Pittsburg kicks off annual Paint the Town Red week

For the 20th year, crimson and gold will once again cover Pittsburg as the community prepares for Paint the Town Red Week, kicking off Monday, Sept. 8 and running through Saturday, Sept. 13.

The annual tradition, organized by the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce, celebrates Gorilla pride leading up to Pittsburg State University’s first home football game of the season.

This year’s theme is “Follow the Crimson and Gold,” inspired by The Wizard of Oz.

Businesses, schools, and community members will showcase creative displays combining Pitt State spirit with Wizard of Oz-inspired décor, transforming Pittsburg into a celebration of both university pride and one of Kansas’ most iconic stories.

Special additions for the 20th year

To celebrate the 20th anniversary, community members are encouraged to download the free Connect! Pittsburg Area app, available on Google Play and the App Store, for exclusive Paint the Town Red content. The app includes the full schedule of events with the ability to “favorite” activities and receive push notifications, the Block Party vendor map, and voting for the Evergy Community Favorite Decorating Contest.

For the first time, Paint the Town Red will feature a scavenger hunt on the app. Participants can explore Pittsburg throughout the week by answering trivia questions, completing fun tasks, and more. Those who complete the scavenger hunt will be entered for a chance to win a $50 Chamber Gift Certificate, redeemable at participating local businesses listed at pittsburgareachamber.com/gift.

Highlights include:

Monday, Sept. 8 – Wednesday, Sept. 10
Area businesses and the campus will be decorated in crimson and gold.

• Thursday, Sept. 11

• 8 a.m. – Chamber Coffee hosted by the PSU Alumni & Constituent Relations Office, officially kicking off Paint the Town Red.
• 10 a.m. – noon – Judging begins for the business and campus decorating contests.
• Noon – Evergy Community Favorite voting opens at pittsburgareachamber.com/pttr.

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• Friday, Sept. 12

• 11 a.m. – Community Favorite voting closes.
• Noon – Business Decorating Contest winners announced live on KSN’s noon news.
• 6 to 8 p.m. – Paint the Town Red Block Party & Pep Rally in downtown Pittsburg (Broadway between 4th and 7th streets). Enjoy live music, games, and food.
• 6:30 p.m. – “Run with Gus” Kids Fun Run sponsored by The Running Collective and the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (5th & Broadway). Free for children.
• 6:45 p.m. – Community Pep Rally featuring the Pride of the Plains Marching Band, PSU Dance Team, Cheer Team, PSU Athletics, and the Alumni Association.

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• Saturday, Sept. 13

• 4 p.m. – First home football game: Pitt State vs. Grand Valley State at Carnie Smith Stadium. On-field trophy presentation for Paint the Town Red business decorating contest winners.

Paint the Town Red T-Shirts

Official Paint the Town Red t-shirts, designed by Peyton Simpson, are now available at the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce. Sizes S–XL are $15, and XL–4X are $18. Shirts can also be purchased online at pittsburgareachamber.com/pttr.

“The support Paint the Town Red receives from our community each year is incredible,” said Blake Benson, president of the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a tradition that highlights our pride in Pittsburg State and brings the entire community together.”

For the full schedule of events, to purchase t-shirts, and to cast your vote for the Evergy Community Favorite, visit pittsburgareachamber.com/pttr