Rides, music, ‘most unusual’ fun: This Johnson County event means summer’s starting
Old Shawnee Days is often considered one of the area’s unofficial starts of summer.
But it’s really so much more.
“How can you not be excited about Old Shawnee Days? It is a great family-friendly event with a little something for everyone,” said Kate Kinkaid, media and publicity chairperson for the event.
Old Shawnee Days will be held from Thursday through Sunday at Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 W. 57th St. The free event includes everything from a carnival to live music and food vendors to a parade.
“The carnival never disappoints, with rides for the youngest of kids all the way up to thrill seekers,” Kinkaid said. “The main stage features a variety of musical acts throughout the weekend. All shows and entertainment are free. Vendors come out in full force with handmade crafts, delicious snacks and treats, local business giveaways and more.”
Tickets are needed for carnival rides, however on Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon attendees can purchase an all-you-can-ride wristband for $30.
If you love Elton John, Van Halen or Kiss, check out the tribute bands performing at the fest.
Shoppers can explore more than 130 booths, which will sell everything from food to crafts, at the festival this year. For more information about vendor booths, check out this site.
And it wouldn’t be Old Shawnee Days without history.
“Keeping up with museum tradition, the Shawnee Town 1929 Museum — the host site for Old Shawnee Days — opens up the farmstead for the Ticket to Fun on Saturday and Sunday,” Kinkaid said. “This free activity includes eight activities around the farmstead. After getting your ticket stamped, kids can turn it in for a prize at the visitors center.”
The parade will be held on Saturday morning, rain or shine. The family of Kevin Fern has been selected as this year’s grand marshal. Kevin Fern was a community leader who died last December.
Once again, the Old Shawnee Days Society will also award the “most unusual” entry for this year’s parade.
“The most unusual category has been included in our judging criteria for at least five years. We rotate the most unusual category with the most creative,” said Brett Trimble, chairperson of the parade committee.
“There are entries that do not fit into a specific category, but they draw people’s attention. The entries can range from a well-thought-out colorful float, to a guy riding a unicycle with a trumpet.”
Trimble said the parade averages between 90 and 100 entries.
“We have new entries every year that reflect Shawnee’s diverse citizens and businesses, such as the La Mega KC Spanish Radio Station and the City-Wide Car Club of Kansas City,” he said.
“Last year, the City-Wide Car Club won ‘best motorized.’ The old school low-riders were a big hit with the crowd and judges.”
For more information on the fest, go here.
