Tarkio Parks & Rec hosted its annual Friendship Day event Saturday, October 3, 2026, on Main Street. Paw Prints, Atchison County’s animal rescue fund, had a ping-pong-ball-cup game that raised money for kittens in foster care, including this baby held by Claire Peters. (Megan McAdams photo)

Tarkio Parks & Rec hosted its annual Friendship Day event this past weekend in Tarkio. The fun began on Friday morning, October 4, at the Flower Mill, where customers received three free carnations. They were to keep one for themselves and give two to friends. Park Board members (above left) Summer Reeves, Karly Hicks, and Ashlee Driskell handed out the flowers to several people, including Rory Lambertsen (above right). (Tarkio Parks & Rec photos)

Main Street was overflowing with almost 400 people visiting the booths and playing the games at Tarkio Parks & Rec’s Friendship Day event Saturday, October 3, 2026. (AC Mail photo)

Santa Claus made an appearance at Tarkio Friendship Day. He will be on hand at the Tarkio Christmas Parade in December. (AC Mail photo)

Brynleigh Lopez gives Koulter Wennihan a ride down the slide at Friendship Day Saturday, October 3, on Main Street in Tarkio. The event included a number of inflatable bounce houses and slides for the kids. (AC Mail photo)

On Sunday, October 4, Tarkio Parks & Rec hosted the 4th annual Friendship Day Color Run on the streets of Tarkio. Thirty-six competitors participated in the event, which was run by 19 volunteers. Lane Zembles won the 3-mile race with a time of 18:06. (Tarkio Parks & Rec photos)