By Susan Evans Atchison
What a perfect day for the first ever Arvonia Summer Kickoff, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Quilts brightened up the Calvinistic Methodist Church and the Arvonia School and blew in the breeze on the walkway to the school from morning to afternoon on Saturday. The USA and Welsh flag waved proudly in the wind at the schoolhouse. The quilt display was amazingly colorful. The Emporia Area Quilt guild did not disappoint. So many patterns and quilts old and new were shared along with information about each piece. It was a beautiful display.
The Osage County Historical Society and Lyon County History Center displayed historic quilts at the school. Homegrown Coffey was there to add some tastefully delightful beverages to the event. Hungry folks headed into the Arvonia Township Hall for a meal deal featuring Welsh oggies (handheld meat pies) and Paula Evans’ world famous Welsh cakes.
Children enjoyed playing old-fashioned games on the stage with members of the Osage County Historical Society. There was a display of two quilts created by Osage City and Lebo students. The Osage County Historical Society with Lynsay Flory partnered with the schools for this project.
The quilt show led into an afternoon and evening of fun events around the Quonset building. Organizations set up tables to share what was happening this summer in the area. Lots of things to do in Coffey, Osage, and surrounding counties. There were also food, drinks and games. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks provided archery out back for the children. There were several food trucks participating in the festivities – the Lebo Junior Class, Freedom Freeze and Box Car Tasty Treats. The Lebo Baptist Youth sold cotton candy and popcorn. Fresh lemonade was sold by the Lebo Freshman class.
More than 1,000 people from all over flooded into Arvonia for the evening event. The town hasn’t been this populated since 1976 when a reunion was held for the filming of a BBC documentary.
Five hot air balloons floated above a field west of Melvern Lake. People were able to ride in a tethered balloon for a fee and have a spectacular view of the lake and surrounding area. Even if not riding in a balloon it was an incredible experience and fun evening. People driving below on Hoch Road stopped at the old Sundance picnic area and boat ramp. What an amazing sight!
The perfect weather was a definite blessing.
Thank you to the organizations that made this event possible: Osage County Economic Development, Coffey County Chamber of Commerce, Coffey County Economic Development, KC Aerosports, and Arvonia Historic Preservation Society.
AHPS photo.
