KCKidsFun

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY!

Independence is about “Wild About Harry”! On Saturday, May 5, the City of Independence, National Parks Service, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum and the Independence Square partner to honor Harry Truman with an “All-American Hometown Birthday Celebration”.

This event will be an interactive celebration of the life and times of Harry Truman and the amazing story of how he transformed the lives of everyday American citizens, including women and African-Americans, during the 1940s post war era. Square events are free.

• 10 a.m. The day’s festivities begin with a Shriner’s parade. Wave your flag and wave your campaign poster (both distributed to the public just before the parade.)
• 10 a.m. – to 6 p.m. Shop and dine on the Square, where businesses will be decorated in honor of Truman, Truman themed merchandise will be sold ($1 to $3) and cars from the ‘40s will be parked on display.
• 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Free tours of the Trinity Episcopal Church, 409 N. Liberty, where Harry and Bess were married and where they worshiped for many years, will be offered.
• 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hop on the Truman Trolley, which will run a circuit from the Square to and from many tourism attractions. With a nod to Truman’s famous sign “The Buck Stops Here,” ride all day for only a buck a person.
• 10 a.m. – 4 and 5 p.m. The following attractions will lower their admission prices to a buck all day as well: Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific,  Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty, 1859 Jail and Marshal’s Home,  217 N. Main, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum,500 W.  U. S. 24 Highway,  Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road, National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific, Harry S. Truman Home National Historic Site, 219 N. Delaware (buy tickets at Truman Visitor Center, 223 N. Main)  and Leila’s Hair Museum, 1333 S. Noland.  (note: the Trolley does not visit the Puppetry Arts Institute or Hair Museum)
• Noon – 1 p.m. Visit with historic re-enactors, including “Harry” and “Bess”, listen to music of the 40s, watch skits and see a demo of a Truman marionette. You can also step back in time by catching a vintage 40s movie at  the Pharaoh Theater across the street from the courthouse at 114 W. Maple. (times and title not yet available).
• 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Harry rode the train often, especially during his whistle stop  campaign and as he traveled back and forth to Washington, D. C. The nearby Chicago & Alton 1879 Depot, 318 W. Pacific hearkens back to the days of Harry’s love affair with trains by celebrating National Train day. Watch model trains run and enjoy free cake and punch from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Harry and Bess loved a bargain. Come search for treasures at the big yard sale on the grounds of  the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

For more information call 816-325-7111 or visit  www.visitindependence.com

photo via Flickr user ramseymohsen, under Creative Commons license

It’s soccer season again, and although I spend plenty of time watching my kids play in their own soccer games out at the Overland Park Soccer Complex, we decided last week it was high-time we checked out Kansas City’s own Sporting KC soccer stadium, also known as Livestrong Park.

Out at The Legends shopping area, smack dab between Nebraska Furniture Mart and the Kansas Motor Speedway, sits a gorgeous, brand new soccer stadium. With real grass turf and shiny new seats. And a fan club called the KC Cauldron, a fan club to beat any and all fan areas I have ever seen, in any sport.

Every time Kansas City scores a goal, blue and white confetti shoots out of a cannon and sprinkles down on the fans and seats. Unlike at Kauffman or Arrowhead Stadium, the lower level seats are much closer to the actual play of the game, so you can see really well. This makes it much easier to feel part of the game, and see the players on the field making plays, shooting goals, and sometimes, goofing around. It’s clear they love what they do and have a blast doing it.

Also unlike professional baseball or football, MLS soccer games are the perfect length for little kids. Each half is 45 minutes, with a halftime break which allows enough time to hit the bathroom and get a snack. So really, it’s under two hours start to finish, just enough time for everyone to have fun without getting bored, hot, tired and cranky for the ride home.

Parking is free, but a little far out, so you want to leave yourself plenty of time to get parked, catch a trolley in, and find your seats before the start of the game. Tailgating is allowed, and there are plenty of trash and recycling bins scattered throughout the parking lot which not only promote firing up the portable grill, but also allow people to responsibly clean up after themselves. And they do.

Sporting KC is 5-0 as of this posting, their best start ever in a season. It’s an exciting time to take the kids along and get caught up in the spirit. Whether you’re a soccer family or not, a spring evening watching Sporting KC own the field in their shiny new stadium is a lovely way to spend the time with your kids.

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, the popular Overland Park attraction at 13800 Switzer Road, is now open for the 2012 season.  If you’re new to the Kansas City metro (or maybe even a new parent!) you will want to check this place out!  And by “check out”– we mean multiple times!

The 12-acre farmstead is designed to depict a turn-of-the-century family farm and opens April 1 each year.  Close to 400,000 visitors enjoy the farm each year, and this year is sure to top that with the exceptionally mild temps we’ve been enjoying.  Admission is free Monday through Thursday, and there is a $2 admission Friday through Sunday. The park remains open through Oct. 31.

One of the most popular features of Deanna Rose is its petting zoo, which welcomed 78 baby goats this spring.  This year’s “class” bears the names of fruits and vegetables.  Best thing about the farm according to my daughter? The $1 bottles of milk for the baby goats and the pony rides.