Hey KC friends!

Hope everyone had a fantastic Independence Day weekend! There's nothing quite like mid-July in Kansas City – the summer energy is in full swing, and it feels like there's something fun happening everywhere you look. The warm evenings, outdoor concerts, and perfect patio weather make this time of year so special.

Before we dive into all the exciting KC happenings this week, I would like to ask you to keep the families in Texas in your thoughts and prayers. The recent flooding has been heartbreaking, and so many families have lost loved ones. Please pray for comfort for those grieving, wisdom for everyone involved in rescue and recovery work, and strength for all the communities as they rebuild and heal.

On a brighter note, work has been absolutely crazy busy since we got back from vacation – and I'm so grateful for that! There's nothing better than coming home to a thriving business and knowing that people want what you're offering. It's been a whirlwind getting caught up, but it's the kind of problem you want to have. Now let's see what Kansas City has in store for us this week!

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FAMILY & KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS

Kid Makers Market
📅 WHEN: Saturday, July 12, 2025 10:00AM - 2:00 PM
📍 WHERE: Music Hall Kansas City, 301 W 13th St, Kansas City, MO 64105 (Downtown)
💫 ABOUT: Kids learn, adapt and innovate through the creative process. Join us at the Public Market as we celebrate the imaginative talents of our young creators at our Kid Makers Markets, held in the summer and during the holiday season. Discover a wonderful variety of goods crafted by local youth, and support their creative endeavors while shopping for unique, handmade items.

We invite young makers under the age of 18 to apply to participate. Participants must be a senior in high school or younger and must use skills and/or tools to produce their product. See website for details.
🎟️ COST: Free
🔗 LINK: https://www.lenexapublicmarket.com/Events/Special-Events/Kid-Makers-Market

KC Fringe Plaza Library Preview
📅 WHEN: Thursday, July 10, 2025 Reception at 5:30 Performance begins at 6:00 PM
📍 WHERE: Kansas City Plaza Library
4801 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64112
💫 ABOUT: Join us at KC Plaza Library for our family-friendly preview! 

Join the artists of KC Fringe Festival 2025, and you will be dazzled by a range of family-friendly performances showcasing dance, live music, musicals, comedy, movement, and fun surprises. Teasers of this year’s acts will gather for a special preview just for the Plaza Library and you!

We will also have a visual arts display with a brief reception with light snacks and drinks at 5:30. The performance will begin at 6:00.

You can purchase tickets, buttons, and grab the 2025 program!
🎟️ COST: Free, but you need to register
🔗 LINK: https://kcfringe.org/previews/kc-fringe-plaza-library-preview/

Gower Days
📅 WHEN: July 11, 2025 4:00 PM - July 13, 2025 5:00 PM
📍 WHERE: City Park - Gower, MO
💫 ABOUT: Gower Days 2025 - A weekend full of family-friendly festivities! Live entertainment, pageant, baby show, mechanical rides, inflatables, magic show, corn hole tournament, parade, 5K, great vendors, amazing food and drink vendors all weekend long!
🎟️ COST: Free admission, merchandise for purchase
🔗 LINK: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ejn1DLUCb/

FREE & LOW-COST EVENTS

Weekender at Crown Center - Twisters
📅 WHEN: Friday, July 11, 2025, 6:00 PM
📍 WHERE: Crown Center Square
💫 ABOUT: Spend your summer nights under the stars during WeekEnder on Crown Center Square.  Come out early for live music,buy dinner and drinks from local food trucks, then settle in with your blanket and lawn chairs for an outdoor movie.  Right in the heart of downtown! 

This week:  6pm Damien Gunn Band and approximately 9pm Twisters.

Admission is FREE.  Bring your blankets and lawn chairs.  Please note that pets are NOT permitted at this event.  Alcoholic beverages may not be brought in but are available for purchase.
🔗 LINK: https://www.crowncenter.com/events/weekender-twisters

Dog Days of Zona
📅 WHEN: Saturday, July 12, 2025, 3:00Pm - 7:00PM
📍 WHERE: Zona Rosa
💫 ABOUT: YOU & your pup are invited! 🎉
Shop our small businesses and enjoy:
+ Sips for 21+
+ Treats (for your + dog!)
+ Special dog-themed merchandise
+ Visit all stops & get entered to win!
+ Cuddle puppies from KC Pet Project will be visiting participating locations (as available!)

Visit Central Park during the event for:
+ Free caricatures of your dog
+ Photo opps
+ Nail trims from Jog Dat Dog. $20 per dog. 50% of proceeds go to KC Pet Project

🙏 DONATIONS REQUESTED: Bring a donation to any participating store to help KC Pet Project. Items needed: treats, dog/cat food, collars and leashes peanut butter, ties & leashes and crates.

PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS: Annie Austen, The Babe Standard, Hawaii Fluid Art, Heavenly Olive Oils & Vinegars, Par Exsalonce, Pink Dinosaur, RE, RootsKC, Shop Len

All dogs welcome as long as well behaved and on leash.
🎟️ COST: FREE admission
🔗 LINK: https://www.zonarosa.com/events/events/dog-days-of-zona/

Family Fun Fiesta - FREE Community Event
📅 WHEN: Saturday, July 12, 2025 12:00 PM - $:00 PM
📍 WHERE: Arvest Bank - 911 NE Sam Walton Ln, Lee's Summit, MO
💫 ABOUT: Bring the whole family out for a day of FREE fun, food, and community at the Family Fun Fiesta event proudly sponsored by = Arvest Bank — all in support of a great cause!

Enjoy All of this:
• A bounce house full of energy
• Face painting and fun for all ages
• Sno Cones for all to enjoy. Yum!
• Lots of carnival games and fun activities for all!
• Raffle prizes you’ll love
• Tasty food truck eats
• Shopping with local vendors
• And plenty more surprises!

You won't want to miss this!

Proceeds benefit the Exculta Health and Wellness, so every laugh, bite, and bounce helps make a difference. Come out, have fun, and support a cause close to our hearts!
🎟️ COST: FREE; no registration required
🔗 LINK: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BiFYpksh3/

THIS WEEK’S WEATHER

That’s it for this week.

I hope you all have a great week. Be safe. Count your blessings.