By JUDD WEIL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — STRATACA is celebrating 100 years of the salt mine that has made them one of the top tourist attractions in Kansas with a block party and the community is invited.
The salt mine was originally discovered by Ben Blanchard.
"He didn't find oil here, he did find salt," Rachel Terry, STRATACA operations manager, said.
The salt industry is one of the pillars of the Hutchinson, South Hutchinson, and greater Reno County community.
"At one point I believe there were 11 different salt companies here," Terry said. "We still have a few remaining including, Cargill, Hutchinson Salt, Morton Salt."
The local salt industry was what led to the opening of the first museum of its kind in the northern hemisphere, STRATACA.
Terry said STRATACA has been educating people for more than 15 years about geology and the different uses of salt.
"Most of the salt that is mined here in Hutch actually goes to road salt," Terry said. "We actually are the number one supplier of road salts. Even in Chicago. That's where a lot of the salt is transported to."
STRATACA understands the salt mine's legacy contribution to the community.
"We're all excited just to be a part of such a big moment in the Hutchinson history and hopefully we have a 100 more years to celebrate in the future," Terry said.
The 100th Anniversary Block Party party will begin with a ribbon-cutting at 5 p.m.
Live entertainment will include two bands, Hutch Clique and Groove42.
Food will provided by about 15 different food trucks.
The evening will end with a fireworks show.