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Bill Kurtis to speak at annual Mine Creek Blue and Grey event
Noted television host and producer Bill Kurtis will present "Bringing History to Life on Film" at the ninth annual Blue and Gray Banquet, 6:30 p.m. Friday, at the Liberty Theatre.
Kurtis produced the "Lost Battle of the Civil War," about the Battle of Mine Creek, which was shown on the History Channel in November 2004. Kurtis will show video of several of his productions that focus on Mine Creek. He will also show scenes from his most recent production for the National Geographic Channel, "War is Hell."
This is the ninth year the Mine Creek Battlefield Foundation has hosted the Blue and Gray Banquet.
Mine Creek Battlefield Foundation co-founder John Spencer said last year's event was well attended and prompted the foundation's board of directors to secure the Liberty Theatre once again for the location. A full course meal with dessert will be provided, followed by an update regarding the Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site. Area auctioneer Marty Read will then conduct a benefit auction of Civil War-related items including books, compact discs, limited edition prints by artist Andy Thomas, and other various items.
The Blue and Gray Banquet is the main fundraising event of the year for the battlefield.
"It is an excellent way for the public to show its support for this important state historic site.," Spencer said in a written statement.
More than 600 acres of the battlefield are currently owned by either the Kansas State Historical Society or the Mine Creek Battlefield Foundation. A visitors' center with exhibits and bookstore is located on Kansas Highway 52, one half mile west of US Hwy 69.
Tickets are now available for the banquet and are $25 each. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m.. Advance ticket purchase is suggested, and tickets are available at the Liberty Theatre, (620) 223-4060, the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce (620) (223-3566), and the Mine Creek Battlefield (913) 352-8890.