WILSON — The past several months have seen a flurry of activity at Kansas Originals Market as the Post Rock Opportunities Foundation continues to make improvements that will attract more visitors to the Wilson location.

On Saturday, June 22, a grand opening will be held for Smoky Hill Vineyards and Winery, which will be providing wine tasting and sales from a location inside of Kansas Originals.

“Smoky Hill Vineyards and Winery is classified as a Kansas Farm Winery offering a local artisan product, said Brock Ebert, co-owner. “The grapes are grown in Kansas and all of the wine is made at the Salina Winery facility. That makes us a good fit for Kansas Originals. … There are approximately 13,000 vehicles a day that travel on I-70 past Wilson. We are going to offer them another reason to stop.”

The grand opening will also feature Wickedly Good baked items from the new Coffee Shop that is being developed as part of Kansas Originals. Among the specialty items offered so far are Breakfast Burritos by Juanita Rodrigez, Cherry Danish by Charlett Bruce, and Cream Puffs and Kolaches by Carolyn Herber.

The Post Rock Opportunities Foundation continually works to fulfill their mission to promote Kansas Artists, Craftsmen and food producers as they celebrate their 30th Anniversary since becoming incorporated and recognized as a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation.

“Wilson has so many great businesses and attractions including the fabulous World’s Largest Czech Egg, the restored Midland Railroad Hotel, specialty meats at Wilson Foods, a working soda fountain at Grandma’s Soda Shop, great art at the Wilson Mercantile, outstanding pies at Made From Scratch, and a step into the 1950’s hamburger joint at the Snack Shack,” said Margery Lawson, a founder and CEO of the foundation. “When we get travelers to stop, we then send them throughout the area by giving them the information they need to go into Wilson, Lucas, visit the lake and stay in the area.”

Kansas Originals is a state sanctioned Tourist Information Center for the area offering over 100 tourism related brochures, pamphlets and magazines.

“When you think about it, the interstate is full of travelers and many of them are looking for something to do, they don’t have a clue what they are missing if we don’t get them off the highway so we can give them the information they need to start traveling in Post Rock Country,” Lawson said. “They don’t know what they are missing until we tell them.”

The Foundation will be hosting more events to celebrate its 30th year including an Artist’s Extravaganza and Follow the Yellow Brick Road.

— Submitted