Author: Jared Hitchens

Forest Park Conference and Retreat Center is distinctly unique among other parks in Topeka, not only for the fact that it promises visitors access to both WiFi and wildlife. It’s the quintessential outdoor get-away hidden in the middle of a bustling city. With multiple cabins, event halls, multiple recreational courts, prominent wildlife and acres and acres of woods, Forest Park provides a retreat among the trees that will have you reliving your wistful days of summers long past.  Brief History Forest Park was formed in 1922 by a group of Evangelical United Brethren pastors. The Summer Assembly, as they called themselves, held seasonal retreats in the park to rejuvenate their… Read More

It’s time once again to get your birdie on at the annual Forge Glow Golf Tournament. Young professional (YPs) from across Topeka & Shawnee County will take to the Lake Shawnee Golf Course at just past twilight to see who has what it takes to achieve not only a perfect round but to achieve a perfect round in the dark. Has your competitive nature been peaked? Okay, you might have to settle for a “half perfect” round as we’ve modified the tournament to nine holes so as not to keep everyone out too late. But the challenge still remains! See if you can play a perfect game with only two… Read More

Calling All Artists: Activate the Alleyway First Friday Event Downtown Topeka, Inc. in partnership with Leaping Llamas is happy to announce an Art Call. We are seeking vibrant, creative original works of art to be displayed and sold at the Inaugural Activate the Alleyway in downtown on First Friday, October 5, 2018. Artist Details: Accepting 20 artists Artwork to be created on 24 x 30 canvas (provided to artist) Art to be completed by September 15th to be displayed at Leaping Llamas prior to the October event. Art will be sold for $300 each. Artist will receive 70% of the sale. 30% will go to Downtown Topeka, Inc. to benefit… Read More

Knox Signs & Graphics is your one-stop shop for signs, wraps, printing and promotional items.   Erik and Laura Knox moved to Topeka with the intention of starting a sign shop, and after a lot of planning and hard work that’s exactly what they did. While Laura started her job at the Colmery-O’Neil VA and Erik at Lowe’s, the couple saved funds for the better part of a year to purchase the necessary equipment to start the business. Established in 2011, Knox Signs & Graphics took off out of the couple’s garage with a vinyl cutter, laminator and the first of many printers. The shop first came to be known for… Read More

Greater Topeka Partnership Ambassadors  Are you a energetic professional seeking to strengthen ties to Greater Topeka Partnership and by extension the greater business community of Northeast Kansas? Consider becoming a Partnership Ambassador. Ambassadors are at the heart and soul of the GTP volunteer program and an integral part of the overall operation. Ambassadors’ primary goals are to foster relationships with new and existing members. They act as an extension of the Partnership and give us the ability to reach a wider variety of members. The support of the ambassadors is invaluable to member onboarding and retainment. Ambassadors attend GTP events to support member businesses including ribbon cuttings, power breakfasts, Business… Read More

Meet the Topeka Pilots, the capital city’s own Teir II junior ice hockey team.   Formerly the Topeka Roadrunners, the team underwent rebranding in June 2018 under new owner Lamar Hunt, Jr. of Loretto Sports Ventures. The name change pays homage to Kansas’ rich ties to the history of aviation. Junior ice hockey teams, such as the Topeka Pilots, play an important role for players pursuing a future in hockey. Junior players, ages 16 to 20, are recruited from all around the world to play for the Pilots. Under the leadership of General Manager and Head Coach Simon Watson, a former player for Division 1 teams Lubbock Cotton Kings, Rocky Mountain Rage… Read More