?
Monday morning was wonderful! The weather was perfect for Arkalalah, all I could think of was chicken and noodles...yum!!!
Tuesday hit, the vendors started showing up. I could hardly contain my excitement, roasted corn...yum!!!
Finally Wednesday was here, look out food booths, here I come (ugh I had an interview at 11:30, no early food!). Noon hit, the interview was over and the ad staff gathered to make the walk. My first stop was chicken and noodles, and then I saw Kelli from Graves, she had a very interesting looking beverage, Cherry Limade from the vendor just behind the noodles, that was the next stop. I finshed those wonderful treats, and walked down to find the fried peaches, while my co-worker Laura expreienced a fried twinkie (she gave me bite, wow!). That was lunch, and really I felt like I could have so much more.
6:30 Dinner time.... at the advice from Kay, another co-worker, I had my first pork burger, wow!!!! I also added pickelos and for dessert I had to have a whole fried twinkie. Who knew that twinkie's could be even better than they already are!!!! And in my opinion, fried pickels are the only way to eat a pickle!!
8:00 p.m. I have made it home (my youngest daughter was ill and we could not stay for the parade) and I am not feeling so good. I think I am going to be sick... I wonder if it is something I ate. :)
Thursday 6:00 am, I made it thru the night, no problem but now I am sooo sluggish oh why did I do that to myself??? That is it, I am done, no more food.
10:00am well maybe I can have some roasted corn or a fried candy bar..... on second thought, no better not.
Friday morning.... Ok, so I think I will get the corn today, and a fried milky way for sure..... no cheese cake on stick, (or not, that might send me the hospital for sure)..... maybe I will try gator on a stick? Did I see homeade pie?
So maybe I am not done........
Micah Mitchell
Tuesday hit, the vendors started showing up. I could hardly contain my excitement, roasted corn...yum!!!
Finally Wednesday was here, look out food booths, here I come (ugh I had an interview at 11:30, no early food!). Noon hit, the interview was over and the ad staff gathered to make the walk. My first stop was chicken and noodles, and then I saw Kelli from Graves, she had a very interesting looking beverage, Cherry Limade from the vendor just behind the noodles, that was the next stop. I finshed those wonderful treats, and walked down to find the fried peaches, while my co-worker Laura expreienced a fried twinkie (she gave me bite, wow!). That was lunch, and really I felt like I could have so much more.
6:30 Dinner time.... at the advice from Kay, another co-worker, I had my first pork burger, wow!!!! I also added pickelos and for dessert I had to have a whole fried twinkie. Who knew that twinkie's could be even better than they already are!!!! And in my opinion, fried pickels are the only way to eat a pickle!!
8:00 p.m. I have made it home (my youngest daughter was ill and we could not stay for the parade) and I am not feeling so good. I think I am going to be sick... I wonder if it is something I ate. :)
Thursday 6:00 am, I made it thru the night, no problem but now I am sooo sluggish oh why did I do that to myself??? That is it, I am done, no more food.
10:00am well maybe I can have some roasted corn or a fried candy bar..... on second thought, no better not.
Friday morning.... Ok, so I think I will get the corn today, and a fried milky way for sure..... no cheese cake on stick, (or not, that might send me the hospital for sure)..... maybe I will try gator on a stick? Did I see homeade pie?
So maybe I am not done........
Micah Mitchell
friday morning
The food vendors are my favorite part of the festival. This week we will eat just about every meal down there, and then some.
Local businesses are also taking advantage, with Grinderman and Gambino's Pizza getting in on the food frenzy. Grinderman has some really cool chocolate items during Arkalalah. Their chocolate and caremel covered apples are pretty amazing, and Gambino's is offering pizza by the slice. I'd like to see Gambino's do that all the time.
Today and tomorrow are the big days. Today is the kid's parade, which is always cool. It's my favorite parade. Ive never been much for night parades, and the big parade is ... well, big. Either the paper or my church always has a float, and ive been in the big parade a few times. I have not actually watched the big parade in a few years. This year i'll get to see it.
Tonight of course is the coronation. IT is interesting how they pick the queen. People at the event vote, which is interesting. But there are only so many seats available and it has an air of secrecy about it - whether thats true or not is a different matter - but that is my impression.
It would be fun if it were more public, and more of the public was involved. Not sure how to do that.
I don't mean that as a negative at all. The selection of the Arkalalah queen is a long standing tradition and has worked well.
