ELLINWOOD — The New Year arrived with a flourish of feathers, fedoras and faux prohibition intrigue as a sold-out speakeasy-themed celebration transformed a historic Ellinwood setting into a scene straight out of the Roaring Twenties.

Hosted by the Ellinwood Underground City Foundation, the New Year’s Eve event drew a full house of guests who embraced the era from head to toe. Flapper dresses shimmered alongside pinstripe suits, pearls and pocket watches, while jazz-era flair filled the room well before the midnight toast.

Adding a unique historical element to the evening, the event featured live performances by the Hays City Players from the Hays Community Theatre. Through storytelling and theatrical vignettes, the performers highlighted the rich history of Barton County, sharing tales of Ellinwood’s past and the legendary Underground that helped shape the community.

“There’s something special about a crowd that fully commits,” Rick Casagrande, EUCF president noted. “When everyone leans into the theme, the history, and the fun – it turns into more than a party. It becomes an experience.”

The immersive evening blended theatrical performance with community celebration, showcasing the Foundation’s mission to preserve and promote Ellinwood’s underground history through creative, engaging events. From period décor to vintage-inspired cocktails, every detail paid homage to the 1920s.

As champagne glasses clinked and the calendar turned, attendees rang in the New Year in unmistakable style – proving that Ellinwood knows how to celebrate its history while welcoming the future.

Ellinwood Underground Board member Becca Maxwell said a skit included a bank robbery. It got a laugh when a “reporter” wanted a photo and promised to make the bank robbers famous in the Great Bend Tribune.

Board member Becca Maxwell said another fundraiser at the Wolf Hotel is being planned for Valentine’s Day.