Early Childhood Pioneer Day, by Kathy Wagner

Early Childhood Pioneer Day is an event that has been going on since the 1980s. In an effort to celebrate Kansas’ birthday on January 29, students have gathered in various places to learn about the pioneer way of life.  Over the years, there has been a teepee in the quadrangle, a horse and carriage in the parking lot, and various farm animals throughout the campus.  When the multipurpose room was built, the entire event was moved to that location and activities were added. Roping sawhorse calves, grinding corn, making butter, eating cornbread muffins, playing pioneer games, cleaning clothes on a washboard, peeling and eating apples, watching a spinner or quilter, listening to a real cowboy, singing pioneer songs, and scatter square dancing, all became annual experiences.  As the event moved to the south gym in the 2000s, students continued to learn from many individuals who were willing to share their expertise about the pioneer days.

Enjoy these scenes from past Pioneer Days!