Baker University Presents: The Dead Guy.
Unfortunately, due to severe illness issues in the cast, we have made the decision to cancel our production of A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD. It doesn't mean that it is gone forever... just put into hibernation.
As they say, the show must go on! So in place of the musical, we are presenting the hilarious satirical comedy THE DEAD GUY by Eric Coble! We will present three performances in Rice Auditorium, April 25, 26 and 27th at 7:30 PM!
The Pitch: You get one million dollars to spend over the next seven days. A camera crew follows your every move and broadcasts your adventures on national television. The Hook: At the end of the week…you die. The Best Part: The viewing audience gets to vote on the method of your death! For hard-luck Eldon Phelps, the deal is irresistible. But does America have the stomach for this much reality? What would you do if you had one week until you became…"The Dead Guy"? Stay tuned… Not recommended for audience member under the age of 13. View Flyer
Arbor Day Celebration
Canceled Due to the Weather Forecast You’re invited to celebrate Arbor Day with us! We’ll be learning how to properly plant a new tree. Come with your tree care questions! There will be refreshments. View Flyer
Heart to Heart: A Day for Women Grieving the Loss of a Child
Heart to Heart: A Day for Women Grieving the Loss of a Child of any age or by any cause
A woman's grief after the death of a child is unlike any other. Come sit in a circle of women who have walked a similar path and draw comfort for your heart. This event includes a sharing circle, craft activity, individual energy healing or massage session, lunch, and snacks.
Thanks to the generous support of Be Well Baldwin, this retreat is offered on a Freewill Donation Basis. Registration: info@lightcenter.info
Facilitators: Robin Goff, RN, Hospice Chaplain; Shannon Musgrave, Hospice RN; Donna Hanschu, Skilled Grief Specialist with considerable personal loss.
Not Your Typical Book Club
Bring your book recommendations. Chelsea will be teaching us how to make origami corner bookmarks during the last 15 minutes of this program. More Information View Facebook Event
Community Conversations about the proposed school bond
On May 14, our community will consider a no mill increase school bond to expand and update our Career and Technical Education facilities and classrooms at the high school, and make safety and security improvements. Join us for one of these Community Conversations to learn more about the proposal, see the plans, find out when to vote, and ask your questions. View Flyer
Dan Wray Retirement Celebration
After 37 Years of dedication, Dan Wray is now retiring. You are invited to celebrate at the Baldwin City Beer Company. View Flyer
Baldwin City Tree Board Annual Tree Give-Away
May 4th is the Annual Tree Give-Away (Free Will Donation Requested). There are usually 90-110 trees available. Some types of trees that will likely be available include sugar maple, ginkgo, lilac, and sargent crab. Infographic with tree types More Information
Craft Your Stress Away - Finger Knitting
Craft Your Stress Away and Learn how to finger knit with your fingers and no other tools. We will provide yarn to practice. We will be using Jumbo 7 yarn. We will also have extra hands from the Knitters and Crocheters (Pearl Jams) to help everyone learn. This is an Adult Program.
BADV Presents: Journey to Toytopia
Baldwin Academy of Dance and Voice’s interpretation of “Toy Story” which is entitled, “Journey to Toytopia” is a spring production displaying dance, vocal, and musical theatre students, along with the free Community Choir. Performers of all ages will take the stage, and music will consist of many original arrangements. View Flyer
BADV Presents: Journey to Toytopia
Baldwin Academy of Dance and Voice’s interpretation of “Toy Story” which is entitled, “Journey to Toytopia” is a spring production displaying dance, vocal, and musical theatre students, along with the free Community Choir. Performers of all ages will take the stage, and music will consist of many original arrangements. The All Star Dancer Showcase begins at 3 p.m. and “Journey to Toytopia” at 4 p.m. View Flyer
Best Movie Night
Potluck and movie, The Greatest Show on Earth with Charlton Heston. Bring a dish and enjoy a movie with us!
