Catalyst's Newest Explore Hutchinson

Catalyst Creative's newest additions to the team went on tour Thursday to become more familiar with the city of Hutchinson and discovered what the city has to offer residents and tourists alike. Carry Farris, Office Manager and Account Executive, and Jerrod Ketchersid, Public Relations Coordinator, had fun learning all about the local spots. The "Free" FAM (familiarization) Tour, hosted by the Greater Hutchinson CVB showcased:

Reno County Museum

A great place to experience Hutchinson history, the Reno County Museum had several exhibits that caught the eye of the Catalyst crew. Their Transportation Gallery included a Schuttler wagon, an Amish buggy and an Indian motorcycle and side car! The museum also had an exhibit that consisted of all the favorite things the Historical Society staff could find going through their stores of artifacts! The majority of these items had never been placed on display before this exhibit. The doctoral exhibit was interesting, though was met with several onlooker's cringes as they checked out the foot-pump dentist's drill. And we thought going to the dentist today was a pain in the neck!

George Pyle Park

The revitalization of George Pyle Park was evident as Jim Seitnater pointed out the new landscaping, stone, and river work done to help spruce up the curb appeal.

Lloyd's Loft/Armstrong Antiques

Stationed above Armstrong Antiques, Lloyd's Loft told its own story in the fine detail and work that went into fully restoring this old boarding house. While renovations were first being done on the building, a sign on the northern wall of the building was found...evidence that the loft wasn't always there. This outdoor sign featured an advertisement for Selz "Royal Blue" shoes. As an interesting fun fact, Lloyd told the tour that back then, one was not allowed to use the word "royal" in advertisements or products unless it was directly related to the Royal family. He told the group that Queen Elizabeth herself commissioned Selz to make her shoes and the store was thus able to use the word "royal" in its product line.



Cool Beans

It's in the name! The FAM tour stopped at Cool Beans to cool off, drink some lemonade and enjoy a cookie. Records, posters, and pictures of famous musicians spiced up the walls and ceiling of this old but still-used train station eatery.

Hutchinson Zoo
Construction of the new rehabilitation center at the Hutchinson Zoo is going well. The new center will have areas for wounded animals, animals with minor ailments, as well as a section to quarantine animals that have more serious illnesses.


Dillon Nature Center
Jim from the dillon nature center greeted the group outside of the visitor center and talked about the various points of interest around the area. We then toured the inside exhibit and stepped outside to check out the lake and local vegetation.

Hutchinson Art Center


On our final stop, the tour group explored the Hutchinson Art Center. The galleries featured work from artists across the state. From there, we were encouraged to participate in Hutchinson's Third Thursday event that featured an Art Walk. Artists displayed their work up and down Main St., musicians played on many of the street corners, and there was plenty to eat from local vendors.


Other fun places discussed during the tour were the Hobart-Detter Field, Fairgrounds Water Park, tennis courts, Farmer's Market, Fox theater, Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center and the Kansas Underground Salt Museum.