​Where were you 18 years ago today? We know where we were…at Salina Regional Airport awaiting the return of GlobalFlyer and spending the day celebrating with the world that world record feat by the amazing Steve Fossett – One Man, One Plane, One World in 67 hours, originating and landing in Salina, Kansas!

The National Division II Christian Homeschool Basketball Tournament (ND2CHA) has selected Salina as its host location for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 Tournaments. The three-day event is expected to attract 80+ teams featuring middle high and high school boys and girls from several states throughout the Midwest annually to Salina. Dates of the event follow:
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2024:     Feb. 29 – March 2, 2024 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday)
2025:     March 6 – March 8, 2025 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday)
2026:     March 5 – March 7, 2026 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday)
 
The Salina Fieldhouse and Kansas Wesleyan University’s Mabee Arena will be the primary facilities for the event. Most of the tournament play will take place at the Salina Fieldhouse beginning Thursday. Games will begin at about 7:30 AM and continue to 10:00 PM daily. On Friday afternoon, the event takes a “Time Out”, which is a special event for players and spectators featuring a devotional speaker and a shooting contest. The Time-Out will take place in Mabee Arena, where there will be plenty of seating and space for all participants.
 
Steve Poage, ND2CHA Basketball Tournament Director, “We are excited to have our tournament in Salina.  Besides the central location, Salina has exceptional facilities like the Salina Fieldhouse and KWU’s Mabee Arena. In addition, Salina’s diverse lodging and dining options will provide excellent choices for our athletes, families, officials, and spectators. We believe the move to Salina is a WIN/WIN, a WIN for the homeschool basketball organization and a WIN for the student athletes and all participants!
 
Visit Salina has estimated that the three-day event will generate an economic impact of $932,000 into the Salina area.
 
Tiffany Benien, Visit Salina, commented, “A big thank you to the National Division II Christian Homeschool Association and to the Salina Fieldhouse and Kansas Wesleyan University on working together to make this event a possibility in Salina. This is a great event for Salina, and we are so excited to welcome teams from throughout the United States.  I truly believe Salina will embrace this event, provide an atmosphere to grow in the future, and continue its success!”

For more information contact:
Tiffany Benien, Sports & Events
Visit Salina/Salina Area Chamber of Commerce
tbenien@salinakansas.or

Burgers. Arguably one of America's favorite mealtime choices. Whether you prefer cheese only or all the works, hot n spicy or traditional, a sack full of sliders or a meal size selection, you will find YOUR burger here in Salina! We couldn't possibly feature all of the burger options Salina has to offer, so we decided to introduce you to just a few favorites.
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No Salina burger blog could be complete without Cozy Inn Hamburgers - Buy 'Em By the Sack slider-style burgers. This six-stool hamburger stand just celebrated their 100th birthday in 2022. These 'aromatic' little gems come one way - grilled with onion, no cheese, on a bun with pickle and ketchup. Recognized by USA Today, Yelp and many other rankings.

Paramount Bar likes to mix it up with burger specials not from the menu. My favorite...the Royal Blue, featuring bacon, BOTH blue cheese crumbles AND an incredible blue cheese sauce.

There are unique burger options at Chuck's Bar & Grill. Check out the Big Smoky...1/3 lb fresh Angus beef, topped with bacon, beef brisket, cheddar cheese and Jack Daniels sauce. Extra napkins please! YUM!

Blue Skye Brewery & Eats is known for its brick oven pizza, but their excellent burgers hold their own! And you can substitute a 6 oz chicken breast for the 1/3 lb burger if that's your thing. Our pick...the burger topped with pepperjack cheese, bacon, chipotle aoli, pickles, siracha and...peanut butter. Yep, it's a keeper!

The inaugural Salina Crossroads Marathon will be held in downtown Salina on Saturday, November 5, 2022.  Visit Salina is excited about the impact of the Salina Crossroads on the community, region, and state, not only for this year but with much anticipation of this being an annual event. While this is a first-time event, organizers are gaining traction quickly. Already 240+ participants have registered and lots more are expected. 

