Submitted
On this Halloween day, as the spirits roam freely and the pumpkins glow eerily, the Wild West Festival in Hays unveils its spellbinding plan for the Fourth of July weekend, promising a bewitching and spine-tingling experience that will draw attendees from across the region.
In a land where tumbleweeds meet twangy guitars, and stars shine as bright as fireflies, the Wild West Festival has always been a jewel in Western Kansas's summer crown.
This year, the festival will be a ghoulishly good time with a diverse lineup that will have cowboys and cowgirls, rockers and country folk find another good time under the Kansas stars.
Wednesday, July 3
Opener: Paramount
HEADLINER: NATE SMITH
The festival kicks off on July 3, where the electric tunes of Paramount will set the stage for a captivating headlining performance by NATE SMITH, casting a musical enchantment that'll linger long after the stars fade.
Friday, July 5
Opener: Savannah Chestnut
HEADLINER: SAWYER BROWN – 40th Anniversary Tour
On July 5, the Wild West Festival will turn into an enchanting realm as Savannah Chestnut's melodies lead the way. To commemorate their 40th Anniversary, SAWYER BROWN will perform a musical séance that promises to be an experience more than just a treat – it's a time-traveling journey through four decades of music.
Saturday, July 6
Opener: Sunset Sinners
HEADLINER: QUIET RIOT
As the festival crescendos into its climax on July 6, Sunset Sinners will ignite the atmosphere, creating a gateway for the legendary QUIET RIOT. Their headlining performance will electrify your soul, making it a night to remember for all eternity.
"We're thrilled to bring this diverse and electrifying lineup to Hays, Kansas,” said event coordinator Sandi Maier. “It's going to be a memorable Fourth of July weekend, and we can't wait to share this experience with the community and visitors from all around the region."
With the early announcement of this year’s lineup, the non-profit group behind the Wild West Festival, the all-volunteer Wild West Festival Committee, hopes to secure additional help for this year’s event and into the future.
"This festival has always been a labor of love, but we need more volunteers to join us to ensure its continued success,” said Wild West Festival Committee president Jeff Ridgeway. “We are calling on the community to support this event and keep the tradition alive."
Rising costs for entertainment and feedback from previous years have also left the committee searching for new ways to invigorate the decades-long tradition. One major piece of feedback from the community has been heard loud and clear.
"We've been tirelessly searching for a carnival to be part of the event, as it has been in the past, but unfortunately, we have found no options available,” said vice-president Tim Cossaart. “Rest assured, we are committed to creating a sustainable and exciting event for western Kansas and are exploring changes for future festivals. Stay tuned for future updates."
The Wild West Festival committee continues to work diligently to ensure this event remains a cornerstone of western Kansas's summer calendar. To learn more about joining the Wild West Festival committee, contact any committee member or Maier via phone at 785-639-3365 or email at [email protected].
For more information about the festival, visit their website, wildwestfestival.com or Facebook.