Rural Appreciation Picnic

The Rural Appreciation Picnic, organized by the McPherson Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee, is scheduled for Friday, July 21, 2023. This event is a 53-year tradition to celebrate the completion of harvest and appreciation of our agriculture community.

The Rural Appreciation Picnic is sponsored by members of the McPherson Chamber of Commerce and will be served from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on July 21st at the 4-H grounds, 600 W. Woodside. On the menu again this year is freshly grilled hamburgers from Krehbiel’s Specialty Meats served with tasty baked beans from Knackies Meats and Sweets, along with juicy watermelon provided by PrairieLand Partners, and ice-cold water from Hall’s Culligan Water.

The following information from the Kansas Agriculture 2022, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, shows a glimpse of agriculture’s impact. “Kansas agriculture continues to be a vital force in the state’s economy, bringing in dollars and providing many jobs. As the top industry in Kansas, agriculture accounts for over 40% of the total economy, and according to the most recent statistics, there are 58,300 farms in the state, producing and raising top crops and livestock. The Sunflower State’s top commodities include cattle and calves, wheat, corn, sorghum, and soybeans. The state’s nickname comes from another important crop, as Kansas ranks fourth in the nation in sunflower production.”

The Rural Appreciation Picnic is a way we can celebrate our Agriculture producers and families for their contributions to our way of life. The picnic will coincide with the kickoff of the McPherson 4-H Fair on July 21st. Attendees will have time to enjoy the 4-H exhibits before the picnic is served, then stay for a Food Auction in the Extension office at 6 p.m., and the Meat Goat Show in the Livestock Arena at 7 p.m.

If you would like to join us in thanking our agriculture producers and families by contributing to the cost of the picnic, sponsorship can be sent to the McPherson Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 616, McPherson, KS. No tickets will be issued this year, but sponsors will be advertised on the Chamber website, social, e-newsletter and at the picnic. Volunteers are also much appreciated to help the Agriculture Committee set up and serve. Please contact the McPherson Chamber of Commerce at 620-241-3303 if you have any questions.

Help us thank these 2023 Rural Appreciation Sponsors: Allan & Deanna Sents, Bomgaars, Emprise Bank, Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance, Farmers State Bank, First Bank Kansas, Graber’s Ace Hardware, Grain Craft, Hall’s Culligan Water, HSB/The Citizens State Bank, Krehbiels Specialty Meats, K-State Research & Extension, Les Mason for KS House Dist. 75, McDonalds, McPherson Eye Care, McPherson Realty Exchange, Peoples Bank & Trust, PrairieLand Partners, S&S Custom Beef, Tractor Supply, and Wise & Reber L.C.

Click here to see photos from the 2022 Rural Appreciation Picnic.