By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

VICTORIA—Victoria's Herzogfest announced its entertainment for its 42-annual festival set for Aug. 8 and 9.

Matfield Green and the Blaine Younger Band will perform on Aug. 8.

The Wes Cossman Band and Dylan Wheeler will perform on Aug. 9.

Entry to all of the performances is free.

"Herzogfest is conducted annually in Victoria. This family oriented event is one of the largest free celebrations in Western Kansas. This free festival encompasses entertainment and family fun for all ages. This event has grown from a one-day sidewalk sale into a weekend celebration," according to the event's website.

Registration for the vendor market and events, as well as information on becoming a sponsor, are now available on the <a href="https://theherzogfest.com/">Herzogfest website</a>.

You can also follow the event on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theherzogfest">Facebook</a>.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostVICTORIA—Victoria's Herzogfest announced its entertainment for its 42-annual festival set for Aug. 8 and 9.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746652924340.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746652943675.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Matfield Green and the Blaine Younger Band will perform on Aug. 8.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746652869021.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746652883885.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>The Wes Cossman Band and Dylan Wheeler will perform on Aug. 9.Entry to all of the performances is free."Herzogfest is conducted annually in Victoria. This family oriented event is one of the largest free celebrations in Western Kansas. This free festival encompasses entertainment and family fun for all ages. This event has grown from a one-day sidewalk sale into a weekend celebration," according to the event's website.A full schedule of events is pending.Registration for the vendor market and events, as well as information on becoming a sponsor, are now available on the <a href="https://theherzogfest.com/">Herzogfest website</a>.You can also follow the event on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theherzogfest">Facebook</a>.

Victoria's Herzogfest announces entertainment

Mrs. Fleshman goes to the butcher shop to buy a chicken for the Sunday meal. The butcher has only one scrawny chicken left. He puts it on the scale. “Three pounds,” he says. “That’s too scrawny; don’t you have something bigger?” Mrs. Fleshman asks. He pretends to rummage around, and then puts the same chicken back on the scale, while pressing with his thumb. “Three and a half pounds,” he says. “That looks better,” says Mrs. Fleshman. “I’ll take them both.”

Mrs. Fleshman goes to the butcher shop to buy a chicken for the Sunday meal. The butcher has only one scrawny chicken left. He puts it on the scale. “Three pounds,” he says. “That’s too scrawny; don’t you have something bigger?” Mrs. Fleshman asks. He pretends to rummage around, and then puts the same chicken back on the scale, while pressing with his thumb. “Three and a half pounds,” he says. “That looks better,” says Mrs. Fleshman. “I’ll take them both.”

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 05/08/25

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746625586617.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

What kind of pets does a marching band have? Trum-pets.&nbsp;

What kind of pets does a marching band have? Trum-pets.&nbsp;

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 05/07/25

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746544060974.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

TOPEKA — The Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) is excited to announce the launch of its 14th annual photography contest, inviting photographers of all ages and skill levels to capture the natural beauty and working landscapes of Kansas ranching.

The contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers.

 Participants are encouraged to submit images that reflect RTK’s mission: "To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.” Photographers may submit up to five photos that highlight the diverse faces, seasons, and scenes of life on Kansas ranchland.

Entries will be accepted through Thursday, September 4, 2025.

Photos will be judged by a panel that includes representatives from RTK and the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA), along with this year’s special guest judge, acclaimed National Geographic photographer and Kansas native, Jim Richardson. With over 35 years of global experience, Richardson brings a distinguished eye to the competition. He and his wife, Kathy, own Small World Gallery in Lindsborg, where his work is showcased.

Winners will be selected in the following categories:

· Grand Prize · Landscape · Livestock · People · Wildflowers or Other Wildlife · Sunrise/Sunset · Youth (ages 5–17) · KLA Member · Fan Favorite (selected via Facebook voting) · Honorable Mention

L’image, a Wichita-based photography and printing company, returns as the contest sponsor. Each category winner will receive an 8”x10” plaque mount of their winning image. The grand prize winner will choose between an 11”x14” canvas or metal print of their photo. 

L’image specializes in ready-to-hang displays including plaque mounting, metal prints, laminating, gallery wraps, and traditional framing, helping photographers showcase their work at its best. 

