MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A long-standing Reno County tradition returns this weekend as the Pleasant View Spring Celebration brings together local businesses and families for a morning of food, activities and community connection.
The annual event, now in its 52nd year, will take place Saturday morning in the Pleasant View community, located along U.S. Highway 50 southwest of Hutchinson.
Terry Yoder, owner of Quality Body Shop, said the celebration has grown alongside the Pleasant View business district itself, which has expanded from just a handful of businesses decades ago to more than 20 today.
“It has grown significantly, especially in the last 10 years,” Yoder said.
The event will begin with a complimentary pancake and sausage feed from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Pleasant View Event Center. Yoder said the free meal is meant as a gesture of appreciation to the community.
“It’s just an opportunity for us as business owners to show appreciation to Reno County for the way they’ve supported us,” he said.
Following the breakfast, the broader celebration will run from 8 a.m. to noon, featuring open houses at local businesses, giveaways, prize drawings and activities for all ages.
Highlights include an Easter egg hunt hosted by People’s Bank and Trust, a bounce house for children at Quality Body Shop and facility tours at Stutzman’s, where visitors can see production operations, including a robotic planter.
Yoder said the event not only brings together local residents but also attracts visitors from across the region.
“We’ve had people come from 100 to 150 miles away just to see what’s new and connect with the businesses,” he said.
Organizers emphasize the family-friendly nature of the celebration, with activities designed to allow parents to explore while children are entertained in a safe environment.
Beyond the event itself, Yoder said Pleasant View’s appeal lies in its collaborative business environment and focus on customer service.
“The way the businesses work together, the integrity and the quality of services — that’s what’s attracted a lot of people,” he said.
The community also offers a range of amenities for visitors, including dining options such as the Dutch Kitchen and Glen’s Bulk Food, as well as a lesser-known coffee shop, The Rendezvous.
Located along a major east-west corridor, Pleasant View also serves as a convenient stop for travelers seeking fuel, food or a break from the road.
Yoder said events like the Spring Celebration help introduce new visitors to the area while strengthening connections with longtime customers.
“It raises awareness for people who don’t normally come out and allows us to connect in ways we otherwise wouldn’t,” he said.
The event is free and open to the public, with organizers encouraging residents from across Reno County and beyond to attend.