John and I have noticed that State Parks with “Friends of the Park” groups who focus on generating money to make park improvements tend to be nicer parks. In 2025, Hillsdale State Park started a “Friends of the Park” group. The Friends Group started a camp store where proceeds would be used to make improvements. John and I visited the store quite a bit because it was the only place for John to go to get a sugar soda vs. diet and sweet treats. The camp store was very reasonably priced. For example, a can of soda cost $1.

The store has generated enough money for the Friends Group to replace the wood on 80 tables.

Friends Groups typically have events throughout the year that focus on family friendly activities that bring people to the park while at the same time raising money.

Hillsdale State Park Friends Group scheduled a Fall Fest for Saturday November 1st. This is the first major activity the group has had. Personally, I think they did a great job with a few minor lessons learned.

The Fall Fest had games, free food, hayrides, parade (kids riding their bikes, UTV, or golf carts), Paola fire truck, and evening movie.

My favorite game was the Cabela blow up bow and arrow practice booth. I was terrible at it and never hit, but it was fun. One of the Friends Group works for Cabela who donated the use of the bow and arrow booth.

If you didn’t notice, everyone was wearing jackets, gloves and hats. The weather was on the cold side maybe 50 degrees with high wind. I was definitely bundled up in a long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt and shacket!! Because of the weather, the Friends Group decided not to play the evening movie.

Other games consisted of the bean bag toss, a pool with rubber duckies for kids to pick one and get a prize (I missed taking a picture of rubber duckie pick), chalk, and ball toss.

They hayride was a big hit with standing room only. I decided to not go partially due to standing, and secondly, it was cold!!

The parade started off with Park Rangers pulling Santa Claus. What I really like about Kansas Parks is that the Park Rangers are actual police. They can give tickets, haul people away, etc. Many state park rangers do not have this authority, and they have to call local police for support.

My 2nd favorite activity was Paola Fire Department brought a truck to the Fall Fair. People were able to not only look at the truck but climb inside and learn about how fire trucks work. Of course, I had to climb inside. My biggest lesson learned is that it is harder to get into a fire truck than you would think. I also enjoyed seeing all the various tools used by the fire fighters and how they are stored.

Special Thank You to the Fire Fighter.

Considering the cold windy weather, I think the Fall Fest was a success with a great turnout. Next year, the Friends Group plans on having another festival but earlier in the year with warmer weather 🙂

And finally, I had to take a selfie in front of the fire truck.