SALINA, KS — The community is invited to the second annual Daddy Bud Day, a free block party taking place Saturday, July 5, at Pacific Park (701 W. Pacific) in north Salina. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. and is hosted by Salina native James Curtis—also known as Cash Hollistah—in partnership with The Curtis Family and local nonprofit Salina Shares.
The day will feature:
- Free food: Hamburgers and hot dogs grilled onsite by the Salina Police Department
- Games & activities: Dominoes, spades, basketball, bounce houses, water games, and lawn games
- Giveaways: Prizes and drawings throughout the day
A major highlight will be the 2nd Annual DBD All-Star Basketball Game at 2 p.m., sponsored by Be Wealth. Curtis's team, Big Bank, will face off in a rematch against his younger brother John Curtis III's team, Northside Mafia, who won last year 93-84. Players include former Harlem Globetrotter Hannah Mortimer, Kansas food blogger JackStacks.Eats, and Salina rapper Dee Eazy.
A Legacy Continued
Originally founded in 1967 by John “Bud” Curtis Sr., Daddy Bud Day was created to support and celebrate Salina’s African-American community. Bud personally funded the food, games, and swimming passes until his passing in 1971. The event grew to over 400 attendees by 1974 and was posthumously recognized with a Salina Juneteenth Award in 2014.
Revived in 2023 by his grandson James Curtis, the event is part of a broader effort to rebuild community ties in north Salina. There are also ongoing efforts to rename Pacific Park to Curtis Park in honor of the family’s legacy.
Event Details:
- 📅 Saturday, July 5
- 📍 Pacific Park, 701 W. Pacific
- ⏰ Begins at 10 a.m. | All-Star Game at 2 p.m.
- 🎟️ Free and open to the public
- 🪑 Bring your own lawn chairs
- 💬 To donate or volunteer, contact: DaddyBudDay@gmail.com
This celebration is open to all and encourages unity, fun, and community pride.
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Daddy Bud Day photos courtesy of Ray Wasike