Thunder on the Bricks
Hey car fanatics! Get ready for a revved-up day at the 2nd Annual Thunder on the Bricks car show, brought to you by Baldwin City Recreation and sponsored by Cody Anno State Farm.
The downtown Baldwin City brick streets will host some of the coolest cars around, so bring your family and friends to join in the fun! Satisfy your taste buds with the food truck options that will be available while you feast your eyes on classic cars. Be sure not to miss out on this exciting day!
Just coming to take in the sights, eat some food and hang out with good company? Parking will be available along High St. on 6th Street and on 7th Street both north and south of High Street. More Information and Registration
Tech Time
Learn to renew and put books on hold at home on your computer through our NEXT System. This will be a nice time saver for you.
Last Day of School Ice Cream Social
The Maple and Wheatfield Flooring are excited to honor some of the the most important dwellers of our community…the KIDDOS! In celebration of these little snack monsters, we would like to kick off the summer with a little extra fun!
Join us for an Ice Cream Social on the official LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
NEW FOR 2024! Sing your favorite tunes on the stage with TuneSlingers!
ALL AGES are invited to come down to Sullivan Square and enjoy an ice cream sundae or cone. Can’t wait to see you there. View Facebook Event
AuthorTALK with Melinda Hipple
I would like to talk a bit about the process of writing, but more importantly, the process of editing. The first finished manuscript of Raven, my science fiction novel, was 150,000 words. Then came the process of lopping off the first 30,000 words that were unnecessary backstory. I will explain why that backstory was important to write, but not so important to include in the story itself. Other edits included reworking areas that relied too much on telling the reader what to think as opposed to showing a scene and letting the reader experience the story on their own terms. The final published novel came in around 70,000 words. My return to college to finish a long-postponed degree also helped me understand how better to hone a story.
Home Front was a totally different process as it was based on my mother’s diaries and the letters she’d saved from WWII. Writing this as historical non-fiction required a different approach from pure fiction. I had to stay true to the events and true to my mother’s voice. Much of the novel includes her words used as description or as dialogue, and the diaries provide an outline—something I normally do not use. Home Front is also different in that I wrote it first in past tense and then changed it into present tense, hoping to involve the reader more directly in the action.
Behind the Mask was a different experience from either of the other books in that I combined pure fiction with actual experience and dialogue gleaned from eavesdropping on those around me. The first part of the book was published as a stand-alone novella. Several people pushed for a sequel, and I managed to convince that publisher to combine them into one longer novel. And where Raven is dialogue-heavy, Behind the Mask relies much more on description.
I will sample a reading from each of the books including the sequel to Raven now in the works to illustrate some of the differences in approach.
Golf Tournament
Compete in the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament! More Information and Registration
City Wide Garage Sales
Sign up by May 28th to get your sale on the Citywide map! Click here to sign up for your free listing online and in print. Digital & print maps listings and maps will be available at the Library, City Hall, and in the Maple Weekly. NEW this year: For your convenience, there will be a thrift store truck available in town for anything left over from your yard sale you'd like to donate! More Information
City Wide Garage Sales
Sign up by May 28th to get your sale on the Citywide map! Click here to sign up for your free listing online and in print. Digital & print maps listings and maps will be available at the Library, City Hall, and in the Maple Weekly. NEW this year: For your convenience, there will be a thrift store truck available in town for anything left over from your yard sale you'd like to donate! More Information
Citywide Cleanup
RAIN OR SHINE. BALDWIN CITY RESIDENTS ONLY
Proof of residency is required (i.e. utility bill or ID/Driver License). View Facebook Event
What we’ll take:
Tree limbs
Yard waste
Plastics
Batteries
Trash & debris
Appliances
Glass
Recyclable metals
DO NOT BRING:
Hazardous waste
Paint
Motor oil
Construction material
Spray cans
ABSOLUTELY NO TIRES!
Questions? Call Mattie at 785-594-6907
For hazardous waste disposal information, call Douglas County hazardous waste program at 785-832-3030.
