By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
There have been music staples at Ellinwood’s After Harvest Festival throughout the years. That is not the case for the 53rd annual event that takes place this Thursday through Saturday in downtown Ellinwood. Rice County Line kicks off things at American Legion Post 320 Thursday night. Arizona-based Last Train to Juarez will play at First and Main Friday night, and the Llew Brown Band closes out things with Saturday’s street dance.
“They had asked to come and play last year but we already had a band booked, so we thought maybe the next year,” said AHF Chair Nancy Baird. “It just worked out really well. We’re excited. Their soundtrack sounds really, really good. It’s fun to bring new music to the area.”
Last Train to Juarez brings true grit country music to downtown Ellinwood Friday night. Kansas Sidewinders M.C. handles 100 percent of the event, also providing a beer garden. Best of all, the Friday night show is free of charge.
“That’s their thing,” Baird said. “They sponsor the band, the choose the band, and they do it for no coverage charge. It’s a really nice gift to our community that they do that.”
And the beer garden has grown into something other than just a few types of beer. Baird said there will be something for everyone to enjoy at the Friday and Saturday night shows.
“They do a really good job of having a wide variety of seltzers, different types of beers, and different types of drinks,” she said.
The Llew Brown Band made some local ties to Ellinwood and impressed a chamber board member during a corporate holiday performance. Featuring mostly rock n’ roll cover songs from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, they were a natural fit for After Harvest Festival.
“It’s just a wide variety of music, stuff you can really get up and dance to and have a good time,” said Baird.
Music acts kick off Thursday night at American Legion Post 320 with Rice County Line. The band is from the area and has performed at several festivals. There is no cover charge for Thursday’s performance.
“They’re just a really good fit for the legion,” Baird said. “They’ve kind of revamped their band a little bit. We’re excited to have them. It’s always nice to have that local band because they’re from the area. It’s fun to have them come and kick off After Harvest Festival at the Legion.”
Coolers are not allowed for the Friday and Saturday night shows at First and Main in downtown Ellinwood. While Friday’s event has no cover charge, there is a $10, cash-only entrance fee for Saturday’s street dance. Baird said bring out the dance moves, but leave the lawn chairs at home.
“People don’t need to bring chairs,” she said. “There are some chairs there and we have tables set up. We don’t really have a great area for people to bring their lawn chairs, so we prefer they just use the tables and chairs that are provided.”