What can local cultural organizations do to attract more visitors?

Offering a free pool party is a good start.

From now through July 9, people of all ages can pick up a free “Catch the Wave” passport and have it stamped seven times to earn an invitation to a special pool party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 29 at Salina’s new water park, Kenwood Cove.

“The passport is a vehicle to recognize what’s here culturally in Salina, and it’s a great way to experience summer,” said Sharon Benson, education coordinator for the Salina Arts and Humanities Commission, a passport sponsor.

The passport also is sponsored by Kenwood Cove and Salina Parks and Recreation.

Passports can be picked up at any one of seven participating cultural organizations: Salina Community Theatre, 303 E. Iron; Salina Art Center, 242 S. Santa Fe; Smoky Hill Museum, 211 W. Iron; Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure, 625 N. Hedville; Salina Public Library, 301 W. Elm; Lakewood Discovery Center, Lakewood Park; and at the Smoky Hill River Festival June 10 to 13 at Oakdale Park.

Passports also may be downloaded at most of the above organizations’ Web sites.

During the next three months, participants can get their passports validated with a special stamp during upcoming activity programs at these organizations that include:

nRolling Hills Wildlife Adventure — Visit anytime for a passport stamp or attend Week of the Young Child Story Time (10 a.m. April 10) or Summer Splash (10 a.m. July 4).

nSmoky Hill Museum — Water crafts and scavenger hunt during Week of the Young Child (4-6 p.m. April 12) or complete the Great Water Scavenger Hunt May 1 through July 9.

nSalina Community Theatre — Attend the Center for Theatre Arts Carnival April 17, a live performance presented by one of SCT’s classes or a performance of “303 Live!” May 7 and 8. Tickets range from free to $5.

nSalina Public Library — Participate in the Summer Reading Program or a special program. Reading program sign-up begins May 25. Children sign up in the youth department, adults at the information desk.

nLakewood Discovery Center — Visit the Discovery Center anytime or participate in the Lakewood Fishing Derby (9 a.m.-noon June 5) which includes a casting competition, raffles and hot dog cookout.

nSalina Art Center — Visit during gallery hours and explore how water or one of its components is included in the artwork, answer a few questions and receive a stamp.

nSmoky Hill River Festival — Take passport to any festival information booth June 10 to 13 to receive a stamp.

Completed passports can be turned in at any of the participating cultural organizations. A special invitation will be mailed out, Benson said, and each invitation will be good for one admission.

nReporter Gary Demuth can be reached at 822-1405 or by e-mail at [email protected]