Busy Season for Sherman County Economic Development
- Kristina Hemel
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
Sherman County Economic Development Director Bert Mosier joined the Good Neighbor Hour this week, sharing updates on the many projects, events, and opportunities happening across the county. From a housing crunch caused by incoming work crews, to preparations for the Flatlanders Fall Festival, to new murals and business growth downtown, Goodland is buzzing with activity.
Housing & Workforce Influx
Mosier says one of the biggest challenges right now is finding places for out-of-town crews who are working on major projects. Within the next 10 days, around 130 workers from California will arrive to build a new electric transmission line. Pipeline and railroad crews are also expected soon, adding to the housing demand.
He urged residents with spare rentals, apartments, or even RV hookups to consider making them available. The county fairgrounds and Smoky Gardens have been opened for RVs, and local businesses like the laundromat on Main Street have become central hubs for visiting workers to connect with services.
“This influx is a great problem to have,” Mosier said. “It means more dollars being spent locally, and that’s a huge boost to our economy.”
Flatlanders Fall Festival Around the Corner
The Flatlanders Fall Festival returns September 26–27 with a full lineup. Friday kicks off with a free barbecue at Chambers Park and live music from Jimmy D and the Fabulous Destinations. Saturday brings the popular car show on Main Street, the bike show at the VFW, food vendors, and family fun.
New this year is the ATV Big Air Tour at the fairgrounds—bringing high-flying stunts between the car show and the evening parade. Mosier also noted expanded beer garden boundaries managed by Traditions Restaurant, meaning festival-goers can enjoy beverages along Main Street with proper wristbands.
He reminded attendees that while mobility scooters and wheelchairs are welcome, golf carts, e-bikes, and side-by-sides are not permitted on festival grounds for safety reasons.
Murals & Downtown Growth
Sherman County’s mural project continues to add color to Main Street. New work is underway on the north side of the Escape Room building, and local artist Juno Padilla will be painting over graffiti on the back of the Harlan House Grocery Store.
Mosier hopes to eventually restore some of the historic painted advertisements from the 1950s that still exist on local buildings. “They’d be a neat piece of history to bring back,” he said.
Downtown is also seeing business growth. A new tattoo parlor is expected to open in time for Flatlanders, and an existing business will soon announce an expansion.
Youth Entrepreneurship & Career Showcase
Sherman County is also focused on its younger residents. The Youth Entrepreneurial Challenge will give high school students and homeschoolers the chance to pitch business ideas, compete locally, and advance to state contests.
In addition, the new Western Kansas Career Showcase will connect students with local businesses through job shadowing and apprenticeships. Events are planned in WaKeeney (Sept. 25), Oakley (Oct. 30), and Goodland (Nov. 20).
Sherman Theatre Centennial & Special Events
The Sherman Theatre continues its Centennial Celebration with a free showing of Rare Breed on Sunday, Sept. 14, sponsored by Shilling Cattle Company.
Other upcoming events include:
Mud Races (Sept. 13) at the fairgrounds, featuring 4x4s, ATVs, UTVs, and kids’ Power Wheels.
A Ladies’ Basic Shooting Class on Sept. 20.
The first college shootout at the upgraded Goodland shooting range, held the same weekend as Flatlanders.
Looking Ahead
Mosier credited his economic development board for their hard work behind the scenes and thanked local residents for stepping up to help accommodate crews and welcome newcomers.
“It’s busy, but it’s the kind of busy we want,” he said. “We’ve got growth, we’ve got events, and we’ve got opportunities for our young people. It’s a great time for Sherman County.”
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