Celebrating the People, Traditions & Spirit of Southeast Kansas
Southeast Kansas earned the nickname “Little Balkans” generations ago, when immigrants from across Europe and beyond came to Crawford and Cherokee counties to work in the region’s coal mines and zinc smelters. They brought with them their food, music, customs, celebrations and traditions helping shape the communities we call home today.
Little Balkans Weekend celebrates that heritage and the hardworking, welcoming spirit that still defines Southeast Kansas.
Come spend the day with us for a celebration filled with classic cars, tractors, live music, traditional food, family activities, contests, games and plenty of friendly competition.
Bring the kids. Bring the grandparents. Bring your neighbors.
There’s something for every generation at Little Balkans Weekend
A Little Balkans celebration wouldn’t be complete without homemade pie. Entries are due by 8:00 AM, with winners announced at 9:30 AM.
Free
9:00 AM — Dog Show & Parade
Track
Bring your four-legged friend and join the parade.
Free
9:00 AM — Little Kids’ Races
Kids Zone
Classic races and friendly competition for our youngest festival-goers.
Free
9:00–11:00 AM — Kids’ Free Throw Challenge
Outdoors
Put your basketball skills to the test.
Free
9:00–3:00 PM — Car Show by Rollin’ Nostalgia
Outdoors – East Lot
Classic cars, unique rides and local favorites on display throughout the morning.
$5 to enter a car
10:00 AM — People & Pets Patriotic Costume Contest
Track
Break out the red, white and blue and dress up yourself—and your pet!
Free
10:00 AM–2:00 PM — Little Balkans Scavenger Hunt
Throughout the Festival Grounds
Explore the festival while completing our property-wide scavenger hunt.
Free
Food, Music & Afternoon Fun
Spend the afternoon enjoying live music, food and some of the traditions that make a hometown festival special.
11:00 AM–7:00 PM — Live Local Music
Outdoor Stage
Local musicians take the stage throughout the day. 11AM – Kenny Sweet, 1PM – Crooked Revival, 3PM – Zane Grimes, 5PM – Left of Center Free
11:30 AM — Bubble Gum Blowing Contest
Inside
A classic contest for kids and kids at heart.
Free
11:00 AM–11:30 PM — Baby Contest
Main Stage
One of the day’s sweetest traditions.
Free
11:00 AM–1:00 PM — Cooking School
Inside
Learn something new in the kitchen and celebrate the food traditions that bring people together.
$10
11:00 AM–2:00 PM — Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby
Main Lawn
Step up to the plate and swing for the fences.
Free
12:00 PM — Hot Dog Eating Contest
Main Stage
Come hungry and compete for Little Balkans bragging rights.
$5 to enter
1:00–3:00 PM — Tractor Show & Parade
East Lot & Parade Route
Celebrate Southeast Kansas’ agricultural roots with tractors from across the area followed by a parade around the grounds.
$25 tractor entry
1:00 PM — Kite Flying Contest
Big Field
See who can send their kite the highest.
Free
1:00–3:00 PM — Squirt Gun Arena
Kids Zone
A perfect way for the kids to cool off.
Free
1:00 PM — Bakery & Cake Walk
Inside
Take a walk and you might head home with something sweet.
$1
2:00 PM — Hula Hoop Contest
Inside
See who can keep it going the longest.
Free
2:30 PM — Paper Airplane Contest
Inside
Build it. Fly it. See whose goes the farthest.
Free
3:00 PM — Giant Jenga Competition
Inside
How high can you go before it all comes tumbling down?
Free
3:00–5:00 PM — Ice Cream Social
Inside
Enjoy a scoop and spend some time with friends and neighbors.
Free while supplies last
4:00 PM — Beard & Mustache Competition
A competition made for Southeast Kansas. Show off your finest facial hair and compete for bragging rights.
Free
Supper, Dancing & Evening Competition
When the afternoon winds down, Little Balkans Days is just getting started.
5:00–7:00 PM — Polka Dance & Chicken Dinner
Inside
Celebrate the area’s European heritage with chicken dinners, polka music and dancing. Jim Baric & Friends Polka Band will perform traditional music from the Balkan region.
Chicken dinner provided by Chicken Mary’s: $10
Then stick around for an evening of friendly competition.
8:00–11:00 PM — Cornhole Tournament
Outdoor Dock
$50 per team
8:00–11:00 PM — Adult Tricycle Races
Track
Because some competitions are too much fun to leave to the kids.
Free
8:00–11:00 PM — Karaoke Contest
Outdoors
Grab the mic and compete for Little Balkans bragging rights.
Free
8:00–11:00 PM — Adult Free Throw Challenge
Outdoors
Free
Shop, Eat & Explore All Day
Local craft vendors and food trucks will be set up throughout the festival.
Come hungry, shop local and spend the day celebrating Southeast Kansas.
