MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Smallville Festival is returning to downtown Hutchinson this weekend, bringing three days of family-friendly entertainment, community activities and opportunities to give back, all centered around Avenue A Park.
Festival Executive Director Christopher Wietrick said the event was originally created to celebrate Hutchinson's similarities to the fictional hometown of Superman while providing a fun experience for local families.
"I wanted to give back to the community a fun, family-friendly event," Wietrick said. "We wanted to tie it in with something that was deeply known in pop culture and could tie into Hutchinson itself."
The festival has evolved over the years and is now operating as a nonprofit organization. Wietrick said the goal is not only to provide entertainment but also to support the community through fundraising and local partnerships.
"We really want the focus to be on local," he said. "We couldn't be Smallville, Kansas, unless we were Hutchinson, Kansas."
Nearly all of the festival's vendors, sponsors and participants are from Reno County, helping highlight local businesses and organizations while drawing visitors back to downtown Hutchinson.
Activities begin Thursday with a three-day food drive benefiting the Reno County Food Bank. The drive will be based out of the community building at Avenue A Park and continue throughout the festival.
Thursday's opening events also include performances by members of the 35th Infantry Division Band and a showcase featuring local musicians. The historic Fox Theatre will screen the original "Superman" film Thursday evening as part of the celebration.
Friday's schedule includes a free community picnic at noon, followed by a Smallville-themed carnival beginning at 4 p.m. The carnival will feature games, prizes, popcorn and cotton candy at no cost to families. The annual superhero costume contest begins at 6 p.m.
The Hutchinson Zoo will also host its popular "Super Heroes" event Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday's activities begin with a free First Responder Breakfast sponsored by Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Food trucks will operate throughout the evening, and the festival will conclude with a downtown concert featuring local bands Wabash and Lake, the Morgan Wilk Band and Project Fate.
Wietrick said the festival's emphasis on community service remains its most important mission.
"This and the food drive are my two favorite things about the festival," he said. "It's our way of saying thank you and giving back to the community."
Most events are free and open to the public. Additional information and schedules are available through the Smallville Festival's social media channels.
Here's a list of the Smallville Festival events. All events are at Avenue A Park unless otherwise indicated.
Thursday's Activities
- 4 p.m. - Food Drive for the Reno County Food Bank
- 4 p.m. - 35th Infantry Division Band
- 7 p.m. - Smallville Music Showcase
- 7 p.m. - Superman the Movie (1978) - At the Fox Theater
Friday's Activities
- Noon - Free picnic
- 4 p.m. - Food Drive for the Reno County Foodbank
- 4 p.m. - Smallville Carnival & Tye Dye Station
- 4 p.m. - Food Trucks and Vendors around the Park
- 6 p.m. - Smallville Costume Contest
- 6 p.m. - Zooper Heroes - At the Hutchinson Zoo
- 7 p.m. - Smallville Street Dance
- 7 p.m. - Superman (2025) - At the Fox Theatre
Saturday's Activities
- 9 a.m. - First Responders Breakfast
- 10 a.m. - Hutchinson Animal Shelter Rescue Event/ Pet Parade
- 10 a.m. - Salty Cycles & Salt City Cruisers (Bike and Car Show) on Sherman Street between Popular Street and Main Street
- 11 a.m. - Superhero Storytime
- 3 p.m. - Smallville Bingo - At the Baker Ballroom
- 4 p.m. - Food Drive for the Reno County Foodbank
- 4 p.m. - Smallville Carnival
- 7 p.m. - Smallville Concert - At Sherman and Main