For official contest rules and to submit entries, visit <a href="https://ranchlandtrustofkansas.org/events-news/">www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org</a> and navigate to the Photo Contest section under News and Events.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746550048962.png" alt="2024 People winner. Photo by Shelly Wonders" />
 <figcaption>2024 People winner. Photo by Shelly Wonders</figcaption>
 </figure>Ranchland Trust of KansasTOPEKA — The Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) is excited to announce the launch of its 14th annual photography contest, inviting photographers of all ages and skill levels to capture the natural beauty and working landscapes of Kansas ranching.The contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers. Participants are encouraged to submit images that reflect RTK’s mission: "To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.” Photographers may submit up to five photos that highlight the diverse faces, seasons, and scenes of life on Kansas ranchland.Entries will be accepted through Thursday, September 4, 2025.Photos will be judged by a panel that includes representatives from RTK and the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA), along with this year’s special guest judge, acclaimed National Geographic photographer and Kansas native, Jim Richardson. With over 35 years of global experience, Richardson brings a distinguished eye to the competition. He and his wife, Kathy, own Small World Gallery in Lindsborg, where his work is showcased.Winners will be selected in the following categories:· Grand Prize · Landscape · Livestock · People · Wildflowers or Other Wildlife · Sunrise/Sunset · Youth (ages 5–17) · KLA Member · Fan Favorite (selected via Facebook voting) · Honorable MentionL’image, a Wichita-based photography and printing company, returns as the contest sponsor. Each category winner will receive an 8”x10” plaque mount of their winning image. The grand prize winner will choose between an 11”x14” canvas or metal print of their photo. L’image specializes in ready-to-hang displays including plaque mounting, metal prints, laminating, gallery wraps, and traditional framing, helping photographers showcase their work at its best. For official contest rules and to submit entries, visit <a href="https://ranchlandtrustofkansas.org/events-news/">www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org</a> and navigate to the Photo Contest section under News and Events.

Annual photography contest launched by Ranchland Trust of Kansas

There's one thing in the world that always gives me butterflies. Caterpillars.

There's one thing in the world that always gives me butterflies. Caterpillars.

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 05/06/25

<figure>
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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Why can’t you trust burritos to keep a secret? They tend to spill the beans.

Have you heard the joke about the tortilla? It was corny.

Why can’t you trust burritos to keep a secret? They tend to spill the beans.Have you heard the joke about the tortilla? It was corny.

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 05/05/25

Hays Middle School Performing Arts

Hays Middle School Performing Arts students will present a joint stage and vocal music performance at the Hays Community Theatre on Thursday, May 8, followed by a stage performance only on Sunday, May 11.

On May 8, the HMS Falcon Singers will open the performance at 7 p.m. with about 25 minutes of vocal music, followed by the one-act play, “Gossip,” presented by drama students. On Sunday, no vocal music will be presented, only the play at 2 p.m.

“I’m pleased that the vocal students will join us for the Thursday performance,” said play director Bill Gasper. “It makes for a little longer evening of entertainment for parents and friends. It was decided to do the Sunday performance of the play because of family members wanting to attend from out-of-town.”

The Falcon Singers, under the direction of Michael Davidson, will perform four or five songs. That will be followed by several solo and small group numbers for a total performance time of 25 minutes.

“This is a talented and dedicated group of singers who practice with me early before school each week,” Davidson said.

Members of the Falcon Singers are Isabel Enriquez Carrasco, Kennedy Smith, Sarah Niehaus, Isabella Anderson, Addison Booze, Annelise Buller, Kenzie Wolcott, Briggston Anderson, Elaina Bach, Evie Dietz, Ryker Barrett, Rachel Dees, Nadia Hernandez, Kahner McGuire, and Reese Custer.

“Gossip” is an award-winning play by Brian Hampton that spins a cautionary tale about the negative effects of gossip.

The 35-minute show personifies Gossip as a new student with a charismatic yet cunning personality. Gossip quickly befriends one of the popular girls, Dallas, but it’s soon revealed that Gossip has entered the friendship with sinister intentions, aiming to take Dallas’ place in the school play and get closer to her boyfriend, Tim.

As Gossip weaves a web of lies and deception, twisting the truth to get what she wants, the group of friends she’s infiltrated begins to unravel until they eventually learn of Gossip’s ulterior motives and turn on her in a dramatic twist.

“It shows how the rest of the kids deal with gossip and eventually learn that gossip is not a very good thing to spread or to believe all the time,” Gasper said.

The play features 10 students, including Isabella Anderson, Jackson Berges, Addison Booze, Annelise Buller, Kalliape Butler, Braelyn Dumler, Zach Leiker, Korbin Miller,

Savannah Wittkorn and Kenzie Wolcott. Helping with the production is assistant director Emily Buller.

No admission will be charged for the performance and everyone is invited. Hays Community Theatre is located at 121 E. 8th Street.

