News release
LA CROSSE — The Kansas Barbed Wire Collectors Association will be hosting the annual Barbed Wire Festival on Friday and Saturday, October 1-2 in La Crosse. This year's festival is being held in the fall to coincide with the Barbed Wire Symposium. "Due to the uncertainty of Covid last spring, we decided to postpone the festival to the fall," said Bradley Penka, festival coordinator. "After being unable to host the festival in 2019, we decided we needed to go ahead with the festival this fall with a few changes. We also want to let everyone know that we are taking steps to keep everyone safe during this unprecedented time." This is also the 50th anniversary of the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum and for those interested in visiting, the museum complex will be open Thursday-Saturday 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
On Thursday, barbed wire collectors will meet in the museum conference room for the annual Barbed Wire Symposium. This is a day of meetings and discussions that establish policies for the hobby that has enthusiasts from around the world.
Events begin at the La Crosse City Auditorium on Friday at 8:00 am with historical displays, craft vendors, and of course, barbed wire. The show closes on Friday at 5:00pm. On Saturday, events begin at 8:00 am at the Auditorium with the famous barbed wire splicing contest taking place at noon. The contest is open to everyone and prizes are awarded. Events at the auditorium conclude at 3:00 pm with the live fund-raising auction. The auction features a lot of new and collectible items. Some of the items can be viewed on our Facebook page. Proceeds from the auction benefit the museum. At 6:30, we will conclude the festivities with fund-raising Taco Bar followed by our annual "Casino Night" games. Participants can play casino games to win barbed bucks and then participate in the fun auction afterwards. Cost of the meal is $10 and there is no charge to play the games. This is not a gambling event, but it is not recommended for children.
For more information, visit us on Facebook, on the web at www.rushcounty.org/wireshow or call 785-222-2808.