🎶 BBQ, Bluegrass, and the Great Outdoors: The 5th Annual Shindig at the Smoky is Almost Here!

Get ready to unplug, unwind, and two-step your way into summer — the 5th Annual Shindig at the Smoky is happening Saturday, June 28th from 5 to 8 p.m. MT at Soldiers Memorial Park, just a short 15-mile drive south of Goodland!

Kristina from NWKS Radio caught up with the ever-sweet and always-smiling Jessica from Sherman County Community Development, who gave us the scoop on this year’s celebration.

📍 Where are we heading?

Soldiers Memorial Park may be off the beaten path (hello, dirt roads and GPS coordinates: 1735 Road 54), but trust us, it’s worth the drive! With fresh updates to the area, this year’s Shindig is all about celebrating the park’s revival and reminding folks what a gem it really is.

🎣 What can you do out there?

Well, besides soaking up the natural beauty, visitors can enjoy:

• Fishing & kayaking

• Walking trails

• Camping with electric hookups (just leave your payment at the post!)

• And most importantly — a little peace and quiet under the wide Kansas sky

🎤 What’s happening June 28th?

Oh, just the perfect outdoor evening plan:

• Live bluegrass music from The Haymakers (all the way from Wichita!)

• Mouthwatering eats from Smoky Hill BBQ

• Coffee fixes from Tinkering Owl Coffee

• And cool treats from Snow Dog Shaved Ice, with FREE shaved ice for the kiddos, thanks to Sherman County!

🌳 What should you bring?

Your favorite lawn chair, yard games, maybe a frisbee or two — and definitely your appetite. Come hungry or pack a picnic. Whether you chow down on brisket or swing by town for burgers, dinner under the stars never tasted better.

💬 “It’s a great chance to relax and just enjoy the evening,” Jessica said. “Every year it gets a little better. We’ve moved it to the evening this time — fingers crossed for good weather!”

📞 Need more info?

Call SCCD at 785-890-3744 (leave a message if they're tied up helping visitors!)

🌐 Or check out: www.thetopsideofkansas.org

📱 And follow them on Facebook by searching SCCD

So, mark those calendars and gather the gang. The Shindig at the Smoky is your ticket to great music, delicious food, and old-fashioned community fun — just down the road from home.

See you at the Shindig! 🎻🌭🧊