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March of the Monarchs returns with 18th & Vine festival

This community walk and festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 6 — the anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s first game with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945.

KC_Monarch Plaza.jpg

Learn a thing or two at this peaceful, educational plaza.

Photo by KCtoday

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Step back in time with one foot forward — it’s the March of the Monarchs, a free community event celebrating Negro Leagues history and the 18th & Vine District.

This community walk and festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 6 — the anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s first game with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945. The walk begins at 12 p.m. at 22nd Street + Brooklyn Avenue.

History’s on (2)2nd

This event re-creates opening day for the Monarchs, where a marching band led fans from 18th & Vine to Municipal Stadium. Today, the walk reverses the route (and ends with a party).

Today, the site of Municipal Stadium is called Monarch Plaza. It pays tribute to Negro Leagues baseball trailblazers, like Buck O’Neil.

Photo of the Municipal Stadium plaque at Monarch Plaza

Standing on the corner of history.

Photo by KCtoday

How to participate

RideKC will provide a themed bus to shuttle walkers from the Charlie Parker Memorial — 17th Street Terrace + The Paseo — to Monarch Plaza from 11 to 11:50 a.m. RSVP to guarantee your spot.

The post-walk festival will run until 3 p.m. and include live music, food trucks, mascots, and yard games.

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