Emporia on KTKA

Today was the first Wednesday afternoon session of the Emporia Farmers Market. Jim Wallace hangs out, waiting for the 5 p.m. bell to ring. He had the best spot on the parking lot – full shade. It was a hot one. Especially in the sun.

Oh yum. Croissants and scones from Hartford’s European Bakeshop.

We were treated to live music. The Prairie Canaries: Casey Cagle on guitar, Ursula Davis singing along.

Derrick Doty arrives with fiddle.

And – the TV people were in town, a whole squadron. KTKA – Channel 49 from Topeka. Since Emporia doesn’t have a TV station, it’s a big deal when folks with cameras show up. They did interviews in town today and then broadcast their 6 p.m. news live from the Farmers Market.

KTKA is making the rounds of other towns, too. (Tour dates on shirt.)

KTKA brought food, free food for us. Johnsonville Brats. Wasn’t that nice of them?

And frisbees! They handed out frisbees to young children and athletic-looking dogs.

Speaking of dogs, someone was giving away puppies. Giving them away!

Now for the live newscast. Ben Bauman and Marshanna Hester deliver the 6:00 news.

Meteorologist Ashley Meenen gives the forecast. I couldn’t hear the broadcast, but she probably said it was hot. Like 106 or something. Well, that’s with the heat index. Real temperatures were only about 90.

Ben Bauman, right, interviews Ron Thomas (the guy who usually holds the mic) of KVOE Radio. KVOE is celebrating their 70th year of serving Emporia. Yay, KVOE!

Next, Bauman interviews Casey Woods, Director of Emporia Main Street, who is putting a lot of fresh energy into Emporia these days.

A camera man occasionally panned the audience.

Becky Smith of Town Crier Bookstore helped organize today’s event. She’s visiting with KTKA reporter Justin Schmidt. That camera’s not live, he’s just lugging it around.

Oh, time for sports. Brandon Schneider, ESU women’s basketball coach is interviewed by Sports Director Nic Hoch.

Yes, lots of fun at today’s Farmers Market. Join us again on Saturday morning!