April 15, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

86º | 24% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:41 a.m. | Sunset 7:56 p.m.

⛲️ Fountain season starts tomorrow

Heart eyes for the City of Fountains + our readers. | Photo by @mikedayphotography

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.

On Fountain Day, all 48 KCMO-operated fountains come alive for the season, marking the start of warmer days in KC. Tomorrow, April 16, is that special day. Here’s what you need to know to celebrate.

Need to know

When: Tuesday, April 16, 1-2 p.m.
Where: Northland Fountain, N. Oak Trafficway + Vivion Road
Why: The City of Fountains Foundation will set up on-site to sell products for its fundraising push. Funds raised go towards the foundation’s efforts to catalog, maintain, and elevate KC fountains.

So... is it true?

We’ve all heard the legend of our City of Fountains moniker. Locals, say it with us: “Kansas City has the most fountains outside of Rome.” But is that history, or urban legend?

It’s hard to say, exactly — unless someone flies us out to Rome to do a count. According to the City of Fountain Foundation’s Linda Dillon in 2006, it’s true that Rome has fountains in the thousands. However, many of those have fallen into disrepair, meaning KC may have more working fountains than even the Eternal City.

Second place isn’t so bad. Give KC another 2,500 years, and we’ll catch up easy.

Your fave waterworks + history

Events

Monday, April 15

Ribbon Cutting at Hillcrest Thrift Store | Monday, April 15 | 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Hillcrest Thrift Store, 12202 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS | Free | Hillcrest Thrift is making the big move to OP, celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting and refreshments.

Tuesday, April 16

UMKC Jazz | Tuesday, April 16 | 7:30 p.m. | University of Missouri-Kansas City, 5100 Rockhill Rd., KCMO | $10 | Swing into the evening and catch UMKC’s small jazz ensembles and big band in concert, featuring trombonist Michael Dease.

Wednesday, April 17

Morning Mingle: Moon Marble | Wednesday, April 17 | 9-11 a.m. | Moon Marble, 600 E. Front St., Bonner Springs, KS | Free | Get out of the office for treats, great conversation, and maybe even a special marble-making demo.
Kansas City Italian Film Festival | Wednesday, April 17, Thursday, April 25 | 6:30 p.m. | The Student Union @ UMKC, Rm 103, 5100 Cherry St., KCMO | Free | Catch the 20th local premiere of award-winning Italian films.

Thursday, April 18

Midwest GameFest | Thursday, April 18-Sunday, April 21 | Times vary | Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, 18011 Bass Pro Dr., Independence, MO | $10-$50 | Everything from miniatures and board games to live-action role playing and workshops will be on display at this annual tabletop game convention.
Modernist Happy Hour | Thursday, April 18 | National WWI Museum and Memorial, KCMO | Free | Relish good company, conversation and even better cocktails at this monthly meetup for history buffs.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

KCK voted 6-1 to extend a development agreement to demolish the downtown Jack Reardon Convention Center and replace it with shops + apartments. This is the project’s seventh iteration since 2020, during which time the building has remained abandoned. (Kansas City Star)

Coming Soon

Overland Park’s historic Strang Line Car Barn (7400 W. 79th St.) is set to become a wedding venue by November. Stone Manor on 79th will retain the building’s identity, but update its interior with new bathrooms, a bar, and a prep kitchen. (Kansas City Star)

Trending

After being unable to attend graduation at the University of Cincinnati, Travis + Jason Kelce were finally handed their college degrees on-stage at a “New Heights” live event. Travis crushed his required credit hours in 2022 — and he crushed a beer between shaking hands with the university president and grabbing his diploma. (FOX4)

Watch

“Food, Inc. 2,” a sequel to the 2008 Oscar-nominated documentary about the US fast food industry, features local fast food worker + activist Fran Marion. The new doc follows the difficulties faced by fast food workers in Missouri and elsewhere. (KCUR)

Award

🏆 Four cheers for downtown KC

A screen reads "The Evolution of Downtown: Celebrating Kansas City." Teresa Bolton, Allan Gray, Annie McGinniss, Elliott Ivory, Woodie Bonds Jr., Kemet Coleman, Michele Dawbarn + Johnny Dawbarn stand on-stage before a crowd.

Not all heroes wear capes. | Photo by KCtoday

Three KC mayors took the stage, SomeraRoad outlined its vision for the future of West Bottoms, officials lamented the rejection of a downtown ballpark by Jackson County voters, and walkability expert Jeff Speck exhorted leaders to accelerate cycling infrastructure efforts.

A lot was said at the 2024 Downtown Council Annual Luncheon. But — KCtoday being KCtoday — we’re going to focus on the recipients of the Urban Hero Award, which recognizes local businesses and individuals helping move downtown forward.

Teresa Bolton

As longtime director of the Kansas City Public Library’s Central branch, Teresa Bolton was recognized for her commitment to accessibility of information + resources for all Kansas Citians.

HITIDES Coffee

In particular, DTC honored owners Michele + Johnny Dawbarn and the “entrepreneurial ecosystem” represented at HITIDES. For their part, the Dawbarns shouted out the Crossroads’ creative community.

Allan Gray

An inveterate supporter of local art, Allan Gray’s investment in projects like the Zhou B Art Center earned him the title of Urban Hero.

Vine Street Brewing Co.

Kemet Coleman, Woodie Bonds Jr., Elliott Ivory + Annie McGinnis took the stage on behalf of Vine Street Brewing, Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery and an instant classic in the Jazz District.

The Buy

Seaav workout gear. Try out these trendy pieces from a brand who donates 1% of profits towards the We The Reef Foundation.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Dayten

From the editor

One cure for parking blues in a car-dependent downtown, according to Jeff Speck? Walk a block. (A man after my own heart.)

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