Have a ball at Boot Hill

    If you're in the mood for some deep-fried goodness, head on over to the seventh annual Boot Hill Bull Fry & Bash at Boot Hill Museum.
    From 6:30 to 9 p.m. today, beef brisket, coleslaw, Sally's potatoes 'n' onions, baked beans, Pepsi and iced tea will be served in the museum complex. Calf fries will also be a main menu item for people with an adventurous appetite.
    Entertainment will be provided by the Q97 Road Show, which is one of the event's sponsors. Bull Fry T-shirts will also be available for sale.
    The museum's exhibit designer and curator, Karen Pankratz, has designed the T-shirts since 2003.
    "I have to think of a new slogan and design every year," Pankratz said.
    Pankratz puts her art degree and love of Dodge City history to use at the museum. In addition to her usual work, she enjoys creating a unique design for the Bull Fry T-shirts.
    Pankratz first does a line drawing then scans it onto her computer, where she does the lettering, color and final touches to perfect the design.
    This year, she managed to come up with yet another light-hearted slogan: "If you have the guts, try our nuts. Have a ball in Ole Dodge City."
    "It's not for everyone, but it's a lot of fun," Pankratz said.
    T-shirts, jewelry, historical books and documents, toys, shot glasses, gun replicas and more will also be available at the museum.
    The Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau will be selling Dodge City blankets, post cards, license plates, bumper stickers and official Dodge City Days lapel pins for the duration of the celebration.
    Tickets for the Bull Fry and Bash are $10 with a lapel pin or $12 without. Children 10 and under are $5 with a lapel pin or $7 without. All proceeds will go to support the museum. 

Reach Cherise Forno at (620) 408-9931 or e-mail her at cherise.forno@dodgeglobe.com.