The summer of 1936 was one of the hottest and
driest on record in Kansas, so despite an upswing in the national
economy, farming communities such as Clay Center were suffering.
Perhaps that was a factor in the decision of the Clay Center Area
Chamber of Commerce to plan a special fall celebration. Clay Center had
had several Fall Festivals during the 1920’s with parades and floats,
but this one was to be a special one called an antique day. It was
timed to coincide with the opening of Highway 24 west of Clay Center
which would give an all weather road and river bridge for shoppers and
tourists to come to Clay Center. The new overpass at the west edge of
Clay Center was to be completed and a bridge over the Republican River
at Wakefield would be opened.
Needing a special
name for this special celebration, the Chamber conducted a contest.
Persons entering names were identified by number and names were revealed
only after the selection of a winner was made. Mrs. Ed Cody won the ten
dollar first prize for the unique name of
“Piotique” - (Pie-o-teak)
a combination
of pioneer and antique.
The Clay Center Area Chamber of Commerce devotes
an entire day of exciting activities to celebrate and entertain around
4,000 residents, visitors, and alumni who come to town each year to
celebrate the Piotique Festival. This is a great opportunity for
vendors, visitors, entertainers, and craft buyers to enjoy a taste of
“Americana”.
Clay Center is on the cross roads of Highway 15 and 24. It is 35
minutes from Concordia, Fort Riley, Junction City, and Manhattan.
Add
Piotique to your calendar!
