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AARP Community Challenge Grant Round Tables
By Dodge City CVB on September 22, 2022
In June, Dodge City was chosen as one of 260 grantees for the 2022 Community Challenge Grant from AARP Livable Communities and AARP Kansas. This grant aims to create more livable communities through public art. Beginning September 23, the Dodge City Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) will begin hosting a series of round tables to solicit community input regarding the subjects of these murals.
The grant, written by the PAAC, will be used to decorate bare walls in the historic downtown district with vinyl wall graphics (murals) that celebrate the community’s rich history and the cultural diversity that makes Dodge City great. These murals will be new attractions that will draw community members and visitors alike to the district and create opportunities for local businesses.
“The downtown district is already a gathering space for festivals and events” said Dodge City Convention and Visitor Bureau Marketing Coordinator and PAAC City Representative, Justin Wilson. “We want to build upon the strength of these community projects and give residents more reasons to explore this area.”
The initial round table will be held at the Dodge City Senior Center, 2408 Central Ave., on Friday, Sept. 23, at 9:30 a.m. The next round table will be during Final Friday on Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. This round table will be a partnership with Building Solutions at their downtown office at 100 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd., where attendees can learn about the Streetscape Project and share their input regarding the mural project. Future round tables will be announced soon.
This project is funded in part by a grant from the AARP. The AARP Community Challenge is a grant program to make tangible improvements in communities that jump-start long-term change. It is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages. To learn more, visit aarp.org/Livable.
In The News
Ever since we earned the moniker "Wickedest Little City in the West" Dodge City has known how to make headlines. Check out some of the fabulous stories about our historic town!
- Dodge City a Top 10 True Western Town by True West Magazine (2022)
- Dodge City One of the Top 20 Things to Do in Kansas by Midwest Living Magazine (2022)
- Dodge City Named the Most Charming Small Town in Kansas by Trips to Discover (2022)
- Dodge City Days Ranked One of Summer's Best Wild West Festivals by Thrillist (2022)
- Dodge City's Depot Theater Ranked One of Kansas' 10 Best Live Theater Venues by Best Things in Kansas (2022)
- Dodge City Ranked One of the 13 Picture Perfect Christmas Towns in Kansas by Only In Your State (2021)
- Boot Hill Museum #6 of Kansas Top 30 Attractions by Attractions of America (2021)
- Boot Hill Museum A Top 10 Western Museums by True West Magazine (2021)
- 5 Ways to Relive the Wild West in Kansas by Travel Awaits (2021)
- The 20 Most Historic Small Towns in the U.S. by Far & Wide (2021)
City of Dodge City Commission Approves Downtown Streetscape Project
By Dodge City CVB on August 17, 2022
The Dodge City Commission unanimously voted to approve the Downtown Streetscape Project at their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, August 15. This monumental decision comes 150-years to the day of the signing of the Dodge City Town Charter. The $13.9 million multi-phase project that will revitalize our historic downtown is anticipated to start this fall.
"Kansas Wheat Shock" Ribbon-Cutting & Storyboard Unveiling
By Dodge City CVB on August 11, 2022
More than 75 people were present on the morning of Wednesday, August 3, in the parking lot south of the Boot Hill Museum for a ribbon cutting and storyboard unveiling for the “Kansas Wheat Shock.”
Miss Kitty welcomed the crowd and introduced special guests; artist Hoss Haley, High Plains Journal Owner Nelson Spencer Jr., and Dodge City Vice Mayor Michael Burns. The 32-foot-high fine art sculpture was built in 1980 and stood tall on the south lawn of the High Plains Journal (HPJ) headquarters for more than 40 years. It was donated to the city in honor of HPJ’s legacy in Dodge City and the contributions of its past, present, and future employees. The sculpture was relocated in late July to downtown Dodge City, in the median strip that divides Wyatt Earp Blvd., where it will welcome travelers to downtown.
Whisker Roundup Names Dodge City’s First Mr. Mustache
By Dodge City CVB on July 26, 2022
Nearly 100 people packed the Depot Theater on Saturday, July 23, when the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted the first Whisker Roundup Mustache Contest. Sponsored by the Rusty Edge Tonsorial Parlor, eight contestants took to the stage to flaunt their pruned, shaped, and waxed mustaches in their bid to claim the crown of Dodge City’s first Mr. Mustache...
Founder’s Weekend Concludes Successfully
By Dodge City CVB on June 22, 2022
As part of Dodge City’s 150th Anniversary Celebration, Dodge City hosted Founder’s Weekend, a three-day commemoration honoring our city’s founders, from June 17 through June 19. The event included a concert in Wright Park, a five-mile run, an all-day celebration at the Boot Hill Museum, and the dedication of the Bat Masterson statue at the Home of Stone.
Dodge City Named Most Charming Small Town in Kansas
By Dodge City CVB on April 6, 2022
Dodge City’s unique blend of historic charm and western aesthetic helped Trips to Discover to name the Most Charming Small Town in Kansas. In her article “The Most Charming Small Town in Every State,” Trips to Discover travel writer K.C. Dermody cited the colorful cast of characters, entertaining exhibits, and experiences as reasons that Dodge City tops her list in the state of Kansas...
Dodge City CVB Announces Return of Locally Funded Marketing Grants
By Dodge City CVB on March 31, 2022
The Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is pleased to announce the return of its Marketing Grant. This grant is available to attractions, venues, or event organizers to promote activities in Ford County that will attract visitors who will stay overnight in our community. Grant funds are released in advance of the project's completion date but require proof of completion and a results report. The grant can cover up to 80% of the project’s marketing cost, with a maximum award of $1,000 per project. $5,000 will be available to be awarded this round. The grant deadline is April 30, 2022.