Quality of Life

Liberal offers a roller blade park, lighted baseball and softball fields; playgrounds; two golf courses with grass greens; tennis courts; a youth center; a miniature golf facility; four theatres; a bowling alley; picnic areas with shelters; a Water Park facility; swimming and wading pools; horseshoe pits; soccer fields; summer recreation programs; fitness centers; and many clubs and organizations.

Liberal is home to the Bee Jay's, a national champion semi-pro baseball team. Youngsters may participate in many activities year round through the city recreation program, Kids, Inc., and Cal Ripkin, Babe Ruth and American Legion Baseball. The city hosted the first annual Mid-America Youth Basketball tournament in 2001. Forty-nine teams made up of 4th to 12th grade players enjoyed three days of competition. Since then, we carry on that activity each year.

Baker Arts Center introduces the community to works from area artists and hosts an annual juried art event that attracts many local, regional and national participants. The Liberal Arts Council, Seward County Historical Society, The Rainbow Players, Southwest Symphony and the Community Concert Association are actively involved in creating community events. Two Garden Clubs assist the community with beautification projects.

A generous core of volunteers participates in the production of several events. Annually, the community celebrates our diversity with a Cultural Diversity Day. More than 40 nationalities gather to eat, dance and display the rich heritage of ethnic tradition. Liberal also celebrates Juneteenth and Cinco De Mayo. The co-existence of several major cultures is one of the things that makes Liberal unique.

Liberal proudly carries the title of "Pancake Hub of the Universe" and is the site of the International Pancake Day Race. The race originated in Olney, England, where housewives had, for centuries, raced to the church on Shrove Tuesday, the beginning of Lent, carrying their pancake skillets. In 1950, Liberal issued a race challenge to the women of England, and since that time, the race has been run competitively between the two cities. Each year, the race draws state and national recognition as the news and media throughout the country carry the results and photos of the race. The Pancake Board hosts over 1,500 for an annual breakfast of pancakes and sausages.

OzFest, a celebration of Dorothy's successful return to Kansas, is held the second weekend in October. Some of the original Munchkins join Liberal's salute to Oz, and ruby slippers abound on Dorothys of all ages. A parade, a carnival, a craft fair and many other activities makes OzFest a day to remember.