In conjunction with Manhattan’s annual Dog Days of Summer events, Downtown Manhattan, Inc. is sponsoring the Kaw Valley Food Round Up, July 15-25, and Kid’s Night at the rodeo July 25.

The following downtown businesses will participate in the Food Round Up as drop-off points for food donations: Angel 95, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Customer Service Desk at Manhattan Town Center, Campbell’s China & Gifts, Geometrics Fine Furniture & Gifts, Jo Ann’s Fabrics & Crafts, Manhattan Arts Center, Kidz World, Lilacs On The Prairie, Mid-America Office Supplies, Mr. P’s Party Outlet, Optical Perspectives, The Pathfinder, S Bar J Western Clothiers, Soul Provider, and Steve’s Floral.

"Last year’s food round up proved to be extremely successful," Carrie Ohm, Executive Director of the Downtown Manhattan organization, said. "It’s important for our community to continue supporting our local food pantries even during the summer months. We think the free tickets to the rodeo will serve as the perfect incentive to create awareness about this important effort to keep the children of Manhattan from going hungry."

Children 12 and under can bring a canned food or non-perishable food donation and receive a free child’s ticket for Thursday night’s rodeo performance. Thursday evening, July 25th, is Kid’s Night at the rodeo and free cowboy hats will be given to the first 500 children courtesy of Downtown Manhattan, Inc.

All donations will benefit the Flinthills Breadbasket. During the summer months, the breadbasket is especially in need of donations of foods that kids enjoy such as cereals, snack items, macaroni and cheese, puddings, and other non-perishable foods.
 

Adults may also register at these Downtown locations for a chance to win one of three pairs of adult tickets to the Kaw Valley Rodeo. The drawing for these tickets will be held on Thursday, July 25th prior to the start of the 4-H parade in Downtown at 6:00 pm.