Getting back to the food, I am sure I will eat myself silly over the next couple of days. There is the eating competition, but i'm not going near there.
Did notice in the brochure that has the schedule that the beer garden is called a "refreshment" garden, and that there is no mention of beer at all. It does mention Ale and I assume that doesn't mean Ginger.
By now I have hit my favorites - Harvest Medley, Porkburgers, chocolate cheesecake, and a couple others. Now its time to try new things. That Fried Peach sounds interesting.
james jordan
Local businesses are also taking advantage, with Grinderman and Gambino's Pizza getting in on the food frenzy. Grinderman has some really cool chocolate items during Arkalalah. Their chocolate and caremel covered apples are pretty amazing, and Gambino's is offering pizza by the slice. I'd like to see Gambino's do that all the time.
Today and tomorrow are the big days. Today is the kid's parade, which is always cool. It's my favorite parade. Ive never been much for night parades, and the big parade is ... well, big. Either the paper or my church always has a float, and ive been in the big parade a few times. I have not actually watched the big parade in a few years. This year i'll get to see it.
Tonight of course is the coronation. IT is interesting how they pick the queen. People at the event vote, which is interesting. But there are only so many seats available and it has an air of secrecy about it - whether thats true or not is a different matter - but that is my impression.
It would be fun if it were more public, and more of the public was involved. Not sure how to do that.
I don't mean that as a negative at all. The selection of the Arkalalah queen is a long standing tradition and has worked well.
Getting back to the food, I am sure I will eat myself silly over the next couple of days. There is the eating competition, but i'm not going near there.
Did notice in the brochure that has the schedule that the beer garden is called a "refreshment" garden, and that there is no mention of beer at all. It does mention Ale and I assume that doesn't mean Ginger.
By now I have hit my favorites - Harvest Medley, Porkburgers, chocolate cheesecake, and a couple others. Now its time to try new things. That Fried Peach sounds interesting.
james jordan
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Night Parade Notes
City Manager Doug Russell seemed skeptical when I told him the Parade of Lights would last about 45 minutes. A companion of mine — who didn't grow up here — also doubted me: "There's only three or four entries," she said.
No surprise to many oldtimers, though, I was right: The parade lasted 45 minutes. But give the new city manager a break: it was his first Arkalalah. He said today he enjoyed it very much. He and his wife Lara and their two kids were there.
Many others were there. Attendance was the best in years, according to one spectator.
It was a cool night — weather-wise and in the colloquial sense of "cool." Lots of sparkling floats and performances by bands and dancers. Families, older folks (like me) and youngsters all seemed to have a good time. And many were enjoying the carnival, too.
One of the lead vehicles in the parade was a fire truck and Bobby Estus was seated in it. He looked like he was having a great time, even though he told me earlier in the day that he was nervous. Haven't seen Bobby today to ask him about it yet.
Chris Johnson's previous blog on "Gluttony" at Arkalalah is funny, and I can relate to everything he says. A wise man once said: Moderation in all things is a good axiom to live by. But it's tough to follow that advice during holidays like Arkalalah. It's a time to celebrate!
Foss Farrar
Traveler reporter
No surprise to many oldtimers, though, I was right: The parade lasted 45 minutes. But give the new city manager a break: it was his first Arkalalah. He said today he enjoyed it very much. He and his wife Lara and their two kids were there.
Many others were there. Attendance was the best in years, according to one spectator.
It was a cool night — weather-wise and in the colloquial sense of "cool." Lots of sparkling floats and performances by bands and dancers. Families, older folks (like me) and youngsters all seemed to have a good time. And many were enjoying the carnival, too.
One of the lead vehicles in the parade was a fire truck and Bobby Estus was seated in it. He looked like he was having a great time, even though he told me earlier in the day that he was nervous. Haven't seen Bobby today to ask him about it yet.
Chris Johnson's previous blog on "Gluttony" at Arkalalah is funny, and I can relate to everything he says. A wise man once said: Moderation in all things is a good axiom to live by. But it's tough to follow that advice during holidays like Arkalalah. It's a time to celebrate!
Foss Farrar
Traveler reporter
Arkalalah Gluttony
So yesterday at noon I headed down to Summit Street, excited as a kid on Christmas morning. I love this time of year; I always have. I love fall weather, football, and the holidays. Since moving to Ark City four years ago, I've been able to add Arkalalah to the list. Like many people, the food is probably my favorite. In years past, I've been much better at pacing myself. This year, however, I threw caution to the wind. I stuffed myself with a bratwurst, chicken & noodles, and a pork burger. As a result, I was completely worthless all afternoon at work yesterday - more so than usual. I had to attend a 1:30 meeting in my boss' office. It was a pretty good meeting, but all I could do for the first five minutes was stare at his couch and fantasize about taking a nap. I can't believe that I am getting so old that my fantasies involve sleeping.
