Post # 11, The Centre of Topeka

Greeting Readers! I have decided to tell you about the Kansas Expocentre this time around. The Kansas Expocentre is a multipurpose arena completed in 1987. It sits on 80 acres and was the original location for the Kansas State Fair until it was moved to Hutchinson, Ks in 1913. Over the years there has been additions and updates applied to it to make it the expocentre we know today. According to their website over 600 events are booked annually with some of them running at the same time. That's pretty impressive!

Landon Arena

There are five major building. The Landon Arena is located in the main building. This arena host many events. The NAHL hockey team, Topeka Roadrunners calls this arena home. If you are a fan of hockey their tickets are reasonably priced and would make a great evening event. The ice arena is available to the public to skate as well. The arena host other sport from basketball to volleyball. Landon arena is also the location for many local high schools' graduation ceremonies which are coming up. Here soon there will be a monster truck derby hosted here. Concerts are also hosted here. Some past concerts have included Darius Rucker and Carrie Underwood. Each year the Arab Shrine Circus has also used the arena to bring their act to the Topeka area.

Exhibition Hall

The hall is also located in the main building adjacent to the Landon arena. Proms from various high schools are held here. This hall host a lot of exhibitions, gala, and tradeshows. Part of the Cider Days Festival is held here. Many vendors set up stalls and sell their products. Over the years I have seen. Chocolate, glass figurine, quilts, clothes, jewelry, and more sold at the event.


Domer Livestock Arena

Equine events are heavily showcased here. Ropings, barrel racing, and team penning are some of the events. Livestock sales occur frequently as well. The Shawnee County 4-H host their yearly fair here. Domer isn't just for equine events either. Many dogs shows also utilize the arena. There is also a cafe located adjacent to the arena for the convenience of attendees.


Heritage Hall

Heritage hall is a beautiful building for gathering. A popular place for wedding receptions although it can also be used for family reunions, smaller tradeshows, meetings, and other events of the sorts. The limestone building gives of a charming and historical atmosphere that works well with photography side of events.

Agriculture Hall

This building is excellent for parties especially dances and dinners. One of the main events hosted here is the Festival of Trees in the winter. Companies and organizations put together Christmas trees to sell. The profits go to Sheltered Living. When I was in high school we entered each year as part of K.E.Y. club.  One year we set up a Dr. Seuss themed tree! Even if you don't end up buying a tree it's still a fun event to go to  just to see all the neat trees. There are kids sections during the festival too.

As discussed, the expocentre host many events. There is yearly events such as gem shows, garden showcases, rodeos, just a little bit of everything really. All of these facilities are available to rent as well. If you want to see what all events are coming, feel free to visit the calendar on their website.

Post # 10, The Sweet Life

Greetings Readers! Let me tell you what one of my biggest weaknesses is. Chocolate covered raisins! I'm not the biggest fan of raisins alone but, combined with chocolate I could eat a million of them. Sweets in general tends to make things 100% better. That's why today I want to tell you about my favorite places to go to quench a sweet tooth.

Hazel Hill Chocolates

My favorite place to get chocolates is Hazel Hill located on Kansas Ave. This cute little shop offers a variety of chocolate edibles. I was first introduced to them when a coworker of mine bought us caramel covered apples and they were delicious! Their products include chocolate covered strawberries, handmade truffles, rice crispy treat, chocolate platters, chocolate covered pretzel sticks, my personal favorite chocolate covered raisins, and much more. Not only can you go in and enjoy their chocolates but you can also order online and have them delivered to you! They're great for weddings and other events. If you have a sweet tooth be sure to visit!

Cashmere Popcorn

 I'm a big fan of popcorn, but after eating mostly regular butter popcorn you want to try something else. Most people don't associate sweet with popcorn. I added it to my sweets list due to the various flavors Cashmere offers. On the sweet side Cashmere offers strawberry, peanut butter, caramel crunch, chocolate, blueberry cheesecake,etc. They also offer different flavors such as savory cinnamon, camo crunch, spicy chili cheese, and cheesy cheddar. The blueberry cheesecake taste surprisingly good. You wouldn't think that the two would add up so tasty together! It quickly became my favorite. There is different sizes in bags of popcorn you can buy and they offer online ordering as well. Cashmere is also next door neighbors with Hazel Hill so you can stop by both easily!

Smallcakes

Cupcakes! Everyone should enjoy a good cupcake occasionally and boy, Smallcakes knows how to whip up some good ones! Located on Wanamaker road right next to Starbucks the cupcakery offers interesting flavors of cupcakes. The location is small but charming too. They offer Pink Vanilla, Cookies n' Cream, Lemon Drop, Hot Fudge Sundae, Birthday cake, and others on a daily basis. They occasionally roll out new kinds such as the Banana Creme Pie. They'll have daily deals occasionally too!