Free Fiber Fun
String a friendship bracelet, learn to weave, and more. A Teen Program. View Flyer
Free Fiber Fun
String a friendship bracelet, learn to weave, and more. A Teen Program. View Flyer
3rd Friday Market
You’re invited to the first 3rd Friday Market of 2024 hosted by the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Baldwin City Recreation Commission, Lumberyard Arts Center, and Baldwin City Library! This series of summer markets is promising to be the highlight of the season. Local farmers, ranchers, craftsmen, and artists, will be selling a variety of products along High Street in downtown Baldwin City. Don’t forget to pack along the whole family for Baldwin City Recreation Commission’s Summer Concert/Movie Series! Live music (7-8:30 p.m.) and an outdoor movie (beginning after the band finishes) will be located inside Sullivan Square. More specific information to come.
Free Fiber Fun
String a friendship bracelet, learn to weave, and more. A Teen Program. View Flyer
Free Fiber Fun
String a friendship bracelet, learn to weave, and more. A Teen Program. View Flyer
Independence Day Celebration
Let's paint the town red, white, and blue and rock the 4th of July like never before! Our amazing sponsors, MID-AMERICA BANK, CASEY SIMONEAU KELLER WILLIAMS, and FARM BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICE-KELLY NEUFELD, are bringing you the ultimate celebration!
Get ready for a night filled with live music, delicious food from food trucks, and a kid’s zone for the little ones. Doors open at 4:30 pm and the party starts at 5:00 pm, with the amazing local band, Big Time Grain Company, followed by Arkansas' female vocalist of the year Mae Estes. Plus, we have a special surprise in store for our headliner this year, so be sure to tune in on Friday, April 12th for the announcement. More Information
Jewelry Making with Julie
It’s Girls Night Out! Learn beginning bead stringing technique from Julie Kingsbury. We will explore design, spacing, and placement. You will create your own design with semi-precious stone beads and sterling silver and gold-filled beads and clasps. Learn about stringing materials, clasps and ear wire choices, and leave with a finished bracelet and pair of earrings you can wear! More Information
3rd Friday Market
You’re invited to July’s 3rd Friday Market hosted by the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Baldwin City Recreation Commission, Lumberyard Arts Center, and Baldwin City Library! This series of summer markets is promising to be the highlight of the season. Local farmers, ranchers, craftsmen, and artists, will be selling a variety of products along High Street in downtown Baldwin City. Don’t forget to pack along the whole family for Baldwin City Recreation Commission’s Summer Concert/Movie Series! Live music (7-8:30 p.m.) and an outdoor movie (beginning after the band finishes) will be located inside Sullivan Square. More specific information to come.
Smoke on the Bricks
Get ready for the 6th annual Smoke on the Bricks BBQ contest and Taste of Baldwin City in 2024, powered by Rice Precision Manufacturing! Mark your calendars for August 9th-10th for a weekend you won’t forget. This Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned competition is a qualifying event for the American Royal World Series of Barbecue and the Jack Daniels World Championship for 2025.
In addition, get ready for one of the best tribute bands in the country taking the stage Friday night! Come hungry and ready to party for the 6th Anniversary of Smoke on the Bricks! Will a new team be crowned Smoke on the Bricks Champion? Be here to find out! More Information
Smoke on the Bricks
Get ready for the 6th annual Smoke on the Bricks BBQ contest and Taste of Baldwin City in 2024, powered by Rice Precision Manufacturing! Mark your calendars for August 9th-10th for a weekend you won’t forget. This Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned competition is a qualifying event for the American Royal World Series of Barbecue and the Jack Daniels World Championship for 2025.
In addition, get ready for one of the best tribute bands in the country taking the stage Friday night! Come hungry and ready to party for the 6th Anniversary of Smoke on the Bricks! Will a new team be crowned Smoke on the Bricks Champion? Be here to find out! More Information
3rd Friday Market
You’re invited to August’s 3rd Friday Market hosted by the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Baldwin City Recreation Commission, Lumberyard Arts Center, and Baldwin City Library! This series of summer markets is promising to be the highlight of the season. Local farmers, ranchers, craftsmen, and artists, will be selling a variety of products along High Street in downtown Baldwin City. Don’t forget to pack along the whole family for Baldwin City Recreation Commission’s Summer Concert/Movie Series! Live music (7-8:30 p.m.) and an outdoor movie (beginning after the band finishes) will be located inside Sullivan Square. More specific information to come.
