Rush County Economic Development
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. 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. 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.
On 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 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.
Those who have questions or want to reserve tickets can call 785-222-2808 or visit the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum’s website at: wireshow.rushcounty.org.