September Newsletter

Published on September 18, 2025

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Check out the 2nd September issue of the Choose Newton newsletter. Make sure you don't miss any future issues by signing up to receive them straight to your inbox. The Choose Newton Newsletter is the best way to stay up to date on community events, business updates, grant opportunities, and more!

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Call for Events

2026 Community Events

We are already working on the 2026 Choose Newton Community Calendar. This printed calendar is a great resource featuring photos from our Best of Newton Photo Contest and many of the amazing community events that will happen throughout the year. This is a great way to put your event on many people's calendar.

Events must be submitted by Monday, October 13 to be included in the calendar. Please submit events atChoose-Newton.com/Eventsor email them toJLehman@NewtonKansas.com.

Call for 2026 Events

Halloween Events

Halloween is right around the corner and we are putting together a Newton Halloween Event Guide. Let us help you advertise your Halloween events for free. Events need to be submitted by Wednesday, October 8 to ensure they are included in the Halloween Event Guide. The guide will be sent out in a future Choose Newton Newsletter, featured on our social media accounts, and on our website. Events will also be added to our Choose Newton Community Calendar.

Be on the lookout for the Choose Newton Halloween Event Guide in October. Please submit events atChoose-Newton.com/Eventsor email them toJLehman@NewtonKansas.com.

Halloween Events

Small Business Resources

SBDC

Kansas Small Business Development Center

Wichita State University has some wonderful opportunities for small businesses to take part in.

Main Street America

Main Street America

Newton is an accredited Main Street Community which gives us access to lots of training opportunities.


Connect Downtown

Our next Connect Downtown will be held on Tuesday, September 23 at 8am. We will be meeting at Living Rooms by Gayle. This month we will be having a discussion on questions to submit to the city to be answered at our October meeting. We will also discuss some upcoming events, grant opportunities, and the 2026 schedule. We invite all downtown business owners/managers and property owners to join us.

Connect Downtown

Best of Newton Photo Contest

We have been receiving some wonderful photos showcasing the amazing people, places, and events in Newton. There is still time for you to get your photos submitted. We can't wait to see all of your amazing photos! You can submit photos in 3 categories:

  • Faces & Places (Open Category)
  • A Day in the Life of a Newtonian
  • Made in Newton

Find out more about the Best of Newton Photo Contest and submit your photos.

Photo Contest

Upcoming Events

Third Thursday

Third Thursday - Newton Schools Night

Join us Downtown this evening for a community pep rally, shopping, dining, and fun! Don't forget to wear your Railer gear to show your support for our amazing school district.

6th Street will be closed for school booths. Come out and check out the Athletic Boosters, Fine Arts Boosters, Newton Robotics Club, and Harvey County Walk and Roll.

A Community Pep Rally will be held at 6:45pm on 6th Street. Come enjoy performances by the Newton Cheer team, Railiners, Pep Band, and Drum Line to get excited about the year ahead!

Business that will be open late for shopping include:

  • SJ Nuzum Photographywill be hosting an Open House at their new location
  • Newton Et Ceterawill be offering 25% off to anyone wearing Newton Schools gear or by showing a USD 373 ID
  • Norm'swill be hosting the Newton Public Library and offering their popular Coffee and Coloring event
  • Prairywill have the Salted Creamery ice cream cart and Refill Soap Pup Up Shop set up outside. Stop in the Toy Store for a friendship bracelet making station. Don't forget to come in hungry for their famous bierocks.
  • Faith and Life Bookstorewill be hosting Dr. Jacqueline Minor, former Newton Schools Superintendent, for a book signing of her book "Taking Jesus to School". All educators with a valid ID will receive a free book.
  • Carriage Factory Art Gallerywill have an apple bookmark craft. Kids will be able to make one for themself and one for a teacher. They will also have apple treats and refreshments to enjoy.
  • Living Rooms by Gaylewill be having an Open House at their new location on 6th Street.

Dining options include bierocks at Prairy, pizza and sandwiches at Back Alley Pizza, and kids eat free at Cadillac Jack's so make sure to come hungry!

Third Thursday Schedule

Kids Art Carnival

Kids Art Carnival

Saturday, September 27 bring the kids to create in Krehbiel Park, next to the gallery, from 10am-2pm. There will be lots to do including creative stations, games, prizes, face paining, live music, concessions, and more! This event is free and all are welcome.


Chili Cookoff

United Way Chili Cookoff

Come out and try amazing chilis while supporting United Way of Harvey & Marion Counties from 11am-1:30pm on Saturday, September 27 Downtown (6th & Main)! There will be over 20 booths to sample chili from. Voting will be based off the amount of money collected so make sure to bring your coins and dollars. You can purchase tickets ahead of time for $5 or at the event for $8.Get your tickets and learn more about this wonderful event here.


Blues, Brews, & BBQ

Blues, Brews, & BBQ

Harvey County Now will be hosting their annual Blues, Brews, & BBQ from 3-11pm in Athletic Park on Saturday, September 27! Come hear two amazing bands, grab some food at a food truck, try some local Kansas craft beers, shop the craft vendors, and have a wonderful evening. The concerts are free to attend, so bring your lawn chairs and head on over to the bandshell.


Newton Next: Next Stop. Next Chapter.

Newton Next logo

The City of Newton is working on a Comprehensive Plan. This is a long-range planning document that guides the city's future grown and development. It's the road map that helps to guide where we want to go as a community and how we will get there. Your input in the planning process is essential in determining the destination and vision for the City of Newton.

Join the Community Voices Team

Become a part of the Community Voices Team and make your voice count in the Newton Next planning process! A strong community plan begins with the people who know Newton best, those who live, work, and care deeply about its future. By joining the team, you'll help ensure the plan reflects the community's values, priorities, and long-term vision.

Attend a Public Open House

A variety of in-person and virtual events will be held throughout the Newton Next planning process to make it easy for everyone to participate. Events are scheduled for fall 2025, winter 2026, and early summer 2026. This will offer multiple opportunities to share your ideas and help shape Newton's future. Visit our website to view details and sign up for updates!

Get Involved

Bring your voice to the conversation on the future of Newton. Make sure to sign up by October 1st to be a part of the Visioning Workshop on October 7 from 6-8pm. There will be a Public Open House on October 8 from 6-8pm. You can take thepublic surveythat is available online. Learn more about the Comprehensive Plan process and sign-up to get involved at:NewtonNextPlan.com.

Take the Survey

Upcoming Grant Opportunities

Kansas Main Street

Kansas Main Street will have some upcoming grant opportunities for our Downtown building owners. These are great opportunities to receive some additional funding for upcoming projects. These grant opportunities are available to Kansas communities through the Department of Commerce and Kansas Main Street. If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities please email JLehman@NewtonKansas.com.

ROOMS - Residential Opportunities on Main Street Grant

The ROOMS Grant will be opening soon. This grant is designed to help property owners looking to develop second story housing opportunities in our downtown district. This grant has a 1:1 match and will award up to $50,000.

HEAL - Historic Economic Asset Lifeline

The HEAL Grant will also be opening soon. This grant is designed to help rehabilitate downtown buildings. They focus on: new or expanding businesses, housing, arts and culture, civic engagement, childcare, and entrepreneurship. Award amounts vary based on the project and impact.


Choose Newton Community Calendar

See a full listing of all the events happening in Newton on the Choose Newton Community Calendar. We have been seeing over 100 events a month with more getting added. You can view the Choose Newton Community Calendar atChoose-Newton.com/Eventsor through theNewton Connect app.

You can submit events to add to the Choose Newton Community Calendar atChoose-Newton.com/Events. Make sure your events don't get left off this great free resource.

Call for October Events