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Dorothy's House | Rock Island Depot | Coronado Museum | Mid-America Air Museum
Arkalon Park | Baker Arts Center | Five State Free Fair | Pancake Day |

Rock Island Depot/Jubilee

"All aboard the Rock Island Line from - Liberal, Wichita, Chicago, all points in between! Get aboard, let's go!

That's Kiwanis member Kevin Collins' version of the engineer's call, and you can tell he's practiced. But his expertise shouldn't deter anyone who's old enough to talk from entering the "all aboard," (engineer's call) contest at the Rock Island Depot Jubilee, an annual event that debuted in June 1998.

Designed to showcase the newly restored Rock Island Depot and bring the community downtown for an old-fashioned day of visiting, fun and good food, the first Jubilee was a resounding success.

In fact, organizers have already set the date for the 1999 version - June 19 and 20, this time expanding the festivities to two days.

The depot, a crumbling relic just three years ago, was rescued and refurbished with a combination of funding from the city and state, private contributions, and a lot of hard work. With the first building completed, efforts continue to finish the eastern building, which once housed a hotel and restaurant.

For now, several city offices, including that of the director of community development, have found homes in the western building.

On Jubilee day, though, the focus is fun. In addition to the engineer's call contest, the Jubilee features contests for the best-dressed hobo and railroad engineer - no age limit.

Everyone is encouraged to come in 1900s-period dress. If you don't know how they dressed then, watch `Titanic,' said Lidia Gray, a member of the Kiwanis Club.

The celebration is free, but the food is not. Tickets are required for the Chuck Wagon Barbecue - around $6 a plate, which includes sliced roast beef, a baked potato, baked beans, a roll and iced tea or water. Children under 5 are free.

The Kiwanis Club sponsors the event to raise money for the Iodine Deficiency Disorder project and the Children's Miracle Network.

"IDD is the key world project for Kiwanis International," said Darin Cook, president of the Noon Kiwanis Club of Liberal.

The first-ever Jubilee featured appearances by state politicians, railroad folklorists, and even a former hobo who once survived a wreck at the Arkalon area outside Liberal. In addition, the day features crafts, antique tractors, storytellers and artists.

Miss Rock Island Line was crowned with a tiara attached to an engineer's hat.

Crossfire, a western/classic rock band, provided music through the afternoon, and, inside the depot, barbershop quartets serenaded the crowd.


What: Historic depot and annual celebration.
Where: Kansas Avenue at the railroad crossing.
Hours: Vary by office.
Phone: (316) 626-0156
Admission: Free.
Other attractions:

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