 | Faye Graves, a native Wichitan, attended school at Friends and Wichita State, concluding at Midwestern Theological Seminary. He has been active in media for many years with Channel 12, KIRL, KFDI, KOOO AM & FM (Omaha), KFRM & KICT 95, as an owner, manager, producer, director and announcer. He has served as President of the Haysville Board of Education. He has also served on several national boards of the Southern Baptist Convention. Faye currently serves as Executive Pastor and Director of Administration and Education at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1415 S. Topeka, Wichita. You may contact Faye by e-mail fmgraves@amenibc.org, or by phone at (316) 262-1452. |
Nostalgia
2008-08-01 09:35:00
Remember
Question: What do Septembers in the past cause you to remember most?
Answer: I recall the things that most people recall when they think of Septembers past. They, of course, would think of going back to school, summer coming to a close, a beautiful Autumn upcoming, football season starting…but I think most of all…we think of going to the Kansas State Fair.
My father was a paint contractor, but he would always take off one day and take the family to the fair. We would see most every exhibit, attend several shows, and look at the new inventions for home and farm that were on display, and of course completely tour the carnival. In later years I worked at radio and television stations and actually became one of the folks who worked in an exhibit booth at the fair. KTVH, as Channel 12, was known for many years as always having a display at the main corner of the fair that was just across from the giant toffee booth. Their station exhibit is still there at this time. We actually did all of our news and feature shows directly from that booth at the fair. Various KTVH personalities were always there to greet you in person. I directed a program you might remember, called HI FI HOP. We produced it in the Midway all around the station’s booth. Teens from all over the state came and danced on our show at the fair. Bill Brooks was the host and many folks enjoyed watching it live and in person. Various news personalities were there to do what we called the news strip…. news anchors Olllie Thompson, J. K. Peterson and Wayne Harris, weather meteorologist, Cecil Carrier, sports anchor, Jack Munley, and many others. We would present political notables, national personalities who were appearing on the grandstand show, folks connected with 4H, and farm reports with Larry Steckline…who by the way is still appearing in person at the fair. During the time we had off…away from the booth …many of us would go see the various points of interest.
At that time the Royal American Shows had many sideshows that were fun to attend. We really liked to watch the “pitch men” allure the people to come inside to the shows and sell all of their new items for your home. The excitement, the free music, bands from schools across the state marching down the Midway…all made up the thousands of folks gathering for Kansas’ largest party. In later years my broadcast career was extended to the early days of KFDI. Our booth was on the main Midway.
I was news director at the time and remember visiting with many different personalities, one of particular interest was Evil Kneivel. I remember visiting with him at length off the air. These were all such great times…and the people made it even more special…Ol’ Mike and the Ranch Boys Band…Terry Burford…Lil’ Donny Do Dad…Deputy Dusty and all the others. Later I moved to KFRM and spent many years with Mack Sanders.
Yes, there are many September memories, but none quite as exciting as The Kansas State Fair. I remember the old country song that says, “As a child, I looked back through the rear window of our car…and saw the bright multi-colored lights, heard the music and saw the dust coming up as we drove away from the state fair.”
Boy, does that describe it like it was!
