by Debbi | Jun 20, 2016 | Ottawa
Dave celebrated Father’s Day with a special treat: a screening of “Finding Dory,” Disney-Pixar’s sequel to the super-popular movie “Finding Nemo.”
(Did it really take 13 years for them to make a sequel to that movie?!)
If you’ve ever set foot in the Sandbar, you know we love fish. And we love fish movies. “Finding Dory” was a fun movie, and we highly recommend it.
Here’s the best part: you can get free tickets to see it at the world’s oldest operating cinema in Ottawa!
Spend $20 at the Sandbar Sub Shop in downtown Lawrence this from now through June 25, and you’ll get two movie and museum passes. FOR FREE. It’s just a short drive south to Ottawa, and you’ll be supporting a wonderful family-owned business.
Also, subs are half-price after 5 p.m. this summer, so bring the whole family or a bunch of friends in for dinner!
by Debbi | Oct 8, 2015 | Events
One of our favorite events is back this year—the infamous Rocky Horror Picture Show party bus!
We started this tradition in 2009, after Peach renovated the movie theater in Ottawa and we had a place to watch the show, yell as much as we wanted and throw things. And get up and dance in the middle of the movie. (We won’t talk about the time that couple tried to ‘shush’ us during the movie.)
The party bus went on hiatus the past couple of years, but this year we’re excited to bring it back.
Here’s the drill: you MUST dress in costume. That’s rule #1, and the most important rule.
Everyone meets at the Sandbar around 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. FYI, that’s also Homecoming weekend for KU, and a pep rally will be happening on our block that night. It’s also Final Fridays, so downtown Lawrence will be BUSY. Plan accordingly and carpool if possible.
The bus leaves the Sandbar promptly at 9 p.m. and heads south to Ottawa. The bus ride is FUN. Some refreshments will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own for the bus.
Once we get to the Plaza Cinema in Ottawa—the oldest operating cinema in the world, in case you didn’t know—you’ll enjoy a tour of the Movie Memorabilia Museum, followed by the main event—the Rocky Horror Picture Show!
After the movie is over, we’ll load the bus back up and head back to Lawrence.
All this for just $36! Sign up in advance at the Sandbar to save your spot.
And in case you need ideas for costumes, check out some of the stories and pictures from past years’ trips, or use our good friend Google to find something. But remember: costumes are required!
ICYMI, this year is the 40th anniversary of Rocky Horror Picture Show. The cast recently reunited on The Today Show. Check out the video here.
by Debbi | Sep 1, 2015 | Events, Ottawa
Boots? Check. Cowboy hat? Check. Old West spirit? Check.
Aficionados of all things western will celebrate the return of Old West Cowboy Days after a six-year hiatus during a day-long festival Sept. 5 in Ottawa, Kansas.
“The cowboy culture is not dead,” organizer Peach Madl said. “From campfires to cattle drives to concerts, we wanted to bring people together to celebrate the western way of life.”
A kick-off to the event is the Bourbon Train ride on the Kansas Belle Dinner Train at 7 p.m. Sept. 4. Passengers will ride from Baldwin City to Norwood while enjoying five unique bourbon tastings and appetizers. They’ll also experience an old-time wagon ride and a roaring campfire with a Western theme. For more information and to make reservations, contact the Kansas Belle Dinner Train at (785) 594-8505.
Want to see dozens of Longhorn cattle being driven down Ottawa’s Main Street? Don’t miss the cattle drive at 10 a.m. Sept. 5. The drive is sponsored by the Plaza Cinema and Burkdoll Brothers of Garnett, Kansas.
Participants can enjoy many other activities throughout the day in and outside of Ottawa Municipal Auditorium, 301 S. Hickory St., including vendors, Wild Women of the West, local horse breeds, a horse video and a barbecue dinner. Miniature horses will be on display from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. outside of the Ottawa Municipal Auditorium, as well an opportunity to take photos with CoCo Chanel, a live “unicorn.”
Activities around the city of Ottawa include an exhibit at the Old Depot Museum, 135 W. Tecumseh St.; western movies and a Buffalo Bill exhibit at the Plaza Cinema, 209 S. Main St.; a shooting presentation by the Lebo 4-H club at The Gun Guys, 412 S. Main St.; and carriage rides throughout downtown Ottawa.
The night will conclude with performances by the Travis Marvin Band and Rusty Rierson, plus recognition of the Kansas Cowboy of the Year, all at Ottawa Municipal Auditorium.
Don’t forget to follow the festivities on Facebook at Ottawa Cowboy Days and on Twitter @Ottawakscowboy. Use hashtags #ottawaks and #ottawacowboy throughout the day!
For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.explorenekansas.com.
by Debbi | Aug 19, 2015 | Events, Ottawa
Don’t miss these fun events over Labor Day weekend!
We can’t ever resist a good beer, wine, or other tasting—especially a bourbon tasting. On September 4, board the Kansas Belle Dinner Train bound for Norwood and enjoy a bourbon tasting, appetizers and a real cowboy experience.
The train departs from the Baldwin City Depot at 7 p.m.; guests must be at least 21, of course. The cost is $75 per person—call 785.594.8505 to make your reservation.
Then the next day, on Saturday, head over to Ottawa for the Cowboy Days celebration at the Plaza Theater and Municipal Auditorium. This has something for everyone: educational seminars, shopping, food, horses and more—including a cattle drive downtown!
Local favorite Travis Marvin will also perform a live concert, with an opening performance by Rusty Pierson. And, food and drink will be catered by Sandbar Subs!
Spend your Labor Day weekend doing something unique!
by Debbi | Jun 16, 2015 | Events, Stories
It’s time for another bike-and-train expedition!
A few months ago, we told you about a fun excursion Peach put together with the Midland Railway—and several of our friends took us up on the offer. They carted their bikes to Baldwin City, where they caught the train for a ride on the historic Midland Railway, followed by a bike ride on the new Prairie Spirit Trail.
Well, now you have more opportunities to participate! There’s another ride this weekend, June 20.
Join the Midland Railroad at the Baldwin City Depot at 9 a.m. for a 22-mile round trip to Ottawa. Take your bike along, or not—you can hike if you prefer. The train will unload 1/2 mile north of the Prairie Spirit Trail and the Flint Hills Rail Trail. Ride as long as you want, just make sure you’re back at 3 p.m. to catch the train back to Baldwin City.
RSVP to either Peach at peach@thesandbar.com or to director@visitottawakansas.com, or you can call 785.242.1411. The suggested donation is $10 to the Midland Railway Preservation Association.
And if you can’t make it this weekend, don’t worry. There will be opportunities again on July 18, August 15 and September 19, so mark your calendar!
