Smokin’ on Broadway is Saturday

By Alan Carman
The Imperial Republican
    Smokin’ on Broadway will celebrate it’s 10th anniversary this year. Despite moving from Broadway, to the fairgrounds and now to Campbell Park at 520 West 6th Street, due to a delay in the grass being planted at City Square, the show will go on June 27.
    This year will bring back the home grown talents of the Talbott Brothers, with special guest Austin MacKay.  Australian Austin MacKay has been touring with the Talbott Brothers this summer.
    Opening for the Talbott’s will be more local talent. 2026 graduate Anna Lucia will kick the concert off at 5:30, followed by CCS Alum Chris Larson at 6:00.
    Austin MacKay will follow Larson and the Talbott Brothers are set to take the stage around 8:00 p.m. This will be the third time the Talbott Brothers have taken to the stage at Smokin’ on Broadway.
    Bring your lawn chairs, family and friends and enjoy a free night of music, thanks to generous sponsorships. Those attending will be issued a wristband once they get on the grounds.
    Due to space limitations, the BBQ Contest and meal have been scrapped this year.
    Joining the music once again, will be the Chase County Challenge. Non-profits will have booths set up at the event where you can make donations and have them matched up to $50,000 for the eligible non-profits.
    The Imperial Community Foundation Fund has set a goal of $150,000 for this years match event. A cap of $10,000 per non-profit was set last year to help keep the match even across all booths.
    Those eligible for the match must be a registered 501(c)(3). Those who are not are still able to collect donations during the event. This is the third year that the ICFF and the Chamber’s Smokin’ on Broadway have teamed up to host the event.
    Last year the challenge produced $182,000 for local organizations and over $400,000 has been raised over the past three years.
    Booths will open at 5:30 p.m., when Anna Lucia takes the stage.
    Non-profit organizations participating include: Chase County Area Arts Council, Catholic Social Services/St. Isidore Gift and Thrift, TeamMates Mentoring of Chase County, Imperial Country Club, Imperial EMS.
    Champion Community Center, Prairie Plains CASA, Chase County Historical Society, Founding Forward, Imperial Manor/Parkview Heights, Chase County Community Hospital and Clinic, Chase County Parent Teacher Organization and Chase County Fair Board.
    Beverages will be for sale on site by Broken Arrow Cellars/Hanging Horseshoe Brewing Company and the Beverage Barn.
    The Imperial Country Club will be selling pizza at their booth and the Champion Pizza Company plans to show up around 7:00 p.m., to offer pizza.
    The booths will remain open throughout the concert, or as long as each non-profit is willing to stay.