A community staple for over half a century, Artist Alley now combines a celebration of art with a time of homecoming.
The morning began with a breakfast hosted by Masonic Lodge 103 and the annual Run for Ollie 5k run.
“It was our eighth annual Run for Ollie, and it was a very successful event,” Kaila Ortiz, with Run For Ollie said. “We had a wonderful turnout with over 50 participants. We would like to thank all our participants and our supporters for always supporting our cause. Doing these events help fill our hearts. As a nonprofit, donating to our cause and participating in our events allows us to support our community and the surrounding communities.”
The top three male finishers are as follows: first place, Gannon White, 18:35; second place, Dalton Chambers, 19:31; and third place, Nicholas Mefford, 21:20.
The top female finishers are: first place, Sara Boone, 22:05; second place, Katie Holtzman, 23:11; and third place, Shelli Conder, 29:08.
In other traditions, Artist Alley also means it’s time for the book sale at Chanute Public Library. According to Library Director Jeana Lawrence, this has been an annual event since the library was moved into the depot building.
“It’s always hard work, but it’s so worth it to see so many people excited about books. A lot of our books are discarded books from our collection, so it’s nice to know they’re going to good homes where they’ll continue to be read and enjoyed by our patrons,” Lawrence said. “We wouldn’t be able to do this without our Friends of the Library volunteers, Bob Linke, Carolyn Dye, Arlene Hasty, and Dennis Peters, as well as the First United Methodist Church youth group, the Neosho County Community College basketball, and NCCC track and field teams. They helped us move all those books, set up for the book sale, and tear down; they’re the real movers and shakers.”
Of sales, Lawrence said $1,600 was raised this year, compared to $1,150 in sales last year.
“I enjoyed seeing so many people downtown enjoying everything Artist Alley had to offer this year, from art and craft booths, train rides, petting zoo, bouncy houses, parade, festival food, and entertainment. Artist Alley is the biggest event held in Chanute; it benefits all our local businesses, including retail, restaurants, and motels,” Chanute Main Street Director Ruthann Boatwright said. “It brings home Chanute High School graduating classes for class reunions — from five years to 65 years — providing an opportunity to reunite with old and new friends in a family-based environment,” Boatwright said.
The parade began at 11 a.m. Numerous alumni classes from Chanute High School waved from parade floats to the throngs of people on either side of Main Street, throwing candy and smiles in both directions. In addition to reunions, parade attendees heard local high school marching bands from Chanute High School and Humboldt High School, saw members of the Mirza Shriners in unique and novelty vehicles, as well as local police, fire, and healthcare vehicles, alongside local nonprofits and businesses that also participated in the parade.
“Artist Alley is the best event of the year for Chanute in my opinion, bringing everyone that has ties to our town back here, I love it.” Cherryl Olson, a Chanute Main Street board member, said.
Outside of the parade, there were other performances to enjoy, including Neosho River Boys, The Dizie, and Chanute Middle School’s Vocal Plus, as well as dancers from Brenda’s Dance and the competition team from In Step Dance Academy.
During the afternoon, the Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce and Office of Tourism offered chili cones to attendees. Chili cones are a Chanute staple during Artist Alley, featuring ice cream cones filled with homemade chili and topped with cheese.
“Artist Alley is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Chanute,” Chanute Area Chamber Director Amy Jensen said. “It is great to see so many working together to make it a success.”
Food vendors, artisans, and crafters also lined the street throughout the day, selling handmade items.
“Artist Alley provides an avenue for beginning and seasoned artists the opportunity to display and sell their creations. There were so many unique handmade items this year,” Boatwright said.
Ruth Ports, a member of the Chanute Art Gallery Board, said Artist Alley provides a chance for citizens to come together for a common cause.
“For that cause to center on artists is encouraging to those who are passionate about creating,” Ports said. “Art is fun. It was a great event this year, as usual.”
Artist Alley is always the last Saturday in September, so mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
