The BKRT, facilitated by the Kansas Sampler Foundation with leadership from local communities, replaced the popular Kansas Sampler Festival as a means to educate the public about what there is to see, hear, do, taste, buy, and learn in Kansas.
Foundation director Marci Penner said, "From all accounts, the public thoroughly enjoyed getting out on the road and having first-hand experiences. They spent money, they ate in local restaurants, and they learned about rural culture. With the backdrop of Red Hills and small towns, they created memories and will no doubt share their stories with many, many people. Some even bought shares in the community-owned grocery store in Protection!"
"This was an experiment of sorts," continued Penner, "and we'll be forever grateful to the three counties of the 2018 BKRT for allowing us learn through them. There are several things we can do better from the community perspective. We were appreciative in the many
ways that these towns participated and thrilled for the exposure given to this area through traditional and social media. During the event, the BKRT dominated Facebook news feeds and the posts helped showcase the beauty of the area and the joys of exploring."
At the Kansas Explorers Club meeting it was announced that the counties to be showcased at the 2019 Big Kansas Road Trip will be Cheyenne, Sherman, and Wallace counties in the most northwest part of the state. Highlights in the area include the Arikaree Breaks in Cheyenne County, the Giant Van Gogh Painting in Sherman County, and Mount Sunflower and Fort Wallace Museum in Wallace County. The event will be held May 2-5.
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