For the first time ever, residents of Liebenthal will gather for a Fall Festival and community celebration to observe the 150th Anniversary of this small Volga German settlement located between Great Bend and Hays.
The inaugural Liebenthal Fall Festival will be held on Sept. 19, 2026, in downtown Liebenthal and on the grounds of Saint Joseph Catholic Church. Festival organizers have announced that a limited number of sponsorship levels are now available so local and regional businesses can have their name, products and services associated with this new festival, which will provide numerous advertising options for business. The committee is seeking sponsors in four different levels that will assist with putting on this large-scale community event.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
· Gold Sponsor – $500 and above
· Silver Sponsor – $251 – $499
· Bronze Sponsor – $101 – $250
· Contributor – $100 and below
All Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsors will receive recognition on the official event t-shirt and in all advertising. Sponsorship forms are available on the Liebenthal Fall Fest Facebook page. Sponsorships must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2026.
It’s been 150 years since the Volga Germans first settled in Liebenthal, and the community is ready to celebrate in a big way. Nestled along Big Timber Creek in the valley, Liebenthal was founded in 1876 by immigrants from the Volga region of Russia now known as Ukraine. The town’s name means “Love Valley,” and at its peak in the early 1900s, it was home to more than 500 residents. Though smaller today, the deep heritage and pioneer spirit of those original Volga German settlers remain strong.
To honor that rich history and breathe new life into the community, a local committee is proud to present the first annual Liebenthal Fall Fest on the third Saturday of September. The event will include a full day of family fun to include a color walk/run, craft vendors, a tractor show, parade, wagon rides, cake walk, bingo, polka music and a beer garden. Delicious food vendors will be available throughout the day and guided tours of the historic St. Joseph’s Schoolhouse. The evening will include a free ice cream social and live music.
“This is our first year, but we hope to make Liebenthal Fall Fest an annual tradition,” said committee member Karlee Legleiter. “Whether you’re young or old, there will be something for the whole family to enjoy. We’re excited to welcome people from across the region to celebrate our Volga German heritage in the beautiful ‘Valley of Love.’”
Stay Connected
Follow the Liebenthal Fall Fest page on Facebook for the latest updates, schedule details, and announcements. A dedicated website is currently in development. For more information, questions, or to become a sponsor, contact the committee: Email: Liebenthalfallfest@gmail.com or text: 785-806-8721.