When dinner time rolled around, I hadn't completely come out of my food coma. So for dinner, I had rolaids. They weren't deep fried, they weren't on a stick, they weren't covered in sugar either. That kind of gets me thinking though. I bet that cherry flavored rolaids would be pretty good, battered, deep fried and dusted with powdered sugar. Maybe I can call some people and get that on the Arkalalah menu next year. Let's hope.
Happy Arkalalah! And remember: It's not a sprint, it's a marathon. That goes for the beer garden too.
Chris Johnson
Ark City Traveler
When dinner time rolled around, I hadn't completely come out of my food coma. So for dinner, I had rolaids. They weren't deep fried, they weren't on a stick, they weren't covered in sugar either. That kind of gets me thinking though. I bet that cherry flavored rolaids would be pretty good, battered, deep fried and dusted with powdered sugar. Maybe I can call some people and get that on the Arkalalah menu next year. Let's hope.
Happy Arkalalah! And remember: It's not a sprint, it's a marathon. That goes for the beer garden too.
Chris Johnson
Ark City Traveler
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Arkalalah Feed #1
Just returned from my first "Arkalalah feed" downtown. One of the neat things about working in the downtown area is the convenience to Arkalalah activities. Food booths are within easy walking distance during the four days they are set up for the festival.
Talked to several people about their favorite Arkalalah foods, offered by some of the same vendors year after year. Some people keep going back to favorites such as pork burgers, buffalo burgers, Harvest Medley, bierrock, onion blossoms, corn on the cob and other foods
Other people may go to their favorite booth on the first day, then on succeeding days try out new treats.
Many Arkalalah-goers walk from booth to booth ordering one course from one booth, another from a different booth and a third (such as dessert) from a third booth.
With all the food — including desserts — offered at 23 different booths, Arkalalah is a time, I decided, not to worry about how much you eat, or you'll spoil the fun.
After visiting booths around the three main intersections downtown, I returned to the office with my dessert, an ice cream sandwich — vanilla ice cream between chocolate chip cookies. Yum, I thought, as I reflected on Arkalalah in the office break room:
Arkalalah has got to be one of the best festivals of its size that you could find in the whole world, I thought.
Was I just on a sugar high? Or is there something really special about this grand old Arkalalah Festival?
Foss Farrar
Traveler reporter
Talked to several people about their favorite Arkalalah foods, offered by some of the same vendors year after year. Some people keep going back to favorites such as pork burgers, buffalo burgers, Harvest Medley, bierrock, onion blossoms, corn on the cob and other foods
Other people may go to their favorite booth on the first day, then on succeeding days try out new treats.
Many Arkalalah-goers walk from booth to booth ordering one course from one booth, another from a different booth and a third (such as dessert) from a third booth.
With all the food — including desserts — offered at 23 different booths, Arkalalah is a time, I decided, not to worry about how much you eat, or you'll spoil the fun.
After visiting booths around the three main intersections downtown, I returned to the office with my dessert, an ice cream sandwich — vanilla ice cream between chocolate chip cookies. Yum, I thought, as I reflected on Arkalalah in the office break room:
Arkalalah has got to be one of the best festivals of its size that you could find in the whole world, I thought.
Was I just on a sugar high? Or is there something really special about this grand old Arkalalah Festival?
Foss Farrar
Traveler reporter
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Good Times
Hi Everybody
The Traveler has started a blog for employees to post their thoughts, feelings, impressions about Arkalalah as the big week unfolds. We welcome and want public comments. If you're new to our blogs, just click the "comment" link below any entry and follow the easy steps.
This is just another way to enjoy the big fall festival and stay in touch with our online readers. Have fun and have a great festival!
David A. Seaton
The Traveler
The Traveler has started a blog for employees to post their thoughts, feelings, impressions about Arkalalah as the big week unfolds. We welcome and want public comments. If you're new to our blogs, just click the "comment" link below any entry and follow the easy steps.
This is just another way to enjoy the big fall festival and stay in touch with our online readers. Have fun and have a great festival!
David A. Seaton
The Traveler
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