Local musicians, artists and food vendors from the Midtown area will gather to offer their good vibes, good eats and local wares at Volkerfest, a new free, community-building festival on Saturday, June 27. The Volker Neighborhood Association is hosting this inaugural event and partnering with Kansas City Parks and Recreation.
Midtown makers, businesses and organizations will be selling pottery, clothing, photography, candles, prints and more. The Roanoke Community Center will be offering kid-friendly arts and crafts using objects found in nature.
“This event is not just for those who live in Volker,” said Melissa Martin, a Volker Neighborhood Association Board member and the creator of this event. “We are wanting to share our slice of Midtown with all of Kansas City. We are hoping families attend and make this a staple event for years to come. No one should leave disappointed.”
The music line-up includes Scotty Stanton and Friends, Ernest James and Susan Brewington, Scarlett Town, Blue 88, My oh My! and No True Scotsman. Food vendors include Anna’s Oven, Artego Pizza, Cupini’s, Kosmic Cake Art, Smallcakes, Mud Pie and Sultan’s Bakery.
Cinderella will be attending for the kids, and will be available for free photos. To learn more about her special appearance, visit www.partiesbyrose.com.
Organizers encourage participants to bike, walk or carpool to the event. Bike Valet parking and free bike safety checks will be available from Volker Bicycles.
The festival is being held on the southern end of the 38-acre Roanoke Park, which is bordered by four historic neighborhoods – Volker, Roanoke, Coleman Highlands and Valentine. The Roanoke Park Conservancy has been working on restoring the 112-year-old park’s forested bluffs and green spaces for the past several years. The festival includes Roanoke Park tours and trail hikes.
“Roanoke Park is what I like to call a hidden gem,” Martin said. “When thinking of locations, we wanted Volkerfest to have a laid back, festival feel where you could relish in the beauty of our park and also see all that it has to offer so you can come back often.”
A Fourth of July themed parade will begin at 10 a.m. with music to invite all to the event. Those who wish to attend should decorate their scooters or bikes, or dress in red, white and blue to join the parade through Midtown. It will start at 42nd and Terrace streets.
Volkerfest will be held 3 – 9 p.m. Saturday, June 27 in Roanoke Park, 3601 Roanoke Road, Kansas City, MO. For more information, visit www.volkerfest.com.
Parking: The Westport Roanoke Community Center parking lot will be available for parking. Roanoke Road will be closed at Karnes Boulevard, so entry to the parking lot must be made from Valentine Road, 38th Street or 39th Street. Parking will be allowed on Roanoke Road south of the Westport Roanoke Community Center.