2003 Worker Appreciation Party

Each September, thousands of people come from all over Kansas, all over the U.S., and from all over the world. The event that we enjoy wouldn't be possible without lots of help from the volunteers, many of whom are local Cowley County residents.

The Walnut Valley Association has a long tradition of holding a Worker Appreciation event sometime in the off season to show appreciation for these volunteers. This year's invitation looked like this.

The party was held at a new location: Quail Valley. This beautiful piece of property is just a couple miles south of Winfield and includes the Quail Valley Fun Barn. Lavishly decorated with interesting antiques, this venue is suitable for barn dances and events like the Worker Appreciation Party. The owner, Floyd McCord, doesn't mind sharing his comedic skills with those attending.

Most attending parked at the entrance to the property and then were taken by a tractor-drawn people-mover to the Fun Barn. Festival founder and promoter, Bob Redford, drove the tractor (setting a good example for volunteer labor). As they arrived, workers signed up for the volunteer roles they wanted this year.

Before the meal, musical entertainment was provided by Winfield's own Walnut River String Band. This band will be performing on Thursday at the 2003 Festival.

Then came a delicious meal, partially catered by a chuckwagon crew and partially a pot-luck supper.

After the meal, more music was provided. This time, it was by Mike Theobold and his Wichita-based band, Kansas Heart

You may wish to see photos from previous years:

February, 1998 at Baden Square in Winfield
December, 1998 at Tisdale United Methodist Church
November, 1999 under the grandstand at the fairgrounds
February, 2001 at Baden Square in Winfield
February, 2002 at Baden Square in Winfield