Themed Announced for 2022 Arkalalah Festival

Themed Announced for 2022 Arkalalah Festival  Planning is underway for Arkansas City’s largest event, Arkalalah. Chris Rains, the 2022 Arkalalah Festival Executive Committee Chairman, has released the theme for this year’s event: “Arktoberfest.”

“I picked the theme Arktoberfest because it combines two fun and popular festivals; Arkalalah and Octoberfest. Both of which celebrate family, friends and community,” Rains said.  

The Arktoberfest logo was designed by Cowley College student, Shaybree Hanes from Elkhart, Kansas. Hanes was one of several Cowley art students who submitted a design for consideration. She plans on graduating from Cowley next year, then continuing on at Wichita State to earn a bachelor’s degree in graphic design.  

“I have always had a passion for art, and I have been so fortunate to be able to fuel this fondness at Cowley. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be involved in this community,” Hanes said.  

Hanes’s design captured the “Octoberfest feel” that Rains wanted to convey in this year’s logo, which includes a folk art design with traditional Fall colors.   

“We wanted this year’s theme to represent the traditional Fall festivals, but there is an emphasis in the use of the color orange. This year marks Cowley College’s 100th anniversary. They have always been a great partner with Arkalalah and we wanted to acknowledge that,” Rains said.  

Scheduled for October 26-29, the 2022 celebration will be the 90th annual festival. This year’s celebration will be Rains’s fourth as a member of the Arkalalah Executive Committee.  

“I have enjoyed being able to contribute to an annual festival for friends and families to make memories. Prior to being on this committee I had no idea how much hard work goes into putting Arkalalah together and I am grateful to those who volunteered their time prior to me and after me,” Rains said.  

As a lifelong resident of Arkansas City, Rains has fond memories of past celebrations.  

“My favorite Arkalalah memory consists of watching the parade as a child with all of the colorful floats and building (and winning) the floats for Sacred Heart Catholic School for years. What is better than working on a project, getting to hang out with friends in the evenings and seeing your vision come to fruition for the Arkalalah festival goers to enjoy,” Rains said.