At a school program during the 2024-25 Western Plains Arts Association season, a performer unexpectedly presented a brand new guitar to an Oakley elementary student.

It was a touching bonus to a holiday presentation of the Branson act “Carpenters Christmas Once More.”

The WPAA season provided a variety of cultural and entertainment opportunities for communities throughout nine counties in Northwest Kansas. Among some of this season’s popular offerings were Street Corner Symphony pictured here.

There were 15 public performances in various towns, and a wide variety of events to appeal to various tastes.  Ten programs were sponsored in area schools. With its school events, WPAA enhances education beyond the regular classroom and “touches the future.”

The United States Marine Band performed in Colby as a free event for the WPAA service area and the surrounding region.  Several schools brought busloads of students to participate in this special event.

People in all nine counties as well as the surrounding area were given opportunities for cultural and educational activities that they would not otherwise have had.