The Mission will kick off its 33rd annual Fall Festival from  6-9 p.m. on Friday with a free bluegrass concert by The Matchmakers, and with burgers, beer, wine, and soft drinks for sale.  The daytime main events--1o-5 on Saturday and 11-4 on Sunday--also are free to attend and fun for all ages.  (Suggested donations to the Shawnee Indian Mission Foundation of $2.o0 per adult go to support this designated National Historic Landmark, which also was the first to be named a Kansas State Historic Site.

New this year is a Native American dancing contest.  Men and women dancers will compete in full, colorful regalia on Saturday, with the finals on Sunday at 1 p.m.  The whole family will enjoy live music and living history such as a blacksmith, outdoor cooking over a wood fire, a cider press, log sawing, the Missouri Town Dancers, and demonstrations of old-style rifle firing.  For the children there are supervised games and activities of the 1800s, pony and wagon rides, and Boy Scout rope climbing.  For purchase find a wide range of products from local artisans and lots to eat from food trucks and tents.  Johnson County Master Gardeners will have gardening tips and display historical gardens they plant and maintain at the Mission.  Enduring memories for everyone, including children who came with their parents and now bring their own children to learn about local history and have a very good time.