The 2024 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas - People's Choice tournament on Thursday reached its final four products. The Atom Pop Corn Popper, made in Bushton, has advanced to the semifinals.
Made in Bushton, the Atom Pop is a stove top popcorn popper. It makes 2 1/2 quarts of popped corn. The conical shape and aluminum bowl allow the popcorn to be popped without stirring or shaking. Popped kernels are pushed up away from the heat and the aluminum dissipates the heat so the corn does not burn. It is as convenient as microwave popcorn and is healthier without the additives.
Presented by Forvis Mazars, Kansans cast more than 10,000 votes during the second round of tournament voting that concluded Wednesday.
The four products who received the most votes in the tournament's second round of head-to-head match-ups and are moving on to the final round of voting for the People's Choice contest are:
- Disc Tree Cutter by CVR Manufacturing, Galesburg
- Handy Hook Firefighter by Helten Panacea, LLC, Garden Plain
- Air Navigation Aid Systems by Indra Air Traffic, Inc., Overland Park
- Atom Pop Corn Popper by QuinCraft Production, Buston
These four products will compete for the most votes during the final round.
Kansans can vote for their favorite Kansas-made product in the final four at KSCoolVote.com until 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8.
"The Kansas Manufacturing Council launched the Coolest Thing Made in Kansas contest five years ago to raise awareness about the state’s manufacturing industry and the great career opportunities it offers," said KMC Executive Director Brandie McPherson. "The tournament also is a great way to learn about the many products manufactured in Kansas. Some may surprise Kansans."
This year's competition also includes the Coolest Innovation category. The KMC will announce the four finalists for this category next week. They will present in-person to a panel of judges for a final round of judging on October 8th.
The winners of both contests will be announced on Wednesday, Oct. 9 during the 2024 Kansas Manufacturing Summit at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita.