KANOPOLIS — Grow Ellsworth County Executive Director Stacie Schmidt hit the road Oct. 10 to discuss the 2024 Big Kansas Road Trip with residents around the county.

Kanopolis was her first of five stops.

The event is May 2-5, 2024.

“You can think of it as one big open house for each community,” Schmidt said.

The purpose of the BKRT is to showcase rural Kansas.

“I want you to do what you do well,” she said. There isn’t any reason to re-invent the wheel. Showcase something you already do; something other counties probably don’t do.”

The BKRT will include a color guide magazine with information about attractions, events, restaurants and shop stops.

“I would submit the drive in as an event,” Schmidt said. “It’s something they are already doing. They’re already doing it, they know how to do it.”

The BKRT, which is hosted by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, is searching for residents within each community to help promote the community.

“We need all hands on deck,” Schmidt said. “It’s up to you how much you want to invite them to your community. They are here to explore, they are here to spend money.”

Deadlines are approaching for submissions: • Dec. 1: events

• Feb. 1: attractions

• Feb. 1: restaurants Additional information is available online: https://www.growellsworthcounty. com/bkrt.