All of the mentioned stores are great to visit. Their chocolatiers, bakers, and cashiers are all kind a treat you like a valued guest. The treats themselves will keep you going back for more! Feel free to checkout their websites/Facebook pages.

Hazel Hill
Cashmere Popcorn
Smallcakes

Post # 9, La Fiesta Mexicana

Greetings Readers! I'm going to be talking about an event that has been happening in Topeka since 1933! The Fiesta Mexicana! Ever since I've moved to Topeka we have gone to the Fiesta. As a Mexican-American it is something quite special and an honor to be a part of such a tradition. It's an annual event where I can get back to my roots and enjoy a celebration of my culture! The Fiesta is held in mid July and lasts about a week. It takes up a few blocks around its main location Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church. The event itself is a fundraiser for the church. The proceeds not only go to the church but also is school program. The early fiestas were small and usually only involved church members and their families. Now, the event welcomes anyone! I know people who come by Topeka every year for the fiesta itself.

There are plenty of things to do at the fiesta. There is a parade that starts the event and travels around the downtown area. A 5k Run/Walk also occurs a couple of days before as well. During the actual event there are plenty of food vendors that sell authentic Mexican dishes and snacks. My favorite is all the homemade gorditas and tacos! Many merchants also set up shop on the closed off streets. They sell clothes, jewelry, toys, etc. Contest such as a jalapeno eating contest and a golf tournament. An art show is also organized with art by locals. The biggest attraction for kids would have to be the carnival rides! I will never get tired of the Tilt-a-whirl!

You can also catch plenty of tradition dance and song at the fiesta too. There is a big stage that host bandas from around the region. There is a smaller stage set up in the church's parking lot with tables for people to enjoy music while eating their meals. Multiple Mariachi bands make appearances through out the week too. There is also traditional folk dance with the dancers dressed in traditional dresses and suits. They're spectacular to see!

The Fiesta also picks a king and queen. The Royalty Coronation occurs in the first part of the Fiesta. Candidates are announced months before. The candidates are young adults that are members of the parish. They run as an opportunity to give back to their parish and community. Each candidate will host fundraising campaigns with food sales at the parish's activity center. When it comes time to crown the winners a Coronation Ball takes place at the Expocenter here in town.

The Fiesta Mexicana is an event you definitely shouldn't miss. It let's you experience the Mexican and culture while also giving back to the community. That and it makes for a great day out! The church itself is lovely with a elegant mural of Mother Mary inside.  If you want to know more about the fiesta their website provides useful information.

Post #8, Long Live The Music

Greeting readers! If there is one thing we all have in common is that we all listen to music. What genre of music might divide us though. Either way one of my favorite events to go to is live music! Big concerts like Selena Gomez or Volbeat are great but I'm talking more about local live music. Not only are they cheaper but there is usually something going on every weekend. You just have to keep an eye out for it. Topeka has quite a few spots for live music.

One such place is The Burger Stand. While it's mostly know for its excellent burgers and beer choices it host music events too. The Burger Stand has included genres ranging from traditional country to jazz to slam poetry. Their most recent band hails from Topeka, Top City Rambler. The restaurant also host ping pong tournaments, game day specials, and can be rented out for special occasions. The atmosphere is casual. Catering both to families but also a more college-aged crowd due to its location being a few minutes from Washburn. The restaurant is actually divided into two areas. The front where most of the dining is held with the main cashier and bar. Then there is the back with ping pong tables, pool tables, back bar, and a couple of arcade games. All the music events are usually free too! Check out their Facebook page for updates on events.


Next on the list is The Classic Bean. A coffee shop with three locations. One on Kansas Ave, Fairlawn, and Urish area. Not only does the bean offer coffee from different parts of the world, but they also blend their own. They offer a deli service, outside seating, and cocktails with a full service bar. Local artiest can also showcase their art on the beans walls. Every Friday and Saturday live music burst through out their walls. The genres here range from Bluegrass, acoustic rock, alternative country, 60's, 70's, and 80's. You can see a calendar of their live music on their website as well as an art calendar.

If you want more of a blue's sound then Uncle Bo's Blues Bar is your destination. Uncle Bo's is located at the Downtown Ramada Hotel. They offer live music every Friday and Saturday with artist from all over. This a 21 and over crowd and ticket purchase our required. The prices aren't bad though. $10 pre tickets or $12 at the door. Uncle Bo's also has a website where you see upcoming events and buy tickets ahead of time at the reduced price.

Topeka has other venues, some I've mentioned before such as White Concert Hall and Serendipity in the NOTO district. It also has more pubs that you can stop by with an array of live music. Jeremiah Bullfrogs, Lazy Toad, B&B Backyard, Specks, and Joletta's are all excellent places to hear some quality music in Topeka. Be sure to check out all that you can!