Big Read kicks off
Wichita’s 2025 Big Read gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 14 at the Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. Second. Attendees will receive a free copy of this year’s book, “Sitting Pretty: The View From My Ordinary Resilient, Disabled Body,” by Kansas City writer Rebelah Taussig, who lost the use of her legs due to childhood cancer. Other events in conjunction with the Big Read include a mini-memoir workshop, related films, discussions and more. For more information, visit wichitalibrary.org.
Boiler baked potatoes
The McCormick School Museum will host a St. Patrick’s Day potato bake from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15. The dinner includes potatoes baked in the boiler that has heated the building since 1950, toppings, a salad and homemade cobbler plus Irish folk songs performed by Paul Oberg. The suggested donation is $10, $5 for kids under 12. The museum is located at 855 S. Martinson.
Get mow-tivated
If you’ve got a grandchild looking to make some money this summer, the Young Lawn Mowing Clinic teaches kids lawn care, safety and business skills. The clinic will be held Wednesday, March 19, at the Sedgwick County Extension Center, 21st and Ridge. Registration is $10 through March 10 and $15 after that date. Register online at www.sedgwick.ksu.edu/events. Participants receive a training certificate, safety equipment and business cards.
VA garden seeks volunteers
The Memorial Peace Garden at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, 5500 E. Kellogg. is once again welcoming veterans and volunteers, experienced and inexperienced, to help with tending the garden located on the east side of the campus.
Education and coaching are provided by Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardeners of Kansas State University Research and Extension. All tools are provided. Garden sessions for volunteers are on Friday mornings starting at 9:30 a.m. March 7. Other opportunities for helping besides Friday are available. For more information contact Laura Nutter, coordinator, at 316-737-2380 or email at LDN3188@gmail.com.
Sharks invade Exploration Place
The Australian Museum’s acclaimed “Sharks” exhibit brings an immersive ocean experience to Wichita during its exclusive regional appearance through May 4.
It includes 10 life-sized shark models, from the legendary Great White and peculiar Hammerhead to the extinct Helicoprion — a creature whose spiral-toothed jaw earned it the nickname “Buzzsaw Shark.” In its “oceanarium,” massive sharks glide by through digital projections.
The exhibition is included with admission to Exploration Place. More information is available at exploration.org/events.
Quilts to raffle
Christ the King Parish, 4501 W. Maple, will hold its 29th annual Quilt Party on Sunday, March 2. The event features 22 handmade quilts, food and more. Door prizes and much more. Doors open and food (bierocks, hot dogs, chili frito pie, desserts and snacks) served at 11:30 a.m.; auction and games begin at 1 p.m. Pictured with one of quilts are (left to right) Helen Orth, Betty Peters, Abby Mayer, Nichole Rockers and Kat Mayer.
Bluestem 5K race
McPHERSON — Registration is open for the annual Bluestem PACE Race 5K run/walk on Saturday, April 5, in McPherson. Registration is $35 and includes a race shirt. Complete registration online at bluestempace.org/events.
Bluestem PACE is a nonprofit that serves seniors in a six-county south central Kansas region.
Handmade goods offered
The Women Empowered Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at a new location: Wichita Recovery Hub, a nonprofit preparing to open at 120 S. Ida.
The market offers handmade goods from local artisans and fair-trade products from around the world. Shoppers can connect with mission-driven small businesses, social enterprises, and nonprofits supporting women locally and globally.
Learn more and preview participating vendors by following the event on Facebook.