3rd Friday Market
You’re invited to September’s 3rd Friday Market hosted by the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Baldwin City Recreation Commission, Lumberyard Arts Center, and Baldwin City Library! This series of summer markets is promising to be the highlight of the season. Local farmers, ranchers, craftsmen, and artists, will be selling a variety of products along High Street in downtown Baldwin City. Don’t forget to pack along the whole family for Baldwin City Recreation Commission’s Summer Concert/Movie Series! Live music (7-8:30 p.m.) and an outdoor movie (beginning after the band finishes) will be located inside Sullivan Square. More specific information to come.
IF: 2024
IF:2024 is a gathering of women committed to discipleship across denominations, generations, and cultures to be in the word and worship together. For two days, let’s rediscover the person of Jesus, who is alive and wants to take us on an adventure toward full life. And then, let’s go give Him away to the whole world!
All college student admission is free!
What to expect:
Hear from incredible speakers like Jennie Allen, Sadie Robertson, and Bianca Olthoff
Worship and pray together
Develop relationships
Enjoy complementary snacks and lunch on Saturday.
IF: 2024
IF:2024 is a gathering of women committed to discipleship across denominations, generations, and cultures to be in the word and worship together. For two days, let’s rediscover the person of Jesus, who is alive and wants to take us on an adventure toward full life. And then, let’s go give Him away to the whole world!
All college student admission is free!
What to expect:
Hear from incredible speakers like Jennie Allen, Sadie Robertson, and Bianca Olthoff
Worship and pray together
Develop relationships
Enjoy complementary snacks and lunch on Saturday.
Maple Leaf Festival
The Maple Leaf Festival began as a community event in 1958, inspired by Dr. Ivan Boyd, a biology professor at Baker University as well as Dr. Charles Doudna, Bill Horn, Leo Smith and C. R. Whitley. Dr. Boyd noted that the third weekend in October was the optimum time to view the changing colors of the Maple Leaves in the area and the perfect time to celebrate the successful harvest.
66 years later, with over 300 craft exhibits, quilt shows and displays, performing arts, music, unique food items and activities for the family, the Maple Leaf Festival is the biggest fall family event in the area and provides an opportunity for local non-profit organizations to raise funds. More Information
Maple Leaf Festival
The Maple Leaf Festival began as a community event in 1958, inspired by Dr. Ivan Boyd, a biology professor at Baker University as well as Dr. Charles Doudna, Bill Horn, Leo Smith and C. R. Whitley. Dr. Boyd noted that the third weekend in October was the optimum time to view the changing colors of the Maple Leaves in the area and the perfect time to celebrate the successful harvest.
