It all began in 1928. The big depression was on the way and everyone was blue and discouraged. The old Petroleum club was above Peterson's Drug Store and most of the businessmen ate lunch there. After lunch they sat around talking or playing a game of cribbage.
One noon John Floyd, Clyde Boggs and "Pat" Sommerfield were sitting at the same table. They decided something new was needed for the town - maybe a fall festival of some kind to help the morale of the people. Halloween sounded like a good time. The idea caught on and they approached Dusty Rhoads, the live wire secretary of the Chamber of Commerce. A citizen's meeting was called, committees appointed and the first Arkalalah was off to a flying start.
A prize of $15 was offered for a name. Mrs. J.W. Moore wrote "Arkalalah" on a strip of paper. Ark, for the town and alalah, the Indian word for good time. She tossed the paper aside thinking it wasn't good enough. Mr. Moore thought it was; he turned it in and Mrs. Moore received the prize and honor of naming our annual fall festival.
Chris Rains, Chairman
Jace Kennedy, Past Chairman
Damon Mendoza
Clayton Pappan
Lance Givens
Tasha Bucher, Executive Secretary
Cowley College Arkalalah Committee:
Shannon O’Toole, Chairperson
Rama Peroo
Abby Morris
Peyton Cravens
Tiffany Volmer
Ali Nittler
Visiting Queen’s Committee:
Baleigh Burroughs, Chairperson
Erin Burroughs
Tara Winter
Tosha Hamrick
Beth Hunt
Coronation Committee:
Morgan Musson, Chairperson
Paige Hale
Morgan Bruce
Former Queens Committee:
Arkalalah Committee
Queens Tea Committee:
Mallory Avery
Molly Walker
Little Mr and Miss Arkalalah:
Meghann Borum
Band and Flag Festival:
Jeremy and Nikki Kirk
Band Competition:
Sheryl Harper
Arkalalah Fall Festival
106 S Summit St, Arkansas City, KS 67005
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