Editor’s note: Because of rain in the forecast, the schedule of PiperFest has changed. Some events now will be held on Sept. 29, while others will continue Sept. 28. To see the new schedule, visit https://wyandotteonline.com/piperfest-schedule-changes-because-of-weather/.
by Mary Rupert
Preparations are underway for the annual PiperFest, a community festival from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Piper High School, 4400 N. 107th St., Kansas City, Kansas.
The annual event will raise funds for the Piper Public School District 203, according to Sean Ziolo, who is volunteering with the festival’s car show.
Highlights of the event will include a pancake breakfast, run-walk, auction, car show, carnival, alumni softball game, bingo, concessions and food trucks.
The day begins with a Boy Scouts pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Piper High School Commons, 4400 N. 107th St.
A 5K run-walk follows from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. starting at Piper Elementary School East. The event is coordinated by Anytime Fitness. The race begins at 8 a.m., with late registration accepted through 7:30 a.m. Online registration ends Sept. 23, and details are at https://www.piperfest.com/5k.
A silent auction opens at 7 a.m. and runs through 8 p.m. The event will be in the Piper High School Commons. All funds raised will go back to the Piper Public Schools. This year, persons also may participate in the auction through “ClickBid,” a mobile app. For more information, see https://www.piperfest.com/auction.
The PiperFest Car and Truck Show will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Piper High School south parking lot. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., then the car show will begin with the national anthem at 11:30 a.m. There are plans to have two tow trucks supporting an American flag in the air at the car show; entrants should be able to drive under the flag.
The entry fee for cars and trucks will be $10, Ziolo said. All models and makes of vehicles are eligible to enter the judged show, he said.
He said entries were down a little last year because of the weather, and he hopes the show draws 200 to 300 cars this year.
The show will hand out over 70 awards, along with cash prizes. The “best of show” award is $200; second runner-up is $100 and third runner-up is $50. The principal’s choice award winner will receive a trophy and the picture of the vehicle will go on next year’s T-shirt, fliers and banners.
A special class for anyone 25 and younger will include 15 “Rising Star” awards to recognize youth who enter the car show.
Besides the top awards, there will be giveaways to car show entrants including a TV set, neon signs, gift cards to restaurants and tools, with donations from a lot of sponsors, he said.
The rain date will be Sunday, Sept. 29.
For more information on the car show, visit https://www.piperfest.com/carandtruckshow.
PiperFest also includes an alumni softball game from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 28 at Piper High School baseball field.
In addition, there will be soccer and track skills stations from 10 a.m. to noon at the district stadium.
The carnival, community stage and vendors will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 28 at Piper High School. A $20 carnival wristband will be available. Music performances also are part of the festival.
Bingo will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Piper High School Commons, with concessions available.
Ziolo said eight food trucks will be at the festival.
There is no admission charge to attend the festival.
“We look forward to having everyone out and we appreciate their support,” Ziolo said. “We look forward to seeing old friends and making new, and making the car show one of the best in KC.”
For more information, visit www.piperfest.com or https://www.facebook.com/pipercarshow/.