Event Schedule

Palmer Divide

Saturday, June 13th 7:30 p.m. EHS Auditorium Reception to follow at Fowler Field House
Palmer Divide formed as a band with a goal of not being just another bluegrass band.  Their unique yet familiar sound pulls from their respect of traditional bluegrass music as well as their desire to create a modern acoustic sound that is all their own.

Individually their resumes include several performances at the White House, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Nashville Bluegrass Band competition with Black Rose.  Their featured singer, Jody Adams, has tunes being featured on CMT, MTV, Access Hollywood, A & E, Fox Sports, the WB Networks, ESPN, theme song for Bill Bennett's Radio Show "Morning in America" and NBC's "Friday Night Lights".

Collectively they have appeared in both Bluegrass Unlimited and Bluegrass Now magazines and have two of their Prime Cuts of Bluegrass singles on Sirius/XM's Bluegrass Junction.  They were one of the "IN-Studio" featured bands in December on Sirius/XM Studio Bluegrass Junction with Kyle Cantrell in December.  "Red Dirt on My Shoes" is currently tied for #3 for most spins on Blue Grass Junction and "Eye of the Storm" is currently #3 on the National Bluegrass Radio Programmers poll.  They have had 4 different songs place in the top 5 on the same poll. 

Called Up Yonder

June 12th Noon at International Food Sale Morton County Civic Center & Cimarron National Grassland 81 Corrals @ 7:00 p.m.
Called Up Yonder was formed in 2008 of Boise City, Oklahoma musicians who play gospel music and bluegrass with some songs being written by one of their members.  They have played for groups in Boise City, Keyes, and the Colorado Livestock Association Annual Meeting in Kim, CO.

The group consists of Brad James who plays banjo and guitar, Cody Camilli who plays guitar and bass and has recorded an album of his own "It Ain't Over", Troy Mayfield who plays mandolin, guitar and banjo and Ross Mayfield who plays bass and guitar and also performs with the Boise City based band "Solabis".

Jim Hoy

Santa Fe Trail Day, June 11th 6:30 p.m. Morton County Civic Center
"Boot's and Stetson's" features the Kansas Cowboy as Jim Hoy uses stories and song to introduce us to them.

Jim is an authority on the folklife of ranching, a topic he has lectured on in Germany, England, New Zealand, and Australia.  He has published ten books and over 100 articles and is co-author of Plains Folk, a syndicated newspaper column and is a professor of English and Director of the Center for Great Plains Studies at Emporia State University.

His program is brought to you by the Kansas Humanities Council, a non-profit organization with over 35 years of experience promoting understanding of the history and ideas that shape our lives and strengthen our sense of community.

Moscow Baptist Hillbilly Band

Sunday, June 7th 12:00 a.m. Morton County Civic Center Noon Meal Entertainment
Moscow Baptist Hillbilly Band was formed about three years ago when the group started playing together for fun.  They were asked to play for the fifth Sunday songfest and it went on from there.  The group reside in either Hugoton or Moscow areas.

Members of the band include Barb Williams who plays guitar, Duane Williams who plays the washboard and spoons, Debbie Stoddard who plays the banjo, Roy Stoddard plays tambourine and the juice harp, Nancy Owens sings vocal, Mike Owens plays guitar and mandolin, Dan Hamilton plays washtub bass and classical guitar, Brandon Horner plays the harmonica and sings, Darroll Munson plays guitar and is the resident funny guy, and Robert Suddeth plays guitar.

The group members are from different church families but are of one family with their music for Jesus.  They enjoy doing the old favorite gospel hymns as well as some of the newer praise songs.

Bus Tour of the Cimarron National Grassland

USDA Forest Service Staff Members will be serving as tour guides and the Morton County Community Theatre Group will perform living history re-enactments along the Santa Fe Trail.   This event is a Festival highlight.   Lunch and bus reservations cost is $10.00.   The Bus Tour is on Saturday, June 14th at 10:00 a.m., at the MCHS Museum.  Buses leave the MCHS Museum at 10:00 a.m. sharp!  Call the Morton County Historical Society Museum (620) 697-2833 for reservations and tickets.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Trail Ride - Saddle Up for St. Jude

The people of Morton County are again pleased to host the Annual "Saddle-Up for St. Jude" trail ride.  The Trail Ride, which has been held annually for the past 6 years, is again being sponsored by Vienna Lee.  The money raised from this event will build an endowment fund to ensure St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's continued efforts in research and treatment of childhood catastrophic diseases.  The trail ride is a one day ride in a 10 - 12 mile secure area on the Cimarron National Grassland where riders can live a little history and take in the natural beauty of the area.


Riders obtain sponsors for each mile they ride, and all the money will be given to continue the life-saving programs at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  Individuals collecting $35.00 or more receive a T-shirt, individuals collecting $75.00 or more receive a T-shirt and tote bag, individuals collecting $125.00 or more receive a T-shirt, tote bag, and a sweatshirt and individuals collecting $175.00 or more will receive a T-shirt, tote bag, sweatshirt, and cap.   Everyone receives a "Saddle-Up for St. Jude" patch.   A special Grand Prize will go to the rider raising the most money for St. Jude's.   Presentation of the print will be made at the Chuck Wagon Dinner the evening of the trail ride.

For further information and/or Pledge Sheets contact Vienna Lee at the Morton County Economic Development Office.  Phone:  (620) 697-2275    Email Vienna Lee, Coordinator or Email Lisa Thomason, Administrative Assistant

For Further Information contact:
Myrna Barnes or Becky Ellis
Morton County Historical Society Museum
PO Box 1248
Elkhart, KS 67950-1248
Phone: (620) 697-2833     Fax: (620) 697-4390
Email: mtcomuseum@elkhart.com

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