Yep, there’ll be the best meatloaf and homemade pie in the country.
And, a whole lot more, too.
“We have meatloaf and pie baking contests as special attractions, but a full packed daylong slate of additional activities are planned for our annual Paxico Meatloaf Festival Saturday, June 18, at Paxico, right off Highway I70, Ext 333, east of Topeka,” announced Larry Winkler, official of the Paxico Merchants Association.
“We’re especially proud that Paxico, Kansas, is now ‘Home of the World Championship Meatloaf Contest,’ with winners have bragging rights to proclaim their Best Meatloaf around the world,” Winkler insisted.
Meatloaves will be throughout the Festival venue on Main Street with public judging at 11 o’clock.
Pies will be displayed at Woodman Hall after 10 o’clock , with official judging at 11 o’clock.
“Meatloaf Public Judging Wristband Sales will begin at 9 o’clock,” Winkler informed. “Meatloaf voting will be a penny per vote, with voting containers located at the souvenir sales booth.
“Champions are to be announced from the Band Stand at 3 o’clock,” related Winkler, who verified that all of the contests’ rules and regulations can be found at the Paxico website.
Importantly, Winkler informed: “Net proceeds from the judging and contest voting benefit the local Volunteer Fire Department.”
Actually one of the biggest highlights of this year’s festival is the Art & Antique Outdoor Flea Market, according to Winkler. Vendors of a wide array of unique merchandise will have their displays set up at 10 o’clock, and throughout the rest of the day. day.
“Paxico antique shops open their doors at 9 o’clock, and will be open throughout the day,” Winkler emphasized.
Parade entries are asked to line up at the City Park at 9:30, with starting time being 10 o’clock, with the procession heading west to Newbury.
“Beginning at 11:30, there be hourly door prize drawings,” Winkler said.
Dinner will be offered by a local establishment, and a number of street food vendors, with meatloaf dinners and sandwiches on the menu.
There’ll be free live music on the Band Stand from 2 o’clock until crowds leave.
Additionally listed as all day activities are a trackless train, carriage and horseback rides, face painting, wine garden, a military display and a living history display.
“Whew,” evaluated Winkler.
“It’ll be a full day of good eatin’ and every type of fun for everybody of all ages. See you at the annual Paxico Meatloaf Festival June 18,” he welcomed.
Complete line-up is at www.paxicomerchants.com.
“Located at the foot of the Flint Hills of Kansas, Paxico’s history actually begins with Newbury Township, which is located just outside the city limits. The Santa Fe Railroad was selling Pottawatomie Reserve land at $5 an acre and up,” Winkler said.
In 1869, four industrious Germans purchased acreage to lay out the township of Newbury. Eventually, the community grew to about a dozen houses and various businesses including a drug store, variety store and lumber yard.
Meanwhile, William and Robert Strowig in 1879 constructed a mill on land purchased from an old Indian medicine man called Pashqua. After a store and post office were established near the bustling mill, this site, about a mile from Newbury, came to be known as “Paxico,” after the medicine man.
“You can still see Pashqua’s profile today on many Paxico-branded items,” Winkler noted.
“The mid-1880s witnessed a struggle between the communities of Paxico and Newbury to woo the Rock Island railroad. Paxico eventually prevailed, and the old depot can still be seen at the Mill Creek Campgrounds site. The town was officially laid out in 1886 and promoted by a Topeka concern,” Winkler informed.
“In the quiet Newbury Township, now you’ll find the historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church, known as the ‘Cathedral of the Flint Hills,’ nestled among country homes and farmsteads. The stately twin spires can be seen for miles around,” Winkler said.
“Today in downtown Paxico, many historic Victorian-era buildings still stand, and the
familiar whistle of the iron horses can still be heard. You’ll find collectibles, gifts, antique stoves and early Americana.
“Paxico also features an art studio, campground and RV Park and winery gift shop. On peaceful Mill Creek, visitors enjoy fishing, swimming, canoeing and taking in the
local wildlife. And, the Mill Creek-Skyline Scenic Drive takes you through the
rolling prairies and farmlands of the beautiful Flint Hills,” Winkler invited.
