By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
Families, friends and visitors from across western Kansas gathered at Picnic in the Parc for a day full of laughter, learning, music and community connection this past Saturday.
Hosted by The ARC of Central Plains in partnership with the Hays Convention and Vistors Bureau, the event welcomed more than 2,000 attendees and transformed the ARC Park into a vibrant celebration of summer.
People traveled from communities, including Dodge City, Great Bend and even neighboring states such as Nebraska, to enjoy the festivities.
One of the biggest highlights for children was the performance by Jammin' Randy, who had kids singing and dancing along to fan favorites including the crowd-pleasing “Dance Like a Hippopotamus.” Laughter and music echoed throughout the park as families gathered around the stage to enjoy the performance.
Food trucks lined the area offering something for everyone, from shaved ice, ice cream treats and freshly squeezed lemonade to hamburgers and local barbecue favorites.
In addition to all the fun festivities, local first responders were also a major attraction during the day. The Hays Police Department gave children and families an inside look at police vehicles, with Officer Alex Lenser and Corporal Ethan Henderson leading tours and answering questions about life in law enforcement.
Nearby, Hays Fire Department firefighters Zane Stipe and Faisal Miller welcomed children aboard Fire Engine 3, allowing young visitors to explore the truck up close.
Ellis County EMS team members Sarah Baker and Garrett Farney also provided tours of ambulances, giving families an opportunity to learn more about emergency medical services and the important work EMS crews perform every day.
Community organizations from across the area made a strong showing at the event as well. Ellis County Health Department Director Melissa Miller shared health information with families while handing out flying discs to children enjoying the summer-themed celebration.
Hays Visitors and Convention Bureau executive director Melissa Dixon said the event was initially planned to incorporate everyone.
“CVB staff heard a parent of a wheelchair-bound child say that she was not aware of the ARC Park," Dixon said. "Which has special equipment to accommodate those with disabilities. Our staff agreed that this was unacceptable and partnered with the ARC of Central Plains to plan an event that would draw attention to this amazing facility."
Dixon also said that the event surpassed last year's Picnic in the Parc.
"This was the second year for the event," Dixon said, "and we had many generous community sponsors who helped make it bigger and better this year.”
The Hays Public Library brought its bookmobile to the park, where Outreach Coordinator Mae Moore and Community Outreach Assistant Emily Pelican created a mobile library experience for attendees to browse and check out books right at the event.
Fort Hays State University’s Science and Mathematics Institute also joined the festivities, with Makerspace and Makervan Director G.G. Launchbaugh helping children create buttons and bottle rockets through hands-on activities that combined creativity and learning.
History enthusiasts enjoyed a stop from the Fort Hays Historic Site and the Kansas Historical Society, where authentic military uniforms from 1872 were displayed, giving attendees a glimpse into Kansas history and the Civil War era.
The Big Creek Mountain Bike Team educated visitors on mountain biking, safety and the ins and outs of the sport, while Play Hays promoted creativity, friendship and belonging for families throughout the Hays community.
The National Baseball Congress was also on hand supporting the Hays Larks and promoting upcoming baseball games, adding even more hometown pride to the event.
