Great Bend Post
May 22, 2023

Treasure Hunt already underway for Larned's Santa Fe Trail Days

Posted May 22, 2023 4:00 PM

By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post

Memorial Day weekend will be busy in and around Larned. The Fort Larned National Historic Site has a full slate of events just outside of town. In town, the Larned Area Chamber celebrates its 31st Annual Santa Fe Trail Days. Chamber Director Alex Filbert calls it a weekend of fun.

"We have fun events going on Friday evening, events at the fairgrounds, events in downtown Larned, plus we also have a full lineup all day on Saturday, over 20 events," she said. "There's something for everyone."

The main events kick off Friday, May 26, but a fan-favorite started on May 18. The Larned Tiller & Tiller, along with the Chamber and Tourism of Pawnee County, are offering $500 in chamber bucks for whoever finds Susan Shelby Magoffin's treasure box. Clues are printed in the Tiller & Toiler, the chamber's Facebook page, the Santa Fe Trail Days website, and inside the chamber office. Though the treasure box is hidden well, it remains in view on public property.

"We have diehard treasure hunters that come out every single year hunting for this treasure," Filbert said. "They have so much fun with it. If you want your chance at winning $500 in chamber bucks, come hunt for Susan's Treasure Box."

New this year is a 2-mile run/walk on Saturday morning. Also new is a celebrity dunk tank, ax throwing, and a balloon artist. Many of the old standards return, including the two-day rodeo with a $5 admission. Homebrew puts an exclamation point on this year's Days with a concert at the fairgrounds Saturday night from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Follow the Larned Area Chamber on Facebook for additional updates, or check out the Santa Fe Trail Days website HERE.