Saturday events

Bike safety event planned May 19
Elementary-aged kids will have the opportunity to learn tips on cycling safety, to get free bike safety helmets and T-shirts and to see the attractions at Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City at a free family event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 19. The annual Kansas City, Kansas, Kiwanis West Bike Rodeo is back for the 12th year with expanded offerings and the same location. The event will be held rain or shine in the parking lot and entrance area of Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Kansas City, 9400 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The KCK Kiwanis West, in partnership with Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City, Big D Cycling, Midwest Trauma Society and numerous other community businesses and organizations, are committed to helping area youth ride their bicycles safely. For more information, visit https://wyandotteonline.com/bike-safety-event-planned-may-19/.

Candidates to speak at Democratic meeting Saturday
The Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast Saturday, May 19, will feature some candidates for the Democratic nomination for Kansas governor. The breakfast begins with a buffet at 8:15 a.m. followed by the program at 9 a.m. at Las Islas Marias, 7516 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Scheduled to speak at the breakfast are three candidates for governor, Carl Brewer, former Wichita mayor; Josh Svaty, former state representative and state agriculture secretary; and Michael Tabman, retired FBI special agent in charge and news commentator. Three other candidates for governor, Laura Kelly, a state senator; Jim Ward, a state representative; and Dr. Arden Andersen, spoke at the April breakfast meeting. Since then, Rep. Ward has withdrawn from the race. The cost of the buffet is $10, or $6 for students and those on limited income. Reservations are requested to [email protected] by Friday, May 18, for those planning to attend. It is not necessary to RSVP, but it is encouraged. It is not necessary to purchase a breakfast to listen to the program. The meeting is open to all Democrats, and all Democratic candidates may distribute campaign literature and signs before and after the program.

Urban Fishing Derby planned May 19
Urban American Outdoors TV and Kansas City Kansas Community College will hold the 13th annual kids fishing derby from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 19, at the KCKCC pond, 7250 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The fishing derby is limited to the first 250 kids ages 4 through 16 who sign up at www.urbankidsfish.com. Prizes will be awarded. Those participating may bring chairs and their own buckets to hold fish.

Thrive and Drive planned May 19
Thrive and Drive will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the Farmers’ Market, 129 Elm St., in Bonner Springs, Kansas. The day will honor first responders, service members and local farmers. Activities include a barbecue cookoff for fire, police, EMT and military members, a kids corner, art booths, live musical entertainment and a car show. For more information, visit http://bonnerlibrary.org/thrive-drive-the-bonner-springs-farmers-market/.

Community event, 5K run, health fair planned May 19
“Let’s Move, WYCO,” a 5K color run, walk and bike, health fair and block party, is planned on Saturday, May 19, at the New Bethel Church, 745 Walker Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The event is held by the NBC Community Development Corp. The event includes a run-walk at 8 a.m., a health fair at 9 a.m., a kids dash and block party at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.nbccdc.org.

Children’s musical program planned
The West Wyandotte Library, 1737 N. 82nd St., Kansas City, Kansas, will hold a musical storytime from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 19 in the storytime room. There will be music, songs, dancing and a story. The program is recommended for children ages 4 to 6.

Knitting class planned
The Shepherd’s Center of Kansas City, Kansas, will hold a knitting class from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 19, at the West Wyandotte Library, Conference Room C, 1737 N. 82nd St., Kansas City, Kansas.

Family story time planned
Family story time is planned from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 19, at the Main Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library, craft room, 625 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. There will be stories, dancing and singing. The program is geared for ages 2 to 6.

20th anniversary Mulan sing-a-long planned
The 20th anniversary Mulan sing-a-long and boot camp will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the Turner Community Library, 831 S. 55th St., Kansas City, Kansas. Learn martial arts and prepare for the 20th anniversary sing-a-long. Refreshments will be served. Registration is requested to https://kckpl.librarymarket.com/20th-anniversary-mulan-sing-long-and-boot-camp.

Mini book club to meet
A mini book club will meet from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the West Wyandotte Library, Conference Room A, 1737 N. 82nd St., Kansas City, Kansas. The club is for those who want to read short books. This month’s book is “The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip” by George Saunders. The club is for adults. Registration is requested to https://kckpl.librarymarket.com/short-sweet-mini-lit-miniature-literature-book-club-3.

Basic archery class planned
A class in basic archery skills is planned from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Library, 4051 West Drive, at Wyandotte County Lake, 91st and Leavenworth Road. The class will cover basics of archery. There will be target practice. The program is for ages 8 and older. Every child must have an adult present. All persons attending must register. Registration is at https://kckpl.librarymarket.com/basic-archery-skills-0.

Spanish singing lessons planned
Spanish singing lessons are planned from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the South Branch Library, Conference Room B, 3104 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Sandra Zamora leads the program. The program is for children.

