Iola

Founded: Iola, Elev.: 965, Pop.: 6,302 (2000). Located in the Southeast Region of the state, in Allen County (County Seat), southwest of Emporia and along US Highway 54. Iola is near the Neosho River and the city of Yates Center to the west.

Iola has one of the largest town squares west of the Mississippi. Native Son, Buster Keaton, one of the great film geniuses was born in 1895, seven miles. west of Iola in Piqua. Iola celebrates its local legend in workshops, talks from experts, and in viewings of his work in an annual festival.

Events in Iola include: "Farm City Days", this celebration is held the 3rd weekend in October. It features a carnival on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Municipal Band Concerts; The band plays at 8 p.m., but the crowd gathers much earlier around the bandstand on the Iola square. The Iola Municipal Band has presented free summertime concerts since 1871. Its the longest continually performing city band in Kansas and one of the oldest in the country.