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Quail Valley is full of funWhat do you get when you combine a frog friendly host, a "ship" load of famished friends, an unbeatable collection of prairie paraphernalia, smokin' good brisket and toe-tapping music? A really good time at Quail Valley Fun Barn, of course. Everyone knows that!! And if you hadn't already heard about it, then keep reading about this month's exploration into America's Heartland. Located one mile south of Winfield, Quail Valley's forty eight acres of naturally verdant landscape in southeast Kansas is the ideal setting for this family entertainment facility where the sounds of hammer dulcimers and auto harps are the norm, not the exception. Forewarned by Fun Barn partner and event coordinator extraordinaire Marilyn Alberding, we arrived well in advance of the dinner show so we could wander the beautiful property where we discovered hidden treasures around every corner. Floid McCord is the original visionary behind Quail Valley Fun Barn and his creativity popped up everywhere in the form of whimsical metal critters that inhabit the grounds. A working water wheel, a prairie windmill, a milk can-filled buckboard wagon, limestone art and an azure pond added to the many pleasant surprises. After working up an appetite, we settled into our seats at the family style picnic tables in the Fun Barn and spent a few minutes checking out the hundreds of farm and ranch collectibles that lined the walls and hung from the ceiling. We didn't have to wait long before our rumbling tummies were soothed by beef brisket or pulled pork, crunchy potato salad and the cowboy's everyday staple, baked beans. All of this was followed by homemade ice cream and cake for dessert. As the house lights dimmed and the stage lights rose, the first thing we noticed was the back drop of brilliant, colorful quilts that were designed and stitched by our host's talented wife, Veleda. Then the music grabbed us and off we were off on a foot stompin' adventure as the show unfolded. Performers from bluegrass, cowboy, gospel and country genres bring their artistry to the Fun Barn stage on a regular basis. Recognizable names such as Johnny Western, Pake McIntire, and Les Gillam are frequent show stoppers and loyal fans of popular Walnut Valley Music Festival headliners like Spontaneous Combustion and Walnut River String Band make the trip to Quail Valley whenever their favorites are on the calendar. Whether it's a single guitar or a six piece band, whether the supper entrée is pulled pork or beef brisket . . . the sights, sounds, smells and camaraderie that emanate from the Fun Barn are guaranteed to stir up a smile on kids of all ages. And there's always something new happening at Quail Valley Fun Barn. For example, this fall they are hosting their first Annual BBQ Cook-off. Visit www.thefunbarn.com or call (620) 222-2154 to find out what else is coming up. In the meantime, I'll see you next month as we drop anchor in another mysterious port-of-call on our cruise through America's Heartland. Editor's note: Susen Foster is the owner of Greater Success Advertising. She is the author of numerous travel books. Susen can be reached at www.greatersuccess.com or call 580-622-5408. C 5 2/19/07 None Date: 2/13/07
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