For 40 years, the Smoky Hill River Festival has been bringing arts and humanities to the masses in an innovative, unique way.

This year’s event boasts an ever greater experience than last year; held in the Oakdale Park in Salina, KS the festival is a creative expression sponsored by Salina Arts and Humanities.

Admission to the festival is obtained with the purchase of a button for $10. The buttons are available in 20 cities across the state, but in our immediate area they can be purchased at any Dillons location in Junction City and Manhattan through Monday, June 6th at midnight. After this date, they must be purchased at the festival for $15.

Once a button is purchased, it is valid for the entire weekend- one button gives you admission every day.

Children 11 and under are free.

It’s no coincidence that the Salina Arts and Humanities serves as an advocacy and support for the River Festival.

“The visual arts is a big part of the River Festival – one that attracts art patrons regionally, from across the country, and includes featuring more than 130 exhibiting artists each year,” said Kay Quinn, Marketing Coordinator for Smoky Hill River Festival.

Quinn says that the two art shows offered:  The Fine Arts Show, and Four Rivers Craft show – offer a wide range of media from painting, to photography, to things that are affordable and lovely to have in your home or office.

In addition to the art, Quinn says that another part of the River Festival that people love is the live music and entertainment.  There are “four live stages that play music on the hour from 10 o’clock in the morning until 9 or 10 at night.”

Music ranges from bluegrass, acoustic, zydeco, strings, country and so much more. Each day of the festival there will be a headlining act. On Friday, festival goers can look forward to some country music from Reckless Kelly; on Saturday the modern pop/rock group Rocket Boys will headline and Sunday afternoon enjoy musical selections from SUNU.

A major selling feature to the festival is the vareity of activities that accomodate all ages.

“The Artyopolis children’s area is an area full of arts, crafts, and games for children of all ages,” says Office Administrator for the Smoky Hill River Festival, Amanda Morris.

Morris says the children’s area includes a “game street” where kids can play games ranging from 25 to 50 cents per play to help raise money for local charities.

There will be free face painting provided by Big Brothers, and Big Sisters of Salina.

And just as the adults can enjoy live entertainment there is an “Arty” stage for children with family friendly entertainment such as music and balloon artists.

Festival t-shirts, tanks and gift certificates can be purchased at the Salina Arts and Humanities office located at 211 West Iron Ave in Salina.

The Smoky Hill River Festival will feature additional art shows as well as food vendors and more than 20 professionally contracted acts.

The Smoky Hill River Festival is June 9th through 12th at the Oakdale Park in Salina.