Th' Gatherin', a celebration of the season of light and heritage of it's people is held the 1st weekend in May each year. This gatherin' of the clans takes place on "McLeod's Land" to the North. Amid the wail of a marching bagpipe band, festival goers welcome runners carrying burning crosses aflame at three ends to call people to Th' Gatherin'. Saturday's events include the athletic competition of the highland games, Celtic musicians and artists, vendors and storytelling contests. The Saturday evening highlight is the medieval "Feast of the Warriors". The "Blessing of the Families" is held on Sunday morning enhanced with the tunes of the Celtic musicians. Musicians having performed at the festival include the Rouges of Scotland, the Boatrights, the Ship' Company, as well as local talent. For more information contact cleland@ruraltel.net or call Jim Cleland at (785) 743-6670.

The Christmas City of the High Plains has been a holiday tradition in WaKeeney for the past 50 years. The official lighting ceremony is held the Saturday following Thanksgiving. The holiday display is highlighted by the fresh pine boughs of the 35 foot tree erected at the Main Street and Russell Avenue intersection. The man made tree is decorated with red and green lights and topped with four white stars and is the centerpiece of the display. It rests under a canopy of heavenly blue lights. The four block area that surrounds the tree is draped with fresh greenery, over 6,000 lights and other Yule decorations. Many community volunteers gather to construct the tree and it is erected by volunteer city workers and utility company employees. This holiday display is billed as "the largest between Kansas City and Denver" along I-70. White perimeter lights outlining the downtown business district have recently been added and can be enjoyed year round. The entire display may be viewed each evening between the Saturday following Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.

As a highlight to the summer, the residents of Trego County celebrate at the Fair. The 4-H kids put the finishing touches to their steers, horses, hogs, sheep and poultry as they enter them in the competition to see who will be the grand prize winner. The local gardeners choose their prize pumpkins and petunias and bring them for display. The aroma of cotton candy and the barkers on the midway invite young and old alike to 'come to the fair'. A parade is held in the downtown business district at fair time. The day of the parade is highlighted with a sidewalk sale of unheard of bargains, local talent contests, food vendors and entertainment.

Come to WaKeeney the second Saturday in September and join in the fun! The Trego County Courthouse Square, downtown WaKeeney, comes alive with old fashioned craft demonstrations, flea market finds, live entertainment and benefit fun runs. Contests and games are provided for the young and the young at heart. Food booths and a beer garden are included in the festivities. Some of the features in previous Prairie Fests have included: bobbin lace making, leather crafting, square dancing, horse drawn wagon rides, an herb market and the Saline Valley Buckskinners. Plan to attend!