ARVONIA, Kan. – The community of Arvonia is inviting everyone to visit Saturday, May 2, 2026, for a summer kickoff celebration with quilts and hot air balloons and a view Melvern Lake in the background. The day will be filled with activities for people of all ages.
A quilt show will be in the restored historic buildings 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Emporia Regional Quilt Guild will display an array of quilts in the Calvinistic Methodist Church. A stroll to the Arvonia School will greet visitors to a display of historic quilts from the area, presented by the Osage County Historical Society and the Lyon County History Center. Old time children’s games will be at the school also.
At the township hall, refreshments will be offered 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Homegrown Coffey and the Arvonia Historic Preservation Society will have food and drink available to purchase. Meals include Paula’s World Famous Welsh Cakes.
At the township hall will be displays of quilt projects created by Lebo-Waverly students.
At 3 p.m., behind the house at 8090 W. 323rd St. will be activities and food trucks until 6 p.m., when hot air balloon rides begin; $25 for a tethered ride. The balloon glow will be at dusk; visitors are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets to watch.
Osage County, the Osage County Historical Society, the Emporia Regional Quilt Guild, and Arvonia Historic Preservation Society are hosting the event.
For more information, contact Susan Evans Atchison at 620-794-3917 or email arvoniaks@gmail.com.
Graphic thanks to Osage County Economic Development.