Program to discuss military history
The American GI Forum will present a program on historical issues pertaining to the U.S. military, with a focus on the Hispanic contribution to the armed services, from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the South Branch Library, Conference Room B, 3104 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kansas.

Sew a fabric lunch bag
Learn how to sew a fabric lunch bag at a program from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the Main Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library, first floor program room, 625 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The bags can be used for lunch, gifts or school supplies. Beginners are welcome. The event is open to those 15 and older. There are limited seats available. Registration is at https://kckpl.librarymarket.com/saturday-sewing-1.

Free Bike Rodeo safety event planned Saturday at Schlitterbahn

Elementary-aged kids will have the opportunity to learn tips on cycling safety, to get free bike safety helmets and T-shirts and to sneak a peek at the attractions at Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City at a free family event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 19.

The annual Kansas City, Kansas, Kiwanis West Bike Rodeo is back for the 12th year with expanded offerings and the same location. The event will be held rain or shine in the parking lot and entrance area of Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Kansas City, 9400 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas.

The KCK Kiwanis West, in partnership with Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City, Big D Cycling, Midwest Trauma Society and numerous other community businesses and organizations, are committed to helping area youth ride their bicycles safely.

“Cycling is a fun and healthy way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors,” said Jan Wiley, KCK Kiwanis West event chair. “It’s also a leading cause of unexpected and sometimes serious injuries. Our goal is to ensure that youth learn the rules of the road and understand the importance of wearing well-fitted safety helmets.”

Kids are encouraged to bring their bicycles to the event to have their bikes inspected free and to complete the bicycle safety course. Youth must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate. The first 300 to arrive will receive a free bike safety helmet and T-shirt. Participants will rotate through seven bike riding skill stations and have the opportunity to earn a bicycle safety certificate.

“Every year, more than half a million bicyclists visit hospital emergency rooms because of cycling mishaps,” Wiley said. “Nearly one quarter of those injured in bike-related accidents are youth. A properly fitted helmet can reduce the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent if a fall occurs. As the main sponsor of this bike rodeo, the Kansas City, Kansas, Kiwanis West Club is committed to making sure area youth understand the importance of riding safely.”

Back again this year will be a free, drive-through car seat safety check. Experts will inspect car seats and ensure they are installed securely in families’ vehicles.

Lana Martin, Children’s Mercy Kansas City trauma program manager, Lana Martin said, “Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of children from ages 1 to 14. Even though most parents understand the importance of putting their children in car and booster seats, seven out of 10 kids in child safety restraints are not buckled in properly. We want to reduce that number.”

Schlitterbahn season passes will be on sale for $5 off the full gate price. Season pass holders will have an exclusive opportunity to beat the rush and process their season pass ID cards during the event.

“Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City is thrilled to host this popular community event,” said Jeff Hays, director of marketing and sales. “In addition to helping kids gear up for a safe bike-riding season, the event promises to offer a morning packed with free family fun.”

Bike rodeo participants will get to tour attractions at Schlitterbahn; get a close-up look at emergency vehicles, get into the groove with Zumbatronics workouts, and engage in other activities, games and crafts provided by local businesses and organizations.

Those with questions or who need directions on the day of the event, may call 816-751-4227. To get to Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City from I-435, take Exit 13 – State Avenue East. Turn left at the second traffic light and enter the parking lot.

Event sponsors include Kiwanis Club of KCK West, Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City, Big-D Cycling, Healthy Communities Wyandotte, Midwest Trauma Society, Providence Medical Center, Atmos Energy, Board of Public Utilities, Country Club Bank, August Resources, Paces, DeGoler’s Pharmacy, Edward Jones-Eric McTye, Kansas City Kansas Community College, KVC Hospitals, Inc., Leadership 2000 Class #32, Security Bank of Kansas City, Sunflower Family Dentistry, Wyandotte County Historical Museum, Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department, Kansas City Kansas Fire Department and the Kansas City Kansas Police Department.

KCKCC graduation

Commencement ceremonies for Kansas City Kansas Community College graduates were held on Thursday, May 17, at the college’s fieldhouse, 7250 State Ave. Two ceremonies were held this year. Dr. Shawn Derritt, dean of student services at KCKCC, was the main speaker. To see more photos of the KCKCC graduation ceremonies, visit https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityKansasCommunityCollege/. (Photo by Kelly Rogge, KCKCC)
Commencement ceremonies for Kansas City Kansas Community College graduates were held on Thursday, May 17, at the college’s fieldhouse, 7250 State Ave. Two ceremonies were held this year. Dr. Shawn Derritt, dean of student services at KCKCC, was the main speaker. To see more photos of the KCKCC graduation ceremonies, visit https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityKansasCommunityCollege/. (Photo by Kelly Rogge, KCKCC)