August in Manhattan, Kansas brings a lot of change. You will especially notice this if this is your first August in Manhattan, Kansas!
It is so hard to believe that it's already mid-August and in a couple of weeks, Kansas State University will open its doors for the '23-'24 school year! In addition, our local school districts will also begin their new school years. The biggest change comes for the community this month with the arrival of the KSU students. We all love having the students back in town, but it is just a change from our quiet summers.
Some people have not lived in Manhattan, Kansas during this time and I always like to give them a head's up so they are not surprised by the dramatic shift in town. Kansas State University enrollment is normally around 20,000 students so it is a big change in the number of people in our town. It brings more cars on the roads, with many of those learning how to navigate our town but also all those roundabouts. Even the Riley County Police Dept. puts out a diagram every year at this time for reference on their Facebook page. For the next several weeks, patience is important as we get used to the new normal, well until May 2024.
In my house, we got our shopping lists together and stocked up on all of the essentials and of course, some non-essential items as well. LOL We do this every year just so we won't have to contend with all the parents, students, and friends shopping in preparation for moving into their new dorms and apartments. All the stores in town get super packed and we have found that it is just easier and more relaxing to either work around the house, or take a day trip to one of the surrounding communities!
With the addition of the Kansas State University students, the town sees more cars on the road and people around town, especially at our local hotspots!
August also means there will be longer lines at our favorite restaurants! This is a mixture of parents coming to town, new students finding what will be their new hangouts, and returning students heading back to their favorite spots.
If you are a fan of "The Pride," keep an eye out for their Friday night schedule. Before every home game, you will find groups of the Kansas State Marching Band at many of our local restaurants and bars playing for the fans! It is so much fun and an experience not to be missed.
This time of year also means that we are only a couple of weeks away from the biggest pep rally around, Purple Power Play. Then a couple of days later, our beloved Kansas State Wildcats will be taking the field and hitting the court as we begin the 23-24 Football and Volleyball seasons. There is really nothing like Fall in Manhattan, KS.
And, if you are new here let me be the first to say, "Welcome to K-State!"
