Mom & pop eateries topic of discussion

As part of the entertainment for the Mother’s Day Luncheon at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains on Saturday, Larry Williams, chairman of the board of Halstead Bank, will tell stories about “mom and pop” restaurants he visited during a cross-country trip along U.S. Highway 50.

His stories are in keeping with themes of food and adventure that will be explored during the luncheon.

Williams’ journey began in 1992 when he had a meeting to attend in Washington, D.C.

Instead of flying as usual, he and his cousin decided to drive U.S. 50 from Halstead to the Atlantic Ocean, eating only at non-franchised restaurants.

The Mother’s Day Luncheon also will feature food critic Duncan Hines, played by Jim Gillmore of Newton.

Gillmore will bring to light some of the lesser-known facts about this box-mix icon, discussing his life as a travelling salesman and his encounters with a range of cuisine while traveling through the southwest.

Gillmore will talk about Hines’ eventual emergence as the first modern food critic and the development of the brand he is famous for today.

Megan Tyner, theater instructor at Hesston College, will portray Mary Colter, one of America’s first female architects.

Colter designed some of the best-known Fred Harvey hotels that would have attracted Duncan Hines.

“We hope this luncheon celebrates the love of beautiful things, food and adventure that our mothers and our grandmothers instilled in us,” said Julie Torseth, director of the arboretum.

The luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. and will feature a southwestern menu and Duncan Hines dessert.

The cost is $8.50 per plate. RSVP by calling (620) 327-8127.

Other events at Dyck Arboretum on Saturday are free and open to the public, as well. They include “Herbal Breakfast” by Kay Neff at 8:30 a.m.; “Planting a Monarch Waystation Garden” by Cristina Janney at 9:30 a.m.; “The Art of Nature” with sculptor and painter Janice Weibe Ollenberger at 10:30 p.m.; and “What’s in Bloom!” a 45-minute tour of the grounds with Scott Vogt at 10:45.

FloraKansas, the largest native plant sale in Kansas, will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday