CHANUTE, Kan. — Downtown Chanute will come alive Saturday, Sept. 26, as the community celebrates the 57th Annual Artist Alley, a daylong event featuring entertainment, activities, classic cars, a parade and opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy local businesses and attractions.
The celebration, which dates back to 1969, will begin early in the morning with breakfast from 7 to 10:30 a.m. at the northeast corner of Elm and Highland streets. The breakfast is hosted by Masonic Lodge No. 103 at the Masonic Temple. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., classic car enthusiasts can attend a cruise-in at Howard’s Toys for Big Boys, 216 E. Main.
Runners will have an early start as well, with the Run for Ollie 5K scheduled from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. The race will begin at Main and Lincoln streets. Beginning at 9 a.m., booths and activities throughout downtown will open. Attractions include camel rides and a petting zoo east of the railroad tracks and north of Main Street, pony rides, and a bounce house and slides on South Lincoln Street. A chain saw sculpture, sponsored by Cleaver Farm & Home, will also be featured at Main and Highland.
The day’s centerpiece will be the Homecoming Parade, scheduled for 11 a.m. to noon. Parade participants will line up at Katy Park at 10:30 a.m. Handicap parking and seating will be available at the southeast corner of Main and Evergreen for those attending the parade.
Live entertainment will continue throughout the afternoon at the Main Street Pavilion at Main and Highland. Mike Ashley will perform from noon to 1 p.m., followed by The Brothers Ray from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The Southeast Ramblers Dixieland Band will close the pavilion entertainment from 3 to 4 p.m.
Additional entertainment is planned at Google Earth at Main and Lincoln. Brenda’s Dance is scheduled for 10:15 a.m., followed by the Topeka Drum Line at noon. On Lincoln Street, visitors can meet the KU mascot, Baby Jay, and participate in pictures and autographs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The Chanute Chamber of Commerce will host the activity at 21 N. Lincoln.
Other downtown activities include a book sale at the Chanute Public Library from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors also are encouraged to explore the Chanute Art Gallery and Chanute Historical Museum during the festivities.
The annual event is supported by a number of local sponsors. Platinum sponsors include the Chamber Tourism Grant Program, Community National Bank & Trust, Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center and Orizon Aerostructures. Gold, silver and bronze sponsors include businesses and organizations from across the Chanute community.
