Empovía — Emporia’s Approach to a Global Phenomenon

Imagine yourself skateboarding down the street without worrying about dodging traffic, or spiraling across the grass in a giant inflatable ball, or taking a leisurely walk through the park. That’s what you’ll encounter on Saturday, Oct. 12, for Emporia’s third annual Empovía celebration at Peter Pan Park, located at 515 S. Congress St.

Empovía (pronounced em-poe-VEE-yah) is a uniquely local approach to a global phenomenon, known as ciclovías–street fairs that occur with the closing of streets to automobiles. Thus, Emporia plus Ciclovía equals Empovía!

People of all ages and abilities will have the opportunity to ride, skate, rollerblade, scoot, walk, jog, or run in an environment completely closed to auto traffic–something most of us don’t experience nearly often enough. Visit Emporia and community partners will also provide a multitude of activities for all ages, including Zorb balls, the mobile Axe Shedd, an opportunity to help paint a City snow plow blade, games and more. The Emporia Police Department along with the Emporia Fire Department will be there with other community partners as well as food truck vendors and music. Empovía is a particularly intriguing opportunity to move, create, play and enjoy the beauty of a crisp autumn day. 

Long-time Visit Emporia volunteer Eduardo Argueta is originally from Guatemala. No stranger to street fairs in his home country, he  says, “I hope a lot of people come and share some time with their family. Routine and work sometimes keep us away from what really matters, like being outside on a beautiful day. This is why I love Emporia. Things like this.”

To learn more about the unique and free Empovía event, check the Visit Emporia website here, phone the Visit Emporia office at 620-342-1600 or find them on Facebook. 

A day celebrating the natural world, on foot, puts everyone in the mood to honor and care for the earth upon which we live. While you’re here, we hope you’ll learn more about our Visit Emporia Pledge, which encourages everyone to be good stewards of our community and environment during your time here with us. 

1. Stay golden.
2. Leave no trace.
3. Respect the land and its people.

Find out how YOU can take the Visit Emporia Pledge here.

Visit Emporia is the official Visitor Information Center for Emporia offering brochures and maps of Emporia, surrounding areas, and the state of Kansas. Drop in to visit us at 719 Commercial Street in downtown Emporia. We’re open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See the Visit Emporia website for more information or check us out on Facebook, and Instagram for more activities and events.

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