Prairie Fire Festival 2008 In case you are in the area. We were last fall.


The Prairie Fire Festival is a week-long event in tribute to the ranchers of the Flint Hills of Kansas who participate in the annual range management practice of burning the prairie.

Our precious tallgrass prairie lands were first fire-managed by Mother Nature with fires caused by lightning. Indigenous Native Americans likely noticed that the bison returned to graze on freshly-burned prairie, creating an ideal hunting situation. It is also likely that Native Americans then began to purposefully set the prairie ablaze as a management tool. European settlers learned the prairie-fire principal from the Native Americans, and incorporated the practice into the management of the finest cattle-grazing lands on earth.
One of the integral prairie management tools, the annual prairie fires are also a remarkable, observable Spring-time event for visitors to the Flint Hills Region of Kansas. We invite you to join us during the Prairie Fire Festival to witness for yourself what we here in the Flint Hills have always admired.
As you travel to and from any of the scheduled seminars/events, it is likely that you might see a spectacular prairie fire off in the distance. We caution you that prairie fire is a dangerous undertaking, however. Fires are best observed from a distance. There are a few customary observation points, the view from which thrills locals and visitors alike. The local information centers would be happy to direct you to them. It is strongly suggested that you not attempt to get too close to a prairie fire. Unintentional interference with those who are managing a fire could potentially cause damage to people and property.
2008 Schedule of Events
Schedule of Events
Monday, April 7, 6:30 PM "What Constitutes A TallGrass Prairie" -
Mike Holder, Chase County Extension Agent - Emma Chase Cafe

Tuesday, April 8, 6:00 PM "Poetry and Photographs" -
Sammie Simmons & Duane Graham - Presentation & Book Signing - Emma Chase Cafe

Wednesday, April 9, 6:30 PM "Remembering the Good Old Days" -
Chase County Senior Citizens - Emma Chase Cafe

Thursday, April 10, 6:30 PM -
Waiting on Confirmation - Emma Chase Cafe


Friday, April 11, 7:30 PM Prairie Fire Festival Edition of K-177 BlueGrass Pickin'
Emma Chase Cafe

Saturday, April 12......

All at the Prairie Coffee Company Building
10 AM Prairie Treasures - Quilt Display

10 AM "Quilts on Broadway" by the Bazaar Ladies Aid - Location TBA

10 AM Flint Hills Art Society - Demonstration & Display
10 AM Seminar - Waiting on Confirmation

11 AM Seminar - Waiting on Confirmation

1:00 PM Sammie Simmons & Duane Graham Poetry & Photographs

2:00 PM Natural Anatomy of a Flint Hills Ranch - Tim Hickok and Gary

3:00 PM "Collard Lizards and Reptiles of the Prairie" - Bill Reid

7:30 PM The Beasley Boys in Concert
You might want to check out the Emma Chase Cafe too: http://www.emmachasecafe.com/default.htm
Call (620) 273-6020 for more information
prairie-maid@sbcglobal.net

Posted: Sun - March 2, 2008 at 09:29 AM          

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