The Chautauqua tradition goes back almost 150 years. The town of Chillicothe is keeping it alive with its annual Chautauqua in the Park, a two-day event dedicated to the region’s best artisans, musicians, storytellers, and food vendors.
Chautauqua in the Park is Chillicothe’s biggest event of the year, and with good reason.
Chautauqua is an adult-education movement that started in the 1870s as educational summer camps on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in New York state. These gatherings included lectures and live music as well as artistic and intellectual exploration. The format took off, and Chautauqua assemblies started popping up all over the United States.
Although popularity peaked in the 1920s—speaking during this time, President Theodore Roosevelt called it “a gathering that is typically American in that it is typical of America at its best”—the Chautauqua tradition is still going strong.
Chillicothe’s Chautauqua in the Park was started by the Chillicothe Area Arts Council 39 years ago. The two-day juried arts festival brings together the best of the region’s artisans, musicians, storytellers, and food vendors.
“As the event grew and evolved, the Chillicothe Area Chamber was brought in to lead what quickly became our community’s largest annual event,” says Crystal Narr, executive director of the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s event promises to be especially spectacular in terms of vendor participation.
“For the first time in my decade-long tenure with this event, we are at a full sell-out and on a waiting list basis,” Narr says. “We have over 120 vendors already registered. In our Farmers Market Area, patrons can find honey, fresh cut flowers, homemade sauces and spices, mums, pumpkins, and fresh-baked goods. Our food vendors have something to offer to fit every taste bud, from BBQ to corndogs and funnel cakes to shaved ice. You won’t leave hungry! Our arts and crafts vendors offer a wide range of items including home décor, jewelry, children’s items, furniture, clothing, candles, unique finds, and so much more!”
In 2022, Rural Missouri magazine, a publication of Missouri’s rural electric cooperatives, declared Chautauqua in the Park one of the top three fairs and festivals in the state. Narr attributes some of the event’s popularity to its focus on tradition and its idyllic setting.
“Chautauqua in the Park has stayed true to its roots and provides a cultural festival for all ages that cannot be easily duplicated,” Narr says. “We are fortunate to have the setting for our annual event in beautiful Simpson Park which is 36 acres of rolling, tree-lined park grounds.”
But there’s also the organizers’ commitment to authenticity.
“Our event is a juried arts and crafts show that only allows items for sale that are handcrafted, created, or modified in addition to featuring a Traditional Arts area that showcases active demonstrations of over twenty types of craftsmanship from weaving to blacksmithing to broom making and everything in between,” Narr says.
Oh, and it’s fun.
“Round that out with delicious foods, a full line-up of live music, storytelling, roving entertainment and Children’s Area, Chautauqua is the best place to be the weekend after Labor Day each year,” Narr says.
Chautauqua in the Park is a free event suitable for all ages, and parking is available on almost every side of the park.
“It is truly an event that someone can enjoy for the full day, so come early and plan to stay awhile!” Narr says.
For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.
All photos courtesy of Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce
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