By: Ryan Duey
On Saturday, September 7, the Pony Express 120 Gravel Dash and Festival will take center stage in Marysville. The event blends the excitement of gravel racing with the rich history of the Pony Express.
Over three hundred bicyclists will take off at 7:30 a.m. to ride 120, 65, 35 or 30 miles throughout the area’s scenic terrain.
While the riders are navigating the local countryside, activities are planned throughout the day emphasizing the area’s history with the Pony Express.
From 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., children and families can enjoy Old-Fashioned Kids’ Games in the Koester Park at the corner of South 9th Street and Elm Street. Classic games such as Blind Man’s Bluff, Pick Up Sticks and Hoop and Stick will be featured.
School will be in session at Bommer School, the one-room schoolhouse in Marysville City Park. A school marm will lead sessions inside the schoolhouse at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., giving visitors a glimpse into the educational practices of the past.
At 11 a.m., the Marysville Public Library will host Celia Daniels, who will present “You’ve Got Mail: Exploring Letter-Writing Through Time.” This presentation will explore the art and history of letter-writing, providing an insightful look into how communication has evolved over the years.
Parents as Teachers will offer STEM activities downtown from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., engaging children in hands-on learning experiences.
A Mochila Lunch will be served at the Lee Dam Center for Fine Art from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The meal includes a choice of sandwich, chips, fruit, a homemade cookie and a drink. The fee is $10.
Geff Dawson and Dawn with special guest Cuz Garver will perform western music and cowboy entertainment. They will perform at the art center at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. They will perform in downtown Marysville at 2 p.m.
Also at 2 p.m., Indian Creek Historical Fashions will present a fashion show in the Koester House Gardens, featuring women’s clothing from 1860 to 1890. This event will provide a unique glimpse into the fashion of the era.
From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Discover Downtown will take place in the 900 block of Broadway. The second and third stories of the commercial properties will be open for people to take tours. Tour guides will be on hand.
Heartslash Chuckwagon Services will serve a chuckwagon dinner on South 8th Street, near the Pony Express Museum, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The meal is $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 6-12 and free for those 5 and under.
The meal will feature Slice of Heaven: the Church Pie Contest, where participants can taste and vote for the best pie made by local churches. Homemade ice cream will also be served.
Following dinner, The Matchsellers, a dynamic Kansas City-based bluegrass band, will headline the barn dance from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.
The Matchsellers, featuring Andrew Morris on guitar, Julie Bates on fiddle, Matt Hawkins on banjo and Dan Perez on bass, bring a unique blend of traditional American music styles to the stage. Their sound draws on a broad scope of influences, from old-time bluegrass and western swing to gospel and Cajun rhythms. The band’s diverse musical inspirations even includes the jazz sounds of Kansas City’s own Charlie Parker.
Andrew Morris, a founding member of The Matchsellers, shared his experience of moving from Indiana to Kansas, where he discovered the distinct style of Kansas City bluegrass.
“There’s more variety here,” Morris explained. “You hear western swing, old-time fiddle tunes and even jazz influences.”
The Matchsellers are known not only for their musical versatility, but also for their engaging performances. The band infuses their sets with humor, high energy and a mix of sentimental and serious songs, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
At the barn dance, attendees can expect a lively and inclusive experience, thanks to the skilled calling of Derrick Doty. Doty, who has been calling barn dances for 18 years, is passionate about making sure everyone feels welcome on the dance floor.
“If you can walk, you can dance,” Doty said. “It’s about moving your body, meeting new people and connecting with our cultural traditions.”
Doty will guide dancers through a series of fun and simple dances, perfect for beginners and seasoned dancers alike. The Matchsellers will work closely with Doty to provide the perfect tunes for each dance.
Morris emphasized the significance of performing at an event like the Pony Express Festival. “This music is meant to make people dance,” he said. “When you move your body to the music, you understand it on a different level. That’s what we hope to bring to the barn dance—a chance for everyone to connect with the music and each other in a meaningful way.”
For more information about the Gravel Dash and Festival, contact Marysville Chamber and Main Street, 785-562-3101.
