The Trails West! Festival is making some changes this year.

Tickets instead of buttons for the Trails West!® festival August 17-19 will be the new admission into the festival. Tickets will be redeemed at the gate for a two-day wristband. 

Teresa Fankhauser, executive director of the Allied Arts Council, said after 25 years of admittance buttons, switching to tickets is the right change.

“We wanted to follow the trend and follow what other festivals were doing,” Fankhauser said. “Now, people don’t have to worry about being poked by a button.”

If someone shows up wearing all 25 buttons, the individual and a guest will receive a free 2-day wristband. Also new this year, the festival is offering single day passes if someone only plans to attend the festival Friday or Saturday for a $10 wristband at the gate.

The last day to purchase advance tickets is August 15.

Main Stage performers this year include Robert Randolph and the Family Band performing Friday and Chase Rice on Saturday. The theme of the 2018 festival is ‘Made with Uncommon Character.’

Tickets are available for sale in St. Joseph at the Allied Arts Council, City Hall, Commerce Bank, Farmers State Bank, Goetz Credit Union, Hy-Vee, Mosaic Life Care, NASB, Nodaway Valley Bank, Price Chopper, St. Joseph CVB and UMB Bank.

Tickets will allow individuals to enjoy entertainment, fine art, folk art and food. Advanced tickets can also be purchased through the Allied Arts Council website.

For more information, contact the Allied Arts Council at (816) 233-0231.