A couple weeks ago, we got word that the Roaming Gnome—a lawn ornament that some joker at Travelocity turned into a globe-trotting quasi-celebrity—would be visiting Lawrence for College GameDay with ESPN.

We get excited about pretty much anything that is 1.) silly, and 2.) an opportunity to take silly pictures, so we were thrilled to find out that the Sandbar made the cut as a stop on the Gnome’s itinerary.

So, on February 28, after spending part of the day on the KU campus followed by dinner at local favorite Free State Brewery, the Gnome and his handlers arrived at the Sandbar.

Of course he experienced everything we have to offer: a Shark Attack, a photo opp with the shark outside our door, dancing on the bar and an indoor hurricane, complete with napkins flying through the air.

Roaming Gnome enjoys a Shark Attack | www.thesandbar.com

Roaming Gnome with Dave and Debbi | www.thesandbar.com

Roaming Gnome poses with the shark at the Sandbar | www.thesandbar.com

Roaming Gnome dons the mermaid costume | www.thesandbar.com

Thanks, little buddy, for hanging out with us on a chilly Thursday night. We hope you had fun, come back soon!


The folks at Travelocity made this fun video recapping the Roaming Gnome’s time in Kansas. He also visited Wichita State University for their College GameDay appearance, which was the same day as KU’s.