SPOTLIGHT: Kansas Sampler Foundation’s 8 Wonders Contest
The decision to find the 8 Wonders of Kansas was recognition of the 8 rural culture elements used since 1993 by the Kansas Sampler Foundation (KSF) to identify tourism assets of a community. KSF conducted a contest for each element and published an 8 Wonders of Kansas Guidebook in 2011.
The Kansas Sampler Foundation identified that every town has or has a story to tell about and everything in a town fits into one of these categories: architecture, art, commerce, cuisine, customs, geography, history, and people. The goals of the contest were to educate the world about what there is to see and do in Kansas and to encourage travel in Kansas!
Every contest began with public nominations followed by a selection committee choosing 24 finalists from the public nominations. In June 2007, the list of 24 finalists was announced for the overall 8 Wonders of Kansas. Voting ended in December of that year and on January 29, 2008, Governor Kathleen Sebelius announced the top 8 in a Kansas Day ceremony at in the state capitol rotunda. Later, in alphabetical order, a 4-month contest cycle for each of the 8 rural culture elements (architecture, art, commerce, cuisine, customs, geography, history, and people) was held and was completed in 2010.
Timeframe to Complete Project: Months to Years
Cost Range: varies
Key Words: community, public spaces, Intermediate, Public Spaces & Gathering Places, community engagement, contests, education, travel, tourism, rural culture
To learn more about the 8 Wonders of Kansas, Click the button below.
Kansas Sampler Foundation preserves and sustains rural culture by educating Kansans about Kansas and networking and supporting rural communities.