It’s all about children and teens in Lenexa. Here’s what to know about picnic, market

Lenexa Public Market and City Hall will focus on the younger crowd with the return of two popular events this month: the Kid Makers Market and the Teddy Bear Picnic.

Both events will be held on Saturday.

The Kid Makers Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lenexa City Hall, 17101 W. 87th St. Parkway. It is expected to feature more than 40 vendors selling artwork, baked goods and food, bath and body products, crochet, jewelry and accessories.

“At its heart, the Lenexa Public Market is focused on creating a space where the community can gather, spend time, create and enjoy the community they live in,” said Tessa Adcock, Lenexa Public Market manager.

The market’s restaurant owners provided the inspiration to develop the next generation of business owners.

“The love of creating and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit can begin at such an early age,” Adcock said. “We want the kids in the Lenexa community to follow the example of the brave and driven restaurateurs of the Public Market.”

That means going through a process, like any other business looking for an opportunity to sell their product, Adcock said.

“The kid makers go through a competitive application process for one of the spots at the markets,” Adcock said. “The more detail and photo examples of their product, the more likely they will be chosen as a vendor at the markets.”

While organizers look for unique, high-quality products, they avoid rules on what can be sold.

“Honestly, we don’t put too many guidelines on the kinds of products or ideas for this event and have been pleasantly surprised at the very unique and wide variety of things our local kids are working hard imagining, creating and selling,” Adcock said, adding that because word has gotten out from previous markets, the competition is getting more fierce.

“But the kids are stepping up to the challenge to provide one-of-a-kind items,” she said.

More than 90 applications were accepted for the two Kid Makers Markets being held this summer. The makers range from 3 to 17 years of age, and parental permission is required.

“It really becomes a family affair,” Adcock said. “Many sibling or friend teams are working together on different parts of the business to create and be the face of their business at the markets.”

Teddy Bear Picnic

Earlier on Saturday, Lenexa will host the even younger crowd with its Teddy Bear Picnic, which will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Lenexa Farmers Market, 17201 W. 87th St. Parkway.

This free event that celebrates a favorite stuffed animal was inspired by the National Teddy Bear Picnic Day, which is celebrated every year on July 10.

“This day (in Lenexa) is a great opportunity for families to check out the market, enjoy music, dancing and storytelling by our local librarians,” said Jenny Doty, recreation supervisor at Lenexa Parks & Recreation. “Each week families are welcomed to play games in our grassy lawn. This event makes it a little more special for them.”

Participants are encouraged to bring blankets and their own food, though free lemonade and cookies will be provided.

Those attending can expect songs, dances and stories, and the event concludes with a Teddy Bear Parade around the market.

“Our families are wonderful in connecting with their children. They sometimes even join in the parade for those kids that might be a bit young or timid,” Doty said. “The kids enjoy showing off their favorite stuffed animals to other customers and vendors.

“It is so fun to visit with the kids and their families sharing about their favorite stuffies. Kids have such creative names and stories about how special they are in their lives.”