Unique American Celebrations: Kansas Day

America is full of exciting holidays and celebrations that are as unique as the states and the people living in them. Kansas is no exception. Every year on January 29th, residents in the Sunflower State celebrate Kansas Day. For over 160 years, the Kansas Day celebration has been one of the most unique American holidays and one Kansans will continue for centuries to come.

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What is Kansas Day?

Kansas celebrates its statehood on January 29th, when, in 1861, it became the 34th state.

Kansas Day started in 1877 in Paola, Kansas, when a group of schoolchildren decided they wanted to learn more about the state’s history and geography. From there, it grew into the celebration we know today. Although many Kansans observe Kansas Day, it’s not an official state holiday like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or New Year’s Day, so schools and businesses stay open.

Why is Kansas Day Celebrated?

Bleeding Kansas — Quantrill's Raid in Lawrence, 1863

After seeing how much patriotic pride Kansas Day created in the schoolchildren in 1877, the school decided to set every January 29th aside to teach more about the state’s rich history. When Alexander LeGrande Copely, the teacher who oversaw the first statehood celebration, became the superintendent of schools in Wichita, he made it so that all schools in the state would celebrate Kansas Day. As the kids continued to celebrate Kansas Day, it quickly caught on with their parents, becoming a state-wide holiday that everyone could enjoy.

To this day, kids in schools across the state look forward to the many Kansas Day celebrations. They go on field trips to historic locations, create fun projects around its history, go on scavenger hunts, and even perform the official state song, “Home on the Range!”

What is the History of Kansas Day?

Kansas has a rich but violent history, as brave men and women stood up for what was right to protect their state and the people in it. The history of Kansas Day goes back to a time when the fight against slavery consumed the country.

In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was adopted, giving Kansans the right to vote on if they wanted to be a free or slave state. Even though the majority of Kansans were against slavery, Missourians who were staunch slavery advocates would often cross the border and threaten voters.

The implementation of popular sovereignty was highly flawed, and a deep divide between the anti- and pro-slavery movements resulted in violent outbreaks and a lack of law and order. Due to the intense fighting, this time became known as “Bleeding Kansas.” Despite the fierce resistance from those looking to make Kansas a slave state, in 1861, it officially entered the Union as a proud free state.

Colby Sharple-Terry, the host of the Kansas tourism segment on WIBW 13 TV, put it, “In 160 years, Kansans have shown the world our pioneering strength and what it means to overcome strife with grit, grace and gratitude. We look to the sky, to the stars, to each other.”

What Should I Do to Celebrate Kansas Day?

Since Kansas Day is such a big event across the state, there are a ton of fun things to do for the entire family. Whether you live in a big city like Topeka or Kansas City or a smaller one like Lawrence, Manhattan, or Emporia, there’s always a fun way to show your Sunflower State pride.

Read about Kansas History

The best way to gain a deeper respect for your state is to read about it. Learning about the many Kansas symbols, the adventures of settlers, and how the state came to showcase how incredible Kansas truly is.

Visit a museum

There are countless museums that host different Kansas Day activities. These events are both educational and fun and are a great way to get kids interested in their state’s history. While Kansas Day is on January 29th, many museums take the opportunity to celebrate the Sunflower State’s history throughout the month. Museums team up with the Kansas Historical Society to create unforgettable displays. Be sure to contact your local branch to see what fun things they have in store.

Participate in Community Events

What could honor the great spirit of Kansas more than celebrating with members of your community? There’s tons of local events planned throughout the state for Kansans of all ages. From parades and festivals to plays and community service opportunities, you’ll have many opportunities to connect with your neighbors and honor your state.

Hang a Kansas State Flag

Nothing shows your patriotism like hanging a state flag. Whether you create a freestanding display in your yard, place it on your porch, or even above your mantel, hanging a Kansas state flag will show your love for the Sunflower State.

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