The Community Voice

FREE ICE CREAM SOCIAL - Celebrating Wichita Library 150th Anniversary
2026-07-25 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | KS
Friends of the Wichita Public Library Hosting Ice Cream Socials this Summer

The Friends of the Wichita Public Library (FWPL) volunteers are celebrating the Wichita Library’s 150th anniversary this summer with seven free events.

Members of the organization will be handing out free ice cream sandwiches at local library branches (while supplies last). Bring a friend, say hello, and enjoy a sweet treat during your next library visit.

All events will be held from 1 – 2:30 p.m., or until the ice cream runs out!

Ice cream sandwiches provided by Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Media support provided by KMUW 89.1.

"The Story of How K-State Integrated the Big 12 Conference" by Ken Neaderhiser
2026-07-29 10:00 - 11:30 | The Kansas African American Museum, 601 N Water St, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
In the fall of 1949, K-State football players Harold Robinson and Hoyt Givens broke the Big 7 (now Big 12) Conference’s color barrier, competing at and against segregated schools in direct defiance of conference norms. Their courage marked one of the earliest integrations in collegiate athletics.
Led by the university president Milton Eisenhower, who championed the integration of all campus facilities. While it took three years and ten athletes across five sports before another school followed, Kansas State had already set a powerful precedent.
Today, this moment stands as one of the greatest accomplishments in school history. A testament to bold leadership and coming together for a shared purpose in pursuit of equality.
Join us to hear firsthand account from Ken about this pivotal milestone both in collegiate athletics and civil rights history.

$3 admission, free to members and open to the public

Coffee and pastries provided

Validated parking

Wheelchair accessible

2026 Heart of America Hot Dog Festival
2026-08-22 15:00 - 23:00 | KS
Presented by Hy-Vee, this annual family-friendly event is organized by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) to celebrate the historic connection between baseball and the all-American hot dog, with all proceeds directly benefiting the museum

Musical Lineup

The 2026 festival features a live concert lineup: [1, 2]

ZAPP

CONFUNKSHUN

CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS

KLYMAXX

JULIAN VAUGHN

INTRO [1]

Food Highlights

The “Cool Papa” Hot Dog: The 2026 signature frankfurter honors legendary Hall of Fame Negro Leaguer James Thomas “Cool Papa” Bell. It features a grilled beef hot dog on an Italian roll, topped with provolone cheese, bacon, grilled onions, banana peppers, relish, and smoked mustard.

Ballpark Favorites: A wide selection of food trucks, local vendors, and ballpark snacks will be available across the grounds.

13th Annual Wichita African Union Celebration
2026-09-05 17:00 - 22:30 | Hyatt Regency Wichita, 400 W. Waterman, Wichita, 67202, United States
Unity in Action GIVING BACK TO WICHITA
