TOPEKA – The Kansas Manufacturing Council (KMC) on Tuesday announced the 16 products that made it into the 2023 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas - People’s Choice Tournament, include the soy candles made by Ellinwood’s Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co.  

“Kansans cast thousands of votes for their favorite products during the this year’s nomination round. The top 16 vote getters are a great representation of the diverse items made in Kansas communities across the state,” said KMC Executive Director Brandie McPherson. “We are excited to get this year’s tournament started.”

They will compete in head-to-head match-ups during the next six weeks. Those receiving the most votes in each match-up will advance to the next round, moving one step closer to winning the ultimate prize – being named the Coolest Thing Made in Kansas - People’s Choice.

McPherson said with the tournament set, voting is now open for the first round of the tournament until 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. 

The winner will be announced during the Kansas Manufacturing Summit on Tuesday, Oct, 24, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita. The 16 manufacturers featured in the contest will be invited to the Coolest Celebration Reception the night before the summit and be asked to display their products during the summit.

Presented by FORVIS, the competition is a great way to learn about the many products manufactured in Kansas.

“It’s also a wonderful opportunity for Kansas manufacturers to show their best stuff and prove they have what it takes to be the Coolest Thing Made in Kansas,” said McPherson.

Kansans can learn more about the tournament at KansasCool.com.

2023 Coolest Thing Made in Kansas - People’s Choice Tournament:

• Bourbon Whiskey, Boot Hill Distillery, Dodge City

• M&Ms Caramel Chocolate Candies, Mars Wrigley, Topeka

• Cat 994 Large Wheel Loader Bucket, Caterpillar Inc., Wamego

• Cheese Curds, Alma Creamery, Alma

• Cobalt Surf Boat, Cobalt, Neodesha

• Conquistador Wheel Corral, MJE Livestock Equipment, Montezuma

• Custom drum rollers, Curb Roller LLC., Fairview

• Flytyme Water Slide, Splashtacular, Paola

• Handy Hook, Helten Panacea LLC., Garden Plain

• Landoll Traveling Axle Trailer Landoll Company, LLC. Marysville

• Plainscraft Covered Wagons, Plainscraft LLC., Topeka

• S-21 OUTBOUND Ready to Fly Plane, Rans Designs Inc., Hays

• Soy Candles Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co., Ellinwood

• The Beast Fire and Trail Building Hoe, Prohoe Manufacturing ,LLC., Munden

• Turbo-Max Vertical Tiller, Great Plains Manufacturing, Salina

• Vinyl albums, Quality Record Pressings, Salina