66 years later, with over 300 craft exhibits, quilt shows and displays, performing arts, music, unique food items and activities for the family, the Maple Leaf Festival is the biggest fall family event in the area and provides an opportunity for local non-profit organizations to raise funds. More Information
Maple Leaf Gravel Grind
The 6th annual Maple Leaf Gravel Grind. We will offer 3 separate routes, a 16, 40 and 70 mile option that will highlight the beautiful fall foliage in and around Baldwin City, KS. Each rider will receive a custom glass and t-shirt included in their entry. All races will be timed by the Timer Guys. Registration and More Information
Community Conversations about the proposed school bond
On May 14, our community will consider a no mill increase school bond to expand and update our Career and Technical Education facilities and classrooms at the high school, and make safety and security improvements. Join us for one of these Community Conversations to learn more about the proposal, see the plans, find out when to vote, and ask your questions. View Flyer
HECK Open House
HECK is hosting an Open House Event to commemorate the implementation of our new brand, as well as pay homage to our roots as Heck Land Company. Our team would like to invite all current and former clients, as well as prospective customers, other agents, business partners, and all other Lawrence professionals. The Open House will be from 4 to 6 p.m. with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, appetizers, and desserts provided. The HECK Team is ecstatic to usher in this chapter of new and expanding horizons, and we look forward to celebrating with everyone. View Facebook Event
Earth Day Activity Hour
Teens (grades 6-12) are invited to celebrate Earth Day with us on April 22nd from 5:30-6:30. We'll be making Earth Day themed buttons and bookmarks. Come join the fun! View Facebook Event
Community Conversations about the proposed school bond
On May 14, our community will consider a no mill increase school bond to expand and update our Career and Technical Education facilities and classrooms at the high school, and make safety and security improvements. Join us for one of these Community Conversations to learn more about the proposal, see the plans, find out when to vote, and ask your questions. View Flyer
Planting for Backyard Birds
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Roger Boyd, Emeritus Professor of Biology, Baker University, for a free presentation!
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, surveys show that “birdwatching” or “birding” is the fastest-growing outdoor activity in the U.S. Over 51 million Americans call themselves birdwatchers, from casual admirers of park and backyard birds to those who actively seek species to check off life lists or photograph. That’s what is so great about this activity.
Bird enthusiasts of all kinds can take birding to the next level by creating backyard habitat. Many people are interested in attracting birds and insect pollinators to their yards, and Dr. Boyd will walk us through the best ways to do just that.
We will look at bird feeders and seeds, the best plants to provide food and shelter, and other actions you can take to make your yard more wildlife-friendly. We will also talk about how to identify birds, and how to contribute to scientific knowledge by submitting your findings using an app on your phone.
Please bring a folding chair and join us for this free educational opportunity!
Celebration of Life for Paula Ann Andrews
Please join us for the Celebration of Life to honor the memory and cherish the legacy of Paula Ann Andrews, beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Grandma, and Friend. Beginning at 1:00 p.m. Come when you can and stay as long as you like. Food. Music. Fireworks through the day and night. Please wear a touch of color to reflect the vibrant spirit Paula brought into our lives. View Flyer
50+ Dinner at Louie's Wine Dive
Louie’s Wine Dive located in Overland Park serves both traditional favorites and chef driven fare. Celebrate great wine, locally sourced and sustainable cuisine and the joy of savored moments with friends and family. Registration and More Information
Ribbon Cutting for New Leaf Family Chiropractic
Welcome Dr. Emma Haynie, D.C., to the Baldwin City community and learn about the services New Leaf Family Chiropractic offers! Everyone is welcome. Visit New Leaf Family Chiropractic’s Website View Facebook Event
Chamber Luncheon
Guest Speaker: Lumberyard Arts Center More Information Luncheon Catered by: BHS Culinary 3 Class. Menu: Creamy spinach tomato pasta with chicken, chicken alfredo, side salad, breadstick (vegetarian main dish will be available). Prepay for you lunch here RSVP Only here
Community Conversations about the proposed school bond
On May 14, our community will consider a no mill increase school bond to expand and update our Career and Technical Education facilities and classrooms at the high school, and make safety and security improvements. Join us for one of these Community Conversations to learn more about the proposal, see the plans, find out when to vote, and ask your questions. View Flyer