Races offered include a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 4.01K Family Fun Run, Team Relay Marathon and Team Relay Half Marathon. The Salina Crossroads Marathon is more than one  event and has many hightlights and activities surrounding for runners, spectators and fans. The marathon itself is a Boston Qualifier on a USATF Certified Route. Fun music will be played throughout the race. Medals, t-shirts, swag bags and post-race photos will be provided.  Also expect family fun at the start and finish areas of the route. Proceeds from the race will go to Saline County Youth Sports.
 
If you'd like to run, be a sponsor, partner, or volunteer at the event, check out www.RunSalinaCrossroads. com ​

Salina will host a Soccer Fest on Saturday, August 20 at Magnolia Salina Soccer Complex. Salina Parks and Recreation & 99KG’s (coach) Shane McClintock along with 5A State Champion winning coach Dave Ouderkirk and KSU soccer coach Mike Dibbini will be on hand.
Registration is open at www.salinasoccer.com and the first 200 kids ages 8-12 years are only $9.99. All participating kids receive a FREE soccer jersey from sponsors Long McArthur and Copy Co - Salina and FREE soccer socks & shin guards thanks to Walmart Salina!! ALL skill levels from never played to club levels will be blended into this 11am-5pm fun day of games, skills & drills. Lunch is provided by Lucky D's BBQ-Catering & Sam

KKOA and Visit Salina are gearing up for the Leadsled Spectacular Car Show running July 28-31, 2022! 
 
42nd Annual KKOA Leadsled Spectacular 2022 – Schedule of Events
 
Thursday - July 28
        Spectacular Sundown Cruise - Cruise at 7:30 pm – Viewing on Santa Fe Street (FREE)
 
Friday-Sunday - July 29
        Show and Shine - Oakdale Park - Fri. 9am-5pm, Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 9am-2pm
        Admission:  Fri. $15, Sat. $18, Sun. $10; Kids 12 & under Free
        (See below for Oakdale Park Schedule)
 
Friday - July 29
       KKOA Hotrod & Kustom Auction – 9:00 - Registered entrants Free, Oakdale Park-Eric Stein Stage
        Run-Whatcha'-Brung Drags - off 841 Markley Rd. - 4pm-Dusk, Admission:  $15 per person;
        Kids 12 & Under Free
 
Saturday – July 30
       Spectacular Concert – The Temple – 8:00-10:00,doors open 7pm – Personality/Band To be   announced.  Admission:  $25, first come first serve basis
        Tickets sold at The Temple and Cozy Inn

Oakdale Park Schedule
Friday & Saturday in the Park 
Two Working Kustom Shops – 9-5pm Daily
Vintage Bicycle Spoke-tacular – 9am-end of show, around the concrete rink
Valve Cover Races – 11am
Beauty Contest – 2 Age Groups: Pin-ups 18-39; Looker’s 40-plus 2 Main Stage
 
Saturday in the Park
               Hall of Fame Walk – 12-1 by the T-Shirt Booth
                Model Car Show – 9-end of show; behind the t-shirt booth
 
Sunday in the Park 
                  Christian Rods and Customs Church Service – 10am Main Stage
                   Awards Ceremony - 1pm
 
For more information see the KKOA website: www.KustomKempsofAmerica.com
Or contact KKOA via e-mail: kkemps09@centurytel.net

Take a look at our all new Salina Visitors Guide

The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to sponsor Salina Day at Kansas Wesleyan's University's (KWU) .  Saturday, November 13th the UNDEFEATED KWU Coyotes take on the Moundbuilders of Southwestern College.  Kick-off is at 1PM on Gene Bissell Field in Graves Family Sports Complex. A WIN for the Coyotes places them at the top of the KCAC and NAIA standings.  Tickets can be purchased at the stadium or by contacting KWU. 
You won't want to miss being a part of this competitive football game in a family friendly and FUN atmosphere!!  For more information go to www.KWU.edu.