At the American Royal Barbecue

Kansas City, Kansas, firefighters’ team at the American Royal Barbecue competition on Friday. The event continues today at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by William Crum)
Oklahoma Joe’s team at the American Royal Barbecue on Friday. (Photo by William Crum)
Joe Pearce with Slaps Barbecue at the American Royal Barbecue on Friday. (Photo by William Crum)

by William Crum

When asked, “Why do you compete in the American Royal Barbecue,” the answer was “It is mainly about the family. Where everyone sits around and eats barbecue and gets to know one another. This is what we are about.”

“As firemen we are part of the Wyandotte County family, the people we protect as firemen,” said Jason Williams, captain of the barbecue team. Williams is a captain with the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department.

Other members of the team are Adam Martell, Tim Cattrell, Kansas City, Kansas, firefighters; Mark Barnes, Kansas City, Kansas, firefighters; Reed William and Neal Martell.

Saturday events

Mobile mammograms offered

A mobile mammogram event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Bonner Springs Library, 201 Nettleton Ave., Bonner Springs. The mammograms are for women 40 and older. Also, there will be free colorectal testing kits for men and women 45 and older. Walk-ins are welcome. Those attending should bring their insurance cards. The Early Detection Works Program may be available for those without health insurance. Masks are required.

New exhibit celebrating 150th anniversary of KCK opens at Wyandotte County Museum

The Wyandotte County Museum is featuring a new exhibit in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Kansas City, Kansas. On Oct 22, 1872, Kansas City, Kansas, was formally incorporated, but at that time it was far from the Kansas City, Kansas, of today. “The Original Kansas City, Kansas,” exhibit will feature a series of early maps, facts, and images from the city’s earliest years. It will provide visitors with a glimpse several important stories related the cities early development and growth. “The Original Kansas City, Kansas” exhibit will be on display at the Wyandotte County Museum from Oct. 1 until Feb. 18, 2023. The Wyandotte County Museum, 621 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. There is no charge for admission.

Silver City Day parade and festival to be Saturday


Silver City Day is scheduled Saturday, Oct. 1, in the Argentine area of Kansas City, Kansas. The event starts with the Silver City Parade at 10 a.m. The parade will start at 36th and Strong and end at 24th and Strong. The festival will follow, after the parade until 4 p.m. at Emerson Park, South 29th and Strong Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas. A marching band showcase will be part of Silver City Day. Bands are scheduled to entertain at the festival. They include Stranded in the City, Lucky 20 and Madisen Ward. There also will be zumba dancers and taekwondo. The event also will include a tamale contest. There also will be arts and crafts, and a bounce house at the festival. Food will be available for purchase. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, see https://www.facebook.com/ArgentineSilverCityDay.

Providence Car Show to be Oct. 1


Mark your calendars for the annual Providence Car Show set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. The car show entry will be at 9 a.m. Saturday on the Providence campus at 8929 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas, in Lot D3. In addition to a car show, there will be numerous activities for the entire family. The event is free for spectators to enjoy and there is $10 registration entry fee for each car entered into the show. The first 125 cars with a paid registration will receive a free T-shirt. Sponsors will present top car awards and prizes, including Most Unique, Most Radical Engine, Best Truck, Greaser’s Choice, Executive Choice, Best Use of Paint, Best 50’s, Best 60’s, Special Interest and Most Original. All car entries receive a participant award. Three food trucks are scheduled for the annual event: TacoVia, Christy’s Tenderloin and Black Iron Eatery. Grounded Mobile Coffee and the Funnel Cake Truck will also be at the car show. In addition, Acoustic Nights will be providing music and TNR Farms will hold a Petting Zoo at the event. There will be free pumpkins for the first 150 families in attendance in addition to balloon and cartoon artists. Car show proceeds benefit the Providence Share Fund that provides help to those Providence staff and patients needing financial assistance. This is the third year for the annual event. For more information, check out the event on https://www.facebook.com/ProvidenceKC

Renaissance Festival continues, with ‘Heroes and Villains’


The 45th annual Kansas City Renaissance Festival continues Saturday, Oct. 1, at the festival grounds, near 126th and State Avenue, Bonner Springs. The theme of this weekend is “Heroes and Villains.” The festival is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and on weekends through Oct. 16. Tickets may be purchased at the box office or online at www.kcrenfest.com. Today, festival-goers may bring five canned goods for Harvesters Community Food Network and get $5 off a full-priced adult ticket. Kansas City, Kansas, residents may bring a piece of mail with their name and address on it or an ID with their address on it and receive $3 off their ticket at the gate.

Library in the Park to be Saturday

The seventh annual Library in the Park event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Huron Park. Huron Park is located behind the Main Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library, which is at 625 Minnesota Ave. The event will include musical entertainment and activities. Daniel Miyares will be the featured author for the event. Miyares, of Lenexa, is a picture book author and illustrator. He will give away signed copies of his book, “Hope at Sea.” There also will be a book sale with all items for $1. Face painting and other activities are planned. Paletas (an ice pop) will be available. Library in the Park is free and open to the public. Free parking will be in the City Hall Health Center lot, the UMB Bank lot to the east and on the street in front of the Main Library. For more information, visit http://libraryinthepark.org/.

American Royal Barbecue kicks off this weekend


The American Royal Barbecue is this weekend, with events planned from Thursday through Sunday. The event is held at the Kansas Speedway, near I-70 and 110th Street in Kansas City, Kansas. The event is a barbecue competition for teams. More than 500 teams are expected to compete. Other food will be available for purchase. There will be entertainment throughout the event. Fireworks are scheduled Friday night. “Heroes on Display” events are scheduled Saturday. Kid-friendly events also are planned. Gates will open at 3 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday. Both single-day and weekend tickets are available. Ticket prices range from $23 to $25 per person to $9 for children per day. Children under 5 are free. Parking is $10 per vehicle. A weekend pass is $40 to $45. For more information, see https://www.americanroyal.com/bbq/.

Church to hold fiesta Saturday

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2203 Parallel, Kansas City, Kansas, will hold a parish fiesta from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at 22nd and Parallel. There will be games, rides, a bounce house, food and drink, music and dancing. There is no admission charge. Food is available for purchase. Mass will be at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 1.

Holland to meet voters Saturday at KCK campaign event


Mark Holland, a U.S. Senate candidate, will meet voters in Wyandotte County from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Elevate Bar and Grill, 7543 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Holland, a former Kansas City, Kansas, mayor and Unified Government commissioner, and a pastor, is rolling out a “WYCO to Washington” campaign segment this week. Holland stated he was motivated to run for U.S. Senate because he believes his priorities and values are in sync with what Kansans want from their government. Holland is a United Methodist pastor and is a former mayor of Kansas City, Kansas. Prior to his election as mayor, he served six years as a commissioner of the Unified Government of Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County. He is a fourth generation Kansan, the son of a pastor and a public school teacher and the father of four young adults.

Free Halloween movie tonight at Legends Lawn

The Legends Outlets will be showing free outdoor Halloween movies at 7 p.m. each Saturday in October at the Legends Lawn. The Lawn is located on the west side of the shopping center, 1843 Village West Parkway, which is near I-70 and I-435 in Kansas City, Kansas. On Saturday, Oct. 1, the movie will be “Casper.” Those attending may bring lawn chairs or a blanket.

Send information about upcoming events happening in Wyandotte County to [email protected].