Be Well/BCK United Youth Event
The BCK United Be Well Teen Event is back for a second year, in partnership with The Baldwin City Chamber and Be Well Baldwin City! Free food, friendly folks, creative wellness activities, giveaways, games, and resources. BCK United (Baldwin City Kansas United) is a youth-led wellness and inclusion group through the Lumberyard Arts Center. Questions? Reach out to bckunited@lumberyardartscenter.org or 785-594-3186. View Facebook Event
Livestock Water Systems Tour
Are you ‘In the Mooood” for livestock watering options? Starts at Hidden Hill Farm. Projects will include: Hands-On tire tank installation, DIY Solar Panel Pumping, Wet Well, Gravity Fed Waterers, and more. More Information
Ribbon Cutting for Baldwin City Beer Company Mural
Join the Baldwin City Community Mural Program, Lumberyard Arts Center, Baldwin City Beer Company, and Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce at a ribbon cutting celebrating the newest mural in Baldwin City. Remarks at 6:00 p.m. Read about the Mural Program View Facebook Event
Photography Show
Baker University and Veritas High School present Creations of the Night Inspired by Dreams. A photography show collaboration between Baker and Veritas High School students. View Flyer
Livestock Water Systems Tour
Are you ‘In the Mooood” for livestock watering options? Starts at Hidden Hill Farm. Projects will include: Hands-On tire tank installation, DIY Solar Panel Pumping, Wet Well, Gravity Fed Waterers, and more. More Information
2024 Baldwin Choral Festival
Come celebrate USD 348’s 4th-12th grade vocal musicians in one amazing performance! View Flyer
Easter Egg Hunt
RESCHEDULED TO APRIL 7 Hop into Spring Fun at Rainbow Preschool’s Community Easter Egg Hunt! Save the date for a delightful afternoon of family-friendly festivities at our Easter Egg Hunt extravaganza! We will have food trucks, face painting, touch a truck, and other fun stuff again! Notice the change in location this year, Baldwin Golf Association. View Flyer Facebook Event
Coal Creek Library Open House
After extensive repair of the structure, The Coal Creek Library is once again open! It is the oldest library in Kansas - established in 1859 for the moral, social, and intellectual improvement of its members. The books were housed in homes and the Grange until this building was built in 1900. The plans are to be open every Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. through September. The library is a true time capsule and one of several historic sites around Vinland.
Craft Your Stress Away
Part of a Let’s Use It Again series, we will be making no-sew bags from feed sacks and duct tape. Barb Matthews and Angela Hightree will teach you how to make these unique and useful bags. This is an adult program.
Be Well Capstone Event
Raising awareness and participation for the Baldwin City community to Be Well.
The Capstone Event will be held at Collins Gym on March 23. The gym will be full of vendors and resources for guidance on how to Be Well. Come for your chance to win one of many prizes and the chance visit the Douglas County Mobile Clinic. More details coming soon! Facebook Event
Downtown Murals Scavenger Hunt
Baldwin City Main Street/Chamber and the Lumberyard Arts Center Presents a Mural Scavenger Hunt! Explore the downtown murals with the Mural Scavenger Hunt! Pick up the activity sheet at Baldwin State bank, Lumberyard Arts Center, Baldwin City Library, Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce, Om Grown Yoga and Wellness, or Baldwin City Beer Co during their open hours. Or Print Sheet Here View Flyer with More Information
Annual BHS and BJHS Art Show and Reception
Enjoy USD 348 junior high and high school art! Work will be featured from March 22 - April 26 with a reception during The Avant launch, Wednesday, April 3, from 5-7 pm. Facebook Event
Combating Fraud
This totally FREE event is open to the public and will feature a panel of speakers from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Insurance Department, and former Attorney General’s Office, that will share their real-life experiences aimed at helping recognize and combat fraud. Learn how to protect yourself from common fraud schemes and what you can do if you’re a victim of fraud. Light refreshments, prizes, and giveaways will be included. Join us for this fun and educational event sponsored by Kansas State Bank with partners: KOFO, Franklin County Development Council, City of Ottawa, and Ottawa Area Chamber of commerce View Facebook Event
Best Movie Night
Best Movie Night will play the movie Mrs. Miniver. Come watch a movie and eat some popcorn with us! And no, it is not a joke!
Aged to Perfection Lunch Trip to Ladybird Diner
Join us on a group adventure to Lawrence and discover the charm of Ladybird Diner—a tiny spot with a big heart! Indulge in comforting classics and freshly baked pies at this delightful eatery. Don’t forget to register! Register Here
Become A Volunteer
Would you like to get involved, help the community, and have some fun while you’re at it? Connect with us now! No membership required.