The excitement is building as Strataca gears up for its third annual Block Party, a free community celebration set for next week that promises food, live music, family activities — and a grand fireworks finale.
The event will run from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday May 31, just outside the entrance to the Strataca Underground Salt Museum in Hutchinson. What began as a one-time event to commemorate the mine’s 100th anniversary has now become a yearly summer tradition drawing thousands.
“Last year, we welcomed almost 3,000 people,” said Rachel Terry from Strataca. “We’re hoping to see even more come out this year.”
The evening will include two live bands — Flatland and Annie Up — as well as a DJ to keep the energy going. In addition to the music, the event will feature food trucks, community vendors, and a dedicated kids' zone complete with bull riding and other family-friendly activities.
“This really is the full gamut,” said Terry. “There’s something for everyone.”
Although the underground tours at Strataca will be closed during the event, attendees are encouraged to return another day to explore the museum, which is the only one of its kind in North America. Standard admission is $25, with discounts available for Reno County residents. Tour lengths vary between two-and-a-half to three hours, with several add-on experiences available.
Strataca has expanded significantly in recent years, adding two new exhibits and preparing to unveil a new virtual reality experience this summer. The exhibit will allow visitors to step into the role of a salt miner and experience a simulated mine blast.
Looking ahead, Strataca is also participating in the annual Smallville Festival. On June 21, runners can take part in the popular Smallville 5K — an underground race where participants are encouraged to dress as Clark Kent or Superman. It’s one of three themed races held underground each year, including the “Luck of the Miner” 5K in March and the “Monster Dash” in October, which coincides with an underground Halloween-themed dance party known as the Monster Mash.
“Yes, people come down in costume and we deck the mine out with spooky decorations,” the spokesperson said. “It’s a lot of fun.”