We want to hear from you. We’re working to ensure the content we deliver is relevant to you and that you come back every day. That’s why we’re inviting our readers to take our brief product survey. Once you’ve completed it, you’ll automatically be entered to win $500 cash. Take the survey.
⛲ Today is the day
Everything you need to know about Fountain Day
City of Fountains, Paris of the Plains... may we suggest the Atlantis of the Midwest? | Photo by Carol M. Highsmith, via Wikimedia Commons
We’re called the City of Fountains for a reason.Fountain Day is an important date here in Kansas City, with 200+ registered fountains in the area — the second most in the world, next to Rome, Italy.
On Fountain Day, all 48 KCMO-operated fountains come alive for the season, marking the start of warmer days in KC. Today, April 14, is that special day. Here’s what you need to know to celebrate.
Water ‘bout the history?
Kansas City’s initial fountains are dated back to the 1800s, where people utilized the fountains for drinking water. This resulted in a revolution of distinctively designed fountains around the downtown area to give residents and visitors safer drinking water.
In 1973, the City of Fountains Foundation was born after a Hallmark executive traveled to Italy and found several fountains in less than ideal condition. That sparked the inspiration for the foundation to maintain KC’s beautiful fountains.
Need to know
When: Friday, April 14 at 2 p.m. Where: Mill Creek Park, at Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard and Mill Creek Parkway Why: The City of Fountains Foundation is celebrating 50 years of service. Plus, the foundation has a new partnership with the Royals’ Bring Out The Blue initiative.
Favorite fountains
We asked: “What are your favorite fountains in Kansas City?”
You answered:
“The beautiful fountain at Ward Parkway & Meyer Boulevard is my favorite. I walk and drive by it every day and am reminded that the neighborhood pitched together to have the fountain repaired and upgraded several years ago. It’s a wonderful area to live in!” — Reader, Jan F.
“My favorite has to be the Laura Conyers Smith Fountain at Loose Park. Not only is the fountain stunning, but its surroundings this time of year make it even better.” — City Editor Bella
Events
Friday, April 14
Cause-ino Night | Friday, Apr. 14 | 6-10 p.m. | The Delaware, 125 Main St., Independence, MO | $100 | Featuring an appetizer buffet, bar, and casino games — all benefiting Job One (employment services for people with disabilities).
Parent’s Night Out | Friday, Apr. 14, Friday, May. 26 | Times vary | Southeast Community Center, 4201 E. 63rd St., Kansas City, MO | $15 | Drop your children off to enjoy sports, games, arts and crafts, and educational activities.
Saturday, April 15
2nd Annual Love Fund Family Fun Run/Walk | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 7-10:30 a.m. | Worlds of Fun | $20-$45 | This 5k course runs through Worlds of Fun for a behind-the-scenes look in motion.
Sustainability Tours | Saturday, Apr. 15, Saturday, Apr. 22 | 10-11 a.m. | Boulevard Brewing Company, 2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, MO | $20 | Check out Boulevard’s zero-landfill facilities and learn about their comprehensive approach to sustainably producing beer.
Sunday, April 16
SevenDays Kindness Walk | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 4-7 p.m. | United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS | $36 | Walk 1.5 miles as a community to encourage kindness and step up against hate crimes — followed by food trucks and live music.
Renée Elise Goldsberry in concert | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 7-9 p.m. | Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St., Kansas City, MO | $15-$85 | This award-winning Broadway actress — famous for roles in “Hamilton,” “Rent,” and “The Lion King” — comes to KC for an evening of standards and showtunes.
Monday, April 17
North Star Boys | Monday, Apr. 17 | 8 p.m. | The Truman | $20 | This Asian-American pop group and creative collective arrives with its “Saturday Night” tour.
Avoiding these blunders could help you prevent years of stress and heartache. | Photo by SmartAsset
Life should be a balance of adventure and relaxation — not finances. Enter: Working with a financial advisor. But choosing the wrong one could potentially wreak havoc on your retirement and investments.
Renderings of the 18th and Vine Pedestrian Mall project are here. The project is expected to be complete by late 2024 or early 2025 and cost ~$4 million. Stay tuned to next week’s newsletter to learn more. (KMBC)
Kansas Citian
Patrick Mahomes landed a spot on Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of 2023.” Thanks to his charitable efforts off the field and ownership in several KC sports teams, Mahomes has made himself a vital part of the Kansas City community.
Announced
Want a first look at the 2023 Parade of Hearts? Here’s your chance. Head to the American Royal Center on Saturday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to see all 40 of the hearts in one spot. Tickets are $5 per person.
Cause
Boulevard Brewing Company announced a partnership (and a $5,000 donation) with Bridging the Gap, a local nonprofit focused on making the KC region more sustainable. A limited series of Space Camper IPAs with sustainability initiatives will be available this year.
Try This
Looking to flex your creative muscles? There’s still time to submit to our poetry contest. Using our Wednesday, April 5 newsletter as your word bank, craft a 75-word or less poem. Finalists will be selected based on criteria including originality + creativity — show us what you got by Sunday, April 16.
Festival
Earth Day is Saturday, April 22, and the Earth Beat Festival is your spot to celebrate. The fest is KC’s first waste-less block party and green vendor market. Head to the West Bottoms from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to check out the free event — or get there early for a dance party at 10 a.m.
Shop
It’s shower season, and it’s time to celebrate the soon-to-be parents in your life. From onesies to burp cloths, our online store (Six & Main) has all the essentials for new parents. Shop for the bundle of joy now.
Today Is
National Gardening Day. Treat yourself to a new gardening set — complete with five essential tools, gloves, a mister, and a durable tote bag. Don’t forget the seeds. This kit comes with vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. If space is tight, grab this vertical planter + some highly-rated potting mix.
It’s National Garden Day, and we’re celebrating the only way we know how — nursery style. We’re putting two green thumbs up for these local nurseries, stocked with everything you need to beautify your home garden.
City Roots Nursery, 3037 Woodland Ave., KCMO | Shop a variety of shrubs, trees, and perennials native to Missouri and Kansas.
Larry’s Nursery, 2501 NW Platte Rd., Riverside, MO | Find thousands of perennials, veggies + herbs, and a home grown selection of citrus, water plants, and air plants.
Soil Service Nursery, 7125 Troost Ave., KCMO | Check out a huge selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and tropicals — plus, plant care products, composting supplies, and garden furniture.
Family Tree Nursery, multiple locations | This nursery hosts events like an Annual Geranium Sale and the Liberty Summer Festival.
Farrand Farms, two locations | This greenhouse and garden center has served the Kansas City region for 101 years.
The NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, and I could not be more excited. We want you all to be prepared for the fun, so tell me — what do you want to know about the Draft weekend?
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.