(Blog Sunday 4/11/2010)

Liz and I spent a pleasant Sunday afternoon enjoying the 100th anniversary celebration at the Bartlett Arboretum. To learn more about the Arboretum’s interesting history, see the recent Wichita Eagle article. We enjoyed the natural beauty of what is one of the most mature stands of trees in Kansas, with splashes of color added by numerous tulip plantings. There was also music, including performances by Robin Macy. The Crowsons, and many other musicians. Food was also available and for everyone’s viewing (and shopping) pleasure the annual “Art at the Arb” exhibits. The Bartlett Arboretum is only open to the public several times a year, and it is well-worth a visit.

In order to avoid a charge of favoritism, let me note two other major horticultural attractions in the region, namely Botanica, The Wichita Gardens and the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains. Botanica currently has 80 different varieties of tulips in bloom. They will also be having a plant sale on Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24. This is a unique opportunity to shop from an incredible variety of unique Botanica-grown plants and a hand-picked selection of shrubs, perennials, annuals, vegetables and herbs all of which are adapted to Wichita’s climate. The Dyck’s plant sale, known as Spring FloraKansas 2010: Great Plains Plant Bazaar, will be held Friday, May 7 through Monday, May 10. This is Kansas’ largest native plant sale offering many species of wildflowers and grasses a number of which are rare in cultivation. A large selection of adaptable perennials is also available.

On the humorous side, the Wichita Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists presents Gridiron 2010: Gridiron for Governor. This is Wichita’s news parody musical comedy and provides the audience with an opportunity to see Wichita’s reporters and others spoof the year’s newsmakers. Amongst others, the production features Bucky Walters, Bonnie Bing, Ted Woodward and Randy Brown. Money raised from this show will be used to provide scholarships for young journalists. Performances are Thursday through Saturday, April 15-17. Show time is 8:00 pm at the Orpheum.

Another event of interest this week that caught our eye is Old Cowtown Museum’s Civil War Sampler. This event features a variety of activities including re-enactors, soldier campsites, workshops, and the like. Hours are 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Saturday, April 17 and noon to 4:30 pm Sunday, April 18.

Oops! I can’t believe that we almost forgot to mention Arts Partners’ annual fund raiser, Tunes on the Tarmac. This event is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a fabulous dinner and drinks (including a signature martini bar) with delicious cakes on every table. After dinner you can dance through the decades with Fanfare, one of the top bands in St. Louis. The group, back by popular demand, plays favorites from Big Band, Motown, R&B, Disco, Pop, Country, and Rock & Roll. Lastly, you’ll find something you can’t live without in the auction of great “experiences” and unique items. Proceeds from this event supports Arts Partners whose mission is to enhance children’s learning by integrating the arts into the preK – 12 curriculum in collaboration with educational, civic, and cultural organizations. The event will be held Saturday evening between 6:30 and 11:00 pm in the Midwest Aviation hanger at Jabara Airport. Tickets are available by calling (316) 262-4771.

The All About Wichita calendar lists a wide variety of additional events and exhibits.