09/26/2026
Presentation Explores the History and Impact of Community-Owned Carnivals
BELLEVILLE – The Republic County Historical Society Museum will host “What a Ride! Rural Community-Owned Carnivals,” a presentation and discussion by Erika Nelson on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 3:00 pm, at the Museum. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Museum at 785-527-5971 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
Across Kansas, late summer brings county fair season and all the fun that goes along with it. But what happens when the carnival stops coming? These community connectors have largely gone by the wayside due to economic challenges, but some counties have united to host community-owned carnivals. This talk will delve into the history of the carnival in Kansas, and the recent herculean efforts by small, rural communities to keep this tradition alive and thriving.
Erika Nelson is an independent artist, educator, and director of the World's Largest Things, Inc. Her research interests include roadside attractions and outsider art environments. She explores the back roads of the United States in search of the odd and unique in her mobile museum, the World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things.
“What a Ride! Rural Community-Owned Carnivals” is part of Humanities Kansas's Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
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