{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Ask A Kansan","title":"Celebrating 250 Years of America with Rosa Cavazos | Kansas 250","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2622,"description":"What does it take to celebrate 250 years of American history—and why should Kansas be at the center of that celebration? This year marks the Sesquicentennial of the United States, and Kansas is going all in with year-long events, community challenges, and unique partnerships that showcase the resilience and spirit of Kansans. We sit down with Rosa Cavazos, Special Projects Coordinator for Kansas Travel and Tourism, who shares how the Kansas 250 Commission is bringing communities together through everything from outdoor challenges to chocolate festivals. Rosa also opens up about her journey from thinking there was \"nothing to do\" in Kansas to becoming a passionate advocate for the state, her work with national Latino organizations, and the power of volunteering. Plus, we take a trip to Waldo, Kansas—yes, that Waldo—and discover how this tiny town embraces its connection to the famous red-and-white-striped character.HIGHLIGHTS• Kansas is celebrating America's 250th birthday throughout the entire year with events in communities across the state• The Kansas 250 Commission has partnered with organizations like Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for a 250-point challenge and      From the Land of Kansas for special product boxes• A statewide service day is planned for September 11, 2026, encouraging Kansans to volunteer in their communities• Rosa Cavazos created the Topeka Chocolate Festival, which drew 50,000 people and featured 100 chocolate entries• Rosa chairs a national Latino organization based in DC and has spoken at the National Mall about women's healthcare and equal pay• Communities like Ottawa have created \"250 things to do\" lists, while Junction City and Atchison are planning special parades and events• The Great American Picnic on July 5th will encourage neighbors to gather in parks and on their blocks• Waldo, Kansas—population 30—fully embraces its connection to the \"Where's Waldo?\" book series with a statue in the city park• Waldo was founded in...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/31uDhQmE-73zaqpWjXtwnyYffNMsUnDPiL6GtjTddEQ/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9mNzBm/YzFkNDBkODVjNGM2/MzMwMGViYjhmZTY4/Nzc0Mi5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}