“I want to thank Hays Community Theatre for its generosity in allowing us to use their performance space,” Gasper said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746111884208.png" alt="Hays Middle School Falcon Singers. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Hays Middle School Falcon Singers. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746111923914.png" alt="Hays Middle School Gossip cast. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Middle School Gossip cast. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Middle School Performing ArtsHays Middle School Performing Arts students will present a joint stage and vocal music performance at the Hays Community Theatre on Thursday, May 8, followed by a stage performance only on Sunday, May 11.On May 8, the HMS Falcon Singers will open the performance at 7 p.m. with about 25 minutes of vocal music, followed by the one-act play, “Gossip,” presented by drama students. On Sunday, no vocal music will be presented, only the play at 2 p.m.“I’m pleased that the vocal students will join us for the Thursday performance,” said play director Bill Gasper. “It makes for a little longer evening of entertainment for parents and friends. It was decided to do the Sunday performance of the play because of family members wanting to attend from out-of-town.”The Falcon Singers, under the direction of Michael Davidson, will perform four or five songs. That will be followed by several solo and small group numbers for a total performance time of 25 minutes.“This is a talented and dedicated group of singers who practice with me early before school each week,” Davidson said.Members of the Falcon Singers are Isabel Enriquez Carrasco, Kennedy Smith, Sarah Niehaus, Isabella Anderson, Addison Booze, Annelise Buller, Kenzie Wolcott, Briggston Anderson, Elaina Bach, Evie Dietz, Ryker Barrett, Rachel Dees, Nadia Hernandez, Kahner McGuire, and Reese Custer.“Gossip” is an award-winning play by Brian Hampton that spins a cautionary tale about the negative effects of gossip.The 35-minute show personifies Gossip as a new student with a charismatic yet cunning personality. Gossip quickly befriends one of the popular girls, Dallas, but it’s soon revealed that Gossip has entered the friendship with sinister intentions, aiming to take Dallas’ place in the school play and get closer to her boyfriend, Tim.As Gossip weaves a web of lies and deception, twisting the truth to get what she wants, the group of friends she’s infiltrated begins to unravel until they eventually learn of Gossip’s ulterior motives and turn on her in a dramatic twist.“It shows how the rest of the kids deal with gossip and eventually learn that gossip is not a very good thing to spread or to believe all the time,” Gasper said.The play features 10 students, including Isabella Anderson, Jackson Berges, Addison Booze, Annelise Buller, Kalliape Butler, Braelyn Dumler, Zach Leiker, Korbin Miller,Savannah Wittkorn and Kenzie Wolcott. Helping with the production is assistant director Emily Buller.No admission will be charged for the performance and everyone is invited. Hays Community Theatre is located at 121 E. 8th Street.“I want to thank Hays Community Theatre for its generosity in allowing us to use their performance space,” Gasper said.

Hays Middle School Performing Arts students to perform

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746194691762.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746194231265.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746193910202.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

The month of May means spring is here and school is nearly out.

Events in Hays this month include local school graduations as well as outdoor activities.

For a more detailed calendar of events, check the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visityhays.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575300742886.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe month of May means spring is here and school is nearly out.Events in Hays this month include local school graduations as well as outdoor activities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746201628858.png" alt="Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>For a more detailed calendar of events, check the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visityhays.com</a>.

Convention & Visitors Bureau: May events in Hays include local graduation ceremonies

What do you call a cow that plays a musical instrument? A Moo-sician!

What do you call a cow that plays a musical instrument? A Moo-sician!

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 05/02/25

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746103783127.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

LA CROSSE — The Kansas Barbed Wire Museum is having its 59th annual Barbed Wire Festival from Thursday through Sunday at La Crosse City Auditorium in La Crosse.&nbsp;All ages are welcome to attend even if they're not barbed wire collectors. 

Barbed wire collectors from across the country will trade, sell and buy barbed wire samples at the festival. Along with these samples, people can sell any antique, tool, military or collectible items. 

An auction for collectibles will take place on Saturday, May 3, at 3:00 p.m.&nbsp;This festival is a great opportunity to expand a current collection or start a new one.

Besides the exchange of barbed wire and other items, attendees can participate in a few other events. 

A cookout and karaoke will take place Friday at 6:30 p.m. at La Crosse Fire District #4. This event is free, but donations are welcomed and will be used for museum education as well as supporting the annual “Old Fashioned Christmas.” Those who choose to participate in karaoke have a chance of winning a prize. 

Home-cooked concessions will be available both Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

&nbsp;On&nbsp;Saturday at 10:00 a.m. the World Champion Barbed Wire Splicing Contest has youth, women’s, and men’s categories. The winners from each category will receive a prize. 

A Midnight Masquerade Banquet will also be held Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Walnut Valley Senior Center in Rush Center. A $20 reservation is required per person and ensures dinner, live music, entertainment and an awards ceremony. Tickets are limited, so call&nbsp;as soon as possible. 

A church service and picnic will occur Sunday, at 11:00 a.m. at Grass Park Museum Complex, and it is open to anyone.&nbsp;

Those who have questions or want to reserve tickets can call 785-222-2808 or visit the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum’s website at: <a href="https://rushcounty.org/BarbedWireMuseum/wireshow/">wireshow.rushcounty.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746113916205.png" alt="Rush County Economic Development" />
 <figcaption>Rush County Economic Development</figcaption>
 </figure>Rush County Economic DevelopmentLA CROSSE — The Kansas Barbed Wire Museum is having its 59th annual Barbed Wire Festival from Thursday through Sunday at La Crosse City Auditorium in La Crosse.&nbsp;All ages are welcome to attend even if they're not barbed wire collectors. Barbed wire collectors from across the country will trade, sell and buy barbed wire samples at the festival. Along with these samples, people can sell any antique, tool, military or collectible items. An auction for collectibles will take place on Saturday, May 3, at 3:00 p.m.&nbsp;This festival is a great opportunity to expand a current collection or start a new one.Besides the exchange of barbed wire and other items, attendees can participate in a few other events. A cookout and karaoke will take place Friday at 6:30 p.m. at La Crosse Fire District #4. This event is free, but donations are welcomed and will be used for museum education as well as supporting the annual “Old Fashioned Christmas.” Those who choose to participate in karaoke have a chance of winning a prize. Home-cooked concessions will be available both Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.&nbsp;On&nbsp;Saturday at 10:00 a.m. the World Champion Barbed Wire Splicing Contest has youth, women’s, and men’s categories. The winners from each category will receive a prize. A Midnight Masquerade Banquet will also be held Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Walnut Valley Senior Center in Rush Center. A $20 reservation is required per person and ensures dinner, live music, entertainment and an awards ceremony. Tickets are limited, so call&nbsp;as soon as possible. A church service and picnic will occur Sunday, at 11:00 a.m. at Grass Park Museum Complex, and it is open to anyone.&nbsp;Those who have questions or want to reserve tickets can call 785-222-2808 or visit the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum’s website at: <a href="https://rushcounty.org/BarbedWireMuseum/wireshow/">wireshow.rushcounty.org.</a>

Barbed Wire Festival underway in La Crosse today through Sunday

We are excited to kick off our Summer Concert Series at the Downtown Hays Pavilion tomorrow, May 1st at 6 pm with the Whiskey Mash Band from Kansas City!

These events are FREE and open to the public. Bring your chairs, coolers, and dancing shoes for great entertainment from our 2025 performers!

Tacos el Guero Guey will be on-site with delicious food, and we will have a limited selection of Lovegrass merchandise available for purchase. Donations are appreciated!

Many thanks to our sponsors, TreeTop Security, Cold Stone Creamery, Lomato's Pizza, Midwest Energy, and the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, for making these events possible!

Whiskey Mash: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/679071361124017/">https://www.facebook.com/events/679071361124017/</a>

Sicard Hollow: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/648954511267495/">https://www.facebook.com/events/648954511267495/</a>

Shakedown Strings: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1304378447304000/">https://www.facebook.com/events/1304378447304000/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746111330125.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Lovegrass Concert SeriesWe are excited to kick off our Summer Concert Series at the Downtown Hays Pavilion tomorrow, May 1st at 6 pm with the Whiskey Mash Band from Kansas City!These events are FREE and open to the public. Bring your chairs, coolers, and dancing shoes for great entertainment from our 2025 performers!Tacos el Guero Guey will be on-site with delicious food, and we will have a limited selection of Lovegrass merchandise available for purchase. Donations are appreciated!Many thanks to our sponsors, TreeTop Security, Cold Stone Creamery, Lomato's Pizza, Midwest Energy, and the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, for making these events possible!Summer Concert Event details:Whiskey Mash: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/679071361124017/">https://www.facebook.com/events/679071361124017/</a>Sicard Hollow: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/648954511267495/">https://www.facebook.com/events/648954511267495/</a>Shakedown Strings: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1304378447304000/">https://www.facebook.com/events/1304378447304000/</a>

Whiskey Mash Band featured tonight in Lovegrass free concert series in Hays

The son asked, "Dad, can I eat the cake in the fridge?" "Sure." the dad replied, "but the dining room would probably be more comfortable."

The son asked, "Dad, can I eat the cake in the fridge?" "Sure." the dad replied, "but the dining room would probably be more comfortable."

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 05/01/25

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746017297877.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

What do you call a line of rabbits hopping backwards? A receding hare line.

What do you call a line of rabbits hopping backwards? A receding hare line.

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 04/30/25

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745934111224.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

What do you call fake potatoes? Imitaters.

What do you call fake potatoes? Imitaters.

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 04/29/25

What did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet? SUPPLIES!

What did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet? SUPPLIES!

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 04/28/25

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745589540691.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Entertainment