Exciting Announcement: 2026 Celebrity Bartenders for Making Spirits Bright!
The wait is over! Miners Hall Museum is thrilled to present the 2026 Celebrity Bartenders for the upcoming Making Spirits Bright – Raise a Glass to Victory, scheduled for Saturday, October 24.
This year’s event features a wonderful lineup of Celebrity Bartenders from across Southeast Kansas, who will bring an evening filled with signature drinks, friendly competition, and lots of laughter.
Meet the 2026 Celebrity Bartenders:
- Matthew Buck – Marketing Coordinator, Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas
- Chuckie Hessong – Food Blogger, Photographer, Author, and Head Cook, Laughing Rooster Eats
- Seth Nutt – Director, Frontenac Public Library
- Patrick O’Bryan – Former Pittsburg Mayor and Longtime Community Leader
- Team Gorilla: Dr. Thomas Newsom & Dr. Susan Bon – Pittsburg State University President and Provost
Returning is the popular Thom Watts, Zimmer Marketing radio personality, who is a beloved veteran of the event.
These renowned bartenders will be assisted by enthusiastic Miners Hall Museum trustees to ensure a memorable evening.
Vote Early…And Vote Often!
The friendly competition kicks off on September 9. Each Celebrity Bartender or team will be vying for the Favorite Bartender Award, and your votes will play a crucial role in choosing the winner!
- Voting Cost: $1 = 1 vote (vote as often as you like!)
- Each bartender will have their own QR code, with Team Gorilla sharing a code.
Stay tuned to the Miners Hall Museum’s social media pages for bartender spotlights, voting info, and QR codes starting September 9.
Vote for your favorite and support the Miners Hall Museum while helping your chosen bartender or team secure their bragging rights!
Raise a Glass to Victory!
This year’s event celebrates Yorktown Victory Day, 250 years of American spirit, and Pittsburg’s 150th anniversary with an evening filled with signature drinks, delicious bites, and camaraderie.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Sessions: 5 PM and 7 PM
- Location: Miners Hall Museum, 701 S. Broadway St., Franklin, Kansas
- Tickets: $25
Members have the first chance at tickets:
- Member sales start on September 28.
- Public sales commence on October 5.
Early reservations are highly encouraged as Making Spirits Bright is traditionally a sellout event! Don’t miss out on your chance to experience this